National Ecological Project M&E Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. FAO's primary focus is on 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. The organization provides support in three main areas: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises. In Nigeria, FAO's current portfolio includes projects related to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, natural resource management, and food security information management and analysis.

Job Overview:
The National Ecological Project M&E Specialist will play a crucial role in contributing to the country’s program and portfolio as outlined in the project to which they are assigned. This position requires the incumbent to provide technical support and ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the project. The specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems and tools, as well as monitoring and reporting instruments. The role demands a deep understanding of local conditions, culture, language, and institutions to effectively coordinate and assist in program development and operational tasks. The incumbent will be expected to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data systematically throughout the project cycle to ensure proper implementation and to generate learning that promotes good practices and informs evidence-based decision-making. The specialist will also be responsible for establishing reporting mechanisms and ensuring timely generation of relevant information for various project stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and implementing MEAL systems and tools; collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data throughout the project cycle; generating learning and promoting good practices; proposing improvements in the project's indicator system; establishing and ensuring the functioning of reporting mechanisms for both upstream and downstream stakeholders; preparing and updating technical and financial progress reports; generating key information for national statistics related to food and agriculture; coordinating the project's field monitoring team; surveying and analyzing good practices; coordinating with specialists in databases and GIS; supporting the monitoring of contract execution; assisting in external evaluation missions; and undertaking any other relevant duties as requested by FAO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in statistics, economics, environmental studies, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization. Additionally, a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in Nigeria is required. Candidates must also be nationals of Nigeria and have a working knowledge (level C) of English and Hausa.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as statistics, economics, environmental studies, forestry, or fisheries. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural development and project implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation, particularly in areas aligned with FAO's activities in Nigeria. Experience in program/project development and management, as well as familiarity with operational guidelines and procedures, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and Hausa. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the project.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee 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.