Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. In Afghanistan, FAO is focused on enhancing agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance and resilience-building initiatives across all provinces of the country.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist position is crucial for the FAO Afghanistan program, which is dedicated to improving agricultural livelihoods and ensuring food security in the region. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing the MEAL program, ensuring that all monitoring and evaluation activities align with donor requirements and the needs of affected populations. This role requires a strategic approach to data collection and analysis, with an emphasis on adaptive program management to respond to the evolving needs of the community. The MEAL Specialist will lead a team, ensuring that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities in monitoring and evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the MEAL Specialist include leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive MEAL framework and strategy for the FAO Afghanistan program. This involves ensuring that methodologies and tools are harmonized across all projects, overseeing compliance with donor requirements for monitoring and reporting, and producing high-quality data for audits. The incumbent will also manage routine monitoring and data collection systems, institutionalize accountability mechanisms, and produce regular reports to inform program management. Additionally, the MEAL Specialist will mentor the MEAL team, coordinate learning initiatives, represent FAO in inter-agency forums, and participate in selection processes as needed. Other tasks may be assigned by the supervisor as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Statistics, Rural Development, Social Sciences, or a closely related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities related to food security and/or agriculture programs is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English at level C.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Statistics, Rural Development, or Social Sciences. For those with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of two additional years of relevant professional experience is necessary to qualify for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities, particularly in the context of food security and agricultural programs. Candidates should have experience working in diverse locations and contexts, demonstrating adaptability and the ability to manage complex humanitarian situations.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and may involve working under pressure in a complex humanitarian context. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage with multidisciplinary teams from various cultural backgrounds. The FAO offers competitive compensation and benefits, and candidates may be assessed against additional selection criteria based on their knowledge and experience.