Meta Evaluation of Action on Poverty Programs with a Focus on Value for Money (Sydney)

Meta Evaluation of Action on Poverty Programs with a Focus on Value for Money (Sydney)

Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/2rheqa

Overview

Meta Evaluation of Action on Poverty Programs with a Focus on Value for Money

Contract type: Consultant. Work location: Remote or on-site, depending on consultant availability. Reports to: Head of Program Operations. Duration: Flexible, with completion expected by November 2025. The exact number of days can be proposed in the Expression of Interest and agreed with AOP and partners.

About Action on Poverty (AOP)

AOP is an Australian NGO dedicated to empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty through inclusive, innovative, and sustainable development programs. Since 1968, we work in partnership with changemakers across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific to co-create solutions addressing root causes of poverty. Our vision is a world where all people can thrive, free from poverty. Our mission is to be a catalyst for change, partnering with local leaders to turn bold ideas into scalable, evidence-based, and cost-effective solutions.

Background

Between July 2020 and June 2025, AOP delivered programs spanning livelihoods, health, education, food security, governance, climate resilience, and gender equality. We also manage large-scale institutional grants (e.g., ANCP, USDA, USAID, P4G). A Meta Evaluation (Monitoring, Evaluation, Transparency, and Accountability Evaluation) will synthesize insights, assess impact, and examine Value for Money (VfM) and Social Return on Investment (SROI).

Purpose

The META evaluation aims to:

- Provide an independent assessment of program performance, outcomes, and sustainability.
- Explore effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and relevance in program design and delivery.
- Analyze Value for Money (VfM) balancing financial stewardship with inclusion and long-term impact.
- Estimate Social Return on Investment (SROI) for selected flagship programs.
- Generate practical lessons and forward-looking recommendations for AOP, partners,



and donors.

Objectives

- Assess overall outcomes and contributions of AOP’s portfolio.
- Review how MEL systems support evidence-based decision-making.
- Analyze VfM across economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity.
- Estimate SROI for key programs.
- Capture best practices, innovations, and lessons learned for future design and delivery.

Scope

- Timeframe: Evaluations conducted July 2020–June 2025.
- Coverage: External, peer-reviewed, and internal evaluations of AOP projects within the period.
- Geography: Asia, Africa, and the Pacific regions where AOP operates.
- Thematic focus: Food security, livelihoods, health, governance, WASH, climate resilience, gender, and inclusion.

Methodology

The META evaluation will be desk-based, using existing documentation and data. The consultant(s) will:

- Review documentation: Analyze AOP evaluation reports, program data, and MEL resources from ~16 evaluations (2020–2025).
- Assess evaluation quality: Benchmark past evaluations against DFAT MEL Standards and AOP systems.
- Synthesize findings: Identify cross-cutting themes, lessons, and areas for improvement.
- VfM analysis: Apply DFAT’s VfM principles (economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equity).
- SROI integration: Review existing SROI or cost-benefit analyses to inform VfM.

Deliverables & Timeline

- Inception Report: Refined methodology and workplan.
- Draft META Evaluation Report: Preliminary findings, VfM and SROI analysis.




- Final Report: Executive summary, main findings, lessons, and actionable recommendations.
- Presentation & Learning Workshop: Engage AOP team to reflect on findings.

Timeline: Inception note and draft report by October 2025; final report and presentation by November 2025. All deliverables must be in English and submitted electronically in accessible formats.

Selection Criteria

Essential qualifications:

- Advanced degree in international development, economics, public policy, social sciences, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in impact assessments/evaluations in NGO/development sectors.
- Strong VfM analysis and cost-effectiveness evaluation expertise.
- Proven quantitative and qualitative data analysis, synthesis, and report-writing skills.
- Familiarity with Australian NGOs and DFAT-funded programs.
- Understanding of Asia-Pacific and African development contexts.
- Knowledge of international evaluation standards, donor requirements, and ethical guidelines.

Skills & Attributes

- Excellent communication and ability to explain complex findings clearly.
- Strong facilitation skills for diverse stakeholders.
- High integrity, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to work independently with collaborative spirit.
- Commitment to AOP values: integrity, respect, innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

Application Instructions

Submit: a cover letter, CV, a technical proposal outlining approach/methodology, and a financial proposal with indicative costs. Email to with the subject: META Evaluation Consultant – (Your Name/Organisation) by 20 September 2025. Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AOP is an inclusive, child-protected workplace and conducts safeguarding checks for all team members.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/2rheqa

📌 Meta Evaluation of Action on Poverty Programs with a Focus on Value for Money (Sydney)
🏢 Action on Poverty
📍 Sydney