Accountability and Monitoring Assistant

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'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. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The FAO Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip implements the Country Programming Framework for Palestine, focusing on enhancing the well-being of Palestinian people by aligning agrifood systems with national policies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF).

Job Overview:
The Accountability and Monitoring Assistant position is crucial for strengthening monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems within the FAO's operations in the Gaza Strip. This role involves supporting the implementation of various MEAL activities, which are essential for ensuring that projects are effectively monitored and evaluated. The assistant will work closely with the FAO Economist and other team members to collect and analyze data, monitor beneficiaries, and manage grievance redressal mechanisms. The position requires a proactive approach to field assessments and documentation of findings, ensuring that the FAO's interventions are aligned with corporate standards and responsive to the needs of the local population. The assistant will also play a key role in operational support related to beneficiary feedback and accountability mechanisms, contributing to the overall effectiveness of FAO's programs in a complex humanitarian and development context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accountability and Monitoring Assistant will perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of the FAO Economist, including: supporting the implementation of MEAL activities for Gaza-based interventions; conducting field visits, spot checks, and post-distribution monitoring (PDM) activities; assisting in the operation of beneficiary feedback and accountability mechanisms; providing operational support to the Country Office Grievance Focal Point; managing data for Gaza-related MEAL activities; contributing to internal reports and documentation related to Gaza MEAL and accountability activities; and performing any other related duties as assigned by the FAO Economist or the Head of Office. This role requires a strong commitment to ensuring that the FAO's projects are accountable and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries, with a focus on continuous improvement and learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in economics, statistics, development studies, or a closely related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in data collection, management, analysis, and reporting in support of agriculture and food security projects is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of both Arabic and English, as effective communication in these languages is essential for the role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in economics, statistics, development studies, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, it is necessary to have two additional years of relevant professional experience to compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in the context of agriculture and food security.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in the field of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL). This experience should include data collection, management, analysis, and reporting specifically related to agriculture and food security projects. Familiarity with the Gaza context and the ability to navigate complex operational and security environments is considered an asset, as it enhances the candidate's effectiveness in the role.

Languages:
A working knowledge of Arabic and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, beneficiaries, and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly if they enhance the ability to engage with diverse communities in the Gaza Strip.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in a complex humanitarian and development context. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with operating in the Gaza Strip, including security considerations. The FAO offers a supportive work environment and is committed to the professional development of its staff. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, ensuring that employees are fairly rewarded for their contributions.