Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, aiming to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. The organization plays a critical role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security, and is committed to leaving no one behind in its efforts to improve nutrition, production, and the environment.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist position is crucial for the effective implementation and oversight of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects managed by FAO. The role involves leading or contributing to the design of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems and conducting Mid-Term Reviews (MTR) and Terminal Evaluations (TE) of GEF projects. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that projects align with FAO's strategic priorities and comply with GEF policies. This position requires a deep understanding of the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, and environmental degradation, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government representatives, project teams, and external partners. The specialist will also be involved in capacity development and providing best practice advice to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project cycles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist include reviewing relevant background documentation provided by the evaluation manager and project team, conducting research and data collection for evaluations, and preparing data-collection instruments. The specialist will draft and finalize inception reports, collect primary data through interviews and meetings, analyze and present findings, and prepare MTR or TE reports. Additionally, the role involves designing or reviewing M&E frameworks, monitoring project milestones, providing data quality assurance, and engaging in project design and supervision missions. The specialist will also contribute to knowledge products to disseminate evaluation results and conduct additional related work as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in evaluation, social sciences, economics, statistics, natural resource management, development studies, or related fields. For Consultant/PSA Cat C, a minimum of one year of relevant experience is required; for Consultant/PSA Cat B, a minimum of five years; and for Consultant/PSA Cat A, a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of FAO and GEF procedures is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate analytical skills and the ability to write clear and concise reports in English, as well as experience in designing and implementing M&E systems for international development projects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to evaluation, social sciences, economics, statistics, natural resource management, or development studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in the context of agriculture and environmental management.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by consultant category: a minimum of one year for Consultant/PSA Cat C, five years for Consultant/PSA Cat B, and ten years for Consultant/PSA Cat A. Candidates should have relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, particularly in the context of international development projects focused on agriculture and natural resource management.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates with limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of one of the other languages of the Organization (Arabic, French, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) will be considered favorably. This multilingual capability is beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and enhancing communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve a contract duration that varies based on project needs and funding availability. It is important to note that the role may require full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel to various project sites. The FAO offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and capacity building. The organization is committed to recruiting internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.