MEAL Specialist (Third-Party Monitoring)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and the European Union, with a mission to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. In Afghanistan, FAO is focused on resilience-building actions across all 34 provinces, aiming to protect agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems while boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash incomes. The organization is committed to safeguarding critical agricultural sector development gains achieved over the past decades through revitalizing rural markets and economies, as outlined in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan for 2023-2027.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Specialist (Third-Party Monitoring) will play a crucial role within the multidisciplinary Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Team at FAO Afghanistan. This position is designed for an individual who will provide strategic and innovative approaches to implementing quality MEAL methodologies across the FAO program portfolio. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, regional MEAL teams, and research institutions, to ensure that all studies and assessments comply with approved protocols and ethical standards. The role requires facilitating training sessions for field teams and partners, supporting the design and standardization of data collection tools, and conducting quality assurance checks during data collection. The MEAL Specialist will also be responsible for data validation, collaboration with information management specialists, and ensuring alignment with national monitoring agendas. This position is integral to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of FAO's programs in Afghanistan, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and learning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the MEAL Specialist include coordinating with implementing partners and regional MEAL teams to ensure adherence to study protocols, facilitating training for field teams on data collection procedures, and supporting the design and standardization of data collection tools. The incumbent will conduct systematic quality assurance checks during data collection, perform preliminary data cleaning and validation checks, and collaborate with the Information Management Specialist to compile and analyze validated data. Additionally, the MEAL Specialist will review partner progress reports, document deviations from study protocols, and support the preparation of study summaries and learning briefs. The role also involves maintaining a central tracker of ongoing studies, contributing to learning sessions with partners, providing technical backstopping to regional MEAL staff, and ensuring the secure management of study records while adhering to ethical standards throughout all stages of data collection and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University (Bachelor) degree in business administration, economics, data sciences, social sciences, or a closely related field. For those with a university degree, a minimum of six years of relevant work experience in results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, or relevant coordination for humanitarian or development project implementation is required. Candidates with an advanced degree (Master) must have at least four years of relevant experience. Additionally, at least two years of experience with the United Nations or International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in similar roles is desirable. Proficiency in English and a local language (Dari/Pashto) is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Afghanistan.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University (Bachelor) degree in fields such as business administration, economics, data sciences, social sciences, or closely related disciplines. Candidates with advanced degrees (Master) are preferred, particularly those with relevant coursework or training in monitoring and evaluation, project management, or data analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, with a minimum of six years for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree and four years for those with a Master’s degree. Relevant work experience should be in results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, or coordination for humanitarian or development projects. Experience working with UN agencies or INGOs is highly desirable, particularly in roles focused on monitoring and evaluation.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory, along with proficiency in local languages, specifically Dari and Pashto. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the local context and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared for the responsibilities associated with working in a challenging environment.