Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) 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'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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations aligned with international standards of accountability, and work collaboratively with various stakeholders to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will play a crucial role in leading the design and implementation of the project's monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems. This position is essential for ensuring that the progress, results, and impact of the project are systematically tracked and documented. The MEAL Specialist will support evidence-based decision-making by managing data collection, analysis, reporting, field monitoring, beneficiary feedback, and learning processes in accordance with FAO and donor requirements. The role requires a strong understanding of agricultural and rural development sectors, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Specialist will be responsible for leading the design and operationalization of the MEAL framework, developing a results-based monitoring system, and overseeing beneficiary data management systems. Key responsibilities include coordinating data collection and analysis with field teams, establishing accountability mechanisms, conducting regular field monitoring, leading evaluations and assessments, generating evidence-based reporting, facilitating learning processes, documenting good practices, building capacity of project staff, and ensuring compliance with donor and FAO reporting requirements. The Specialist will also support the digitalization of MEAL systems and ensure that community feedback is integrated into program improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Statistics, Agriculture, Rural Development, or Social Science related studies. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities in agriculture or rural development sectors is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and be nationals of the Philippines. Additional competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, as well as technical skills in data collection, analysis, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in fields such as Economics, Statistics, Agriculture, Rural Development, or Social Science is required for this position. The educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities related to agriculture, rural development, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian programs. Experience in results-based management and data analysis is highly desirable, along with strong project management skills and the ability to work under pressure in complex humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory. Proficiency in Filipino is also required, and knowledge of relevant local dialects is considered an advantage. Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Filipino are essential for this role.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee 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 appointment is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.