Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, and management of activities related to project monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management for the FANSEP II project. This position requires the design and establishment of an appropriate M&E system, updating the results-based monitoring and evaluation strategy, and ensuring timely reporting of project outcomes and outputs. The M&E Specialist will lead the participatory monitoring and evaluation system, focusing on results framework updates, indicator tracking, impact assessment, and operationalization of project databases and management information systems (MIS). The role emphasizes high-quality reporting, evidence generation, and feedback for adaptive project management, while also providing technical supervision to M&E staff and strengthening monitoring, reporting, and learning systems in line with government and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The M&E Specialist will be responsible for reviewing and updating the results-based monitoring and evaluation strategy and plan of action for project interventions, including defining targets and identifying appropriate performance indicators. They will implement the project's participatory M&E system, focusing on monitoring nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security in collaboration with project counterparts. The specialist will assist the Project Management Unit (PMU) in operationalizing the database for monitoring and reporting indicators, prepare budgets for field technicians, conduct performance evaluations, assess the impact of project interventions, and provide training to PMU and implementing partners. Additionally, they will guide cluster-based M&E specialists, improve reporting channels, design surveys, prepare periodic reports, and maintain partnerships with agencies like the World Bank.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in agriculture, economics, statistics, business, or a related field with a strong background in agriculture and food security or rural development. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in designing and establishing monitoring and evaluation systems in agriculture, livestock, food, and nutrition security programs is required. Knowledge of indicator design, database systems, and reporting is essential. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English and Nepali and be nationals of Nepal.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, economics, statistics, or business. The degree should be from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in the design and establishment of monitoring and evaluation systems specifically in the fields of agriculture, livestock, food, and nutrition security programs. Experience with the design of indicators, database systems, and reporting is crucial for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English and Nepali. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and reporting within the project framework.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve working closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and international agencies, and requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within Nepal as part of their duties.