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 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 Sri Lanka, FAO supports national efforts to achieve food security and sustainable development in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, providing technical assistance and coordinating development initiatives aligned with national priorities.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist position is crucial for the operational-level monitoring and evaluation of FAO development projects in Sri Lanka. This role involves implementing field-level monitoring and evaluation (M&E) strategies, engaging with beneficiaries, and disseminating best practices and results among various projects. The specialist will ensure accountability to both stakeholders and beneficiaries, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and improved project outcomes. The position requires a proactive approach to developing M&E frameworks, conducting participatory monitoring activities, and collaborating with project staff and partners to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist include developing and maintaining robust M&E frameworks for all development projects, establishing indicators, data collection methods, and monitoring schedules. The specialist will apply monitoring instruments for individual projects, conduct participatory monitoring activities, and support the establishment of community feedback mechanisms. Additionally, the role involves developing comprehensive beneficiary databases, coordinating with M&E Officers of other FAO projects, assisting in the preparation of operational reports, supporting field monitoring visits, assessing project impacts, and identifying good practices and lessons learned. The specialist will also provide training and capacity building to project partners on M&E tools and update M&E frameworks based on implementation experiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, with an advanced degree considered an asset. A minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in Monitoring and Evaluation is required. Additionally, candidates should have a strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting functions. Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Sri Lanka or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, or any related discipline. An advanced university degree in a related field is considered an asset, indicating a preference for candidates with higher education qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in Monitoring and Evaluation. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to develop and implement M&E frameworks, engage with stakeholders, and analyze data effectively. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, showcasing their expertise in M&E practices and methodologies.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and either Sinhala or Tamil. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and beneficiaries in Sri Lanka. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The role may involve working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations. The FAO emphasizes results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing as core competencies for this role. The selection process will assess candidates against these competencies, ensuring that the chosen individual aligns with the organization's values and mission.