GIAHS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a crucial part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Established to provide a cross-organizational coordination role, OCB acts as the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The office supports FAO Members in tackling the interconnected issues of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, climate change, and environmental degradation, facilitating access to climate and environmental financing through mechanisms like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). OCB also hosts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, which aims to preserve and promote agricultural heritage systems worldwide, and oversees various initiatives related to environmental safeguards and sustainable agriculture.

Job Overview:
The GIAHS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist position is situated within the GIAHS Secretariat at FAO Headquarters in Rome. This role is pivotal in supporting the GIAHS Programme by developing a tailored Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework that will enable effective monitoring, assessment, and reporting of activities, progress, and results across GIAHS sites. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting comprehensive desk reviews and situational analyses of existing M&E approaches relevant to GIAHS, collecting and analyzing data on current practices, and liaising with various FAO units and international organizations to gather methodologies and insights that will inform the development of the GIAHS M&E framework. The specialist will also pilot-test the proposed framework in multiple GIAHS sites, ensuring that it is user-friendly and effective for local stakeholders. This position requires a proactive approach to collaboration and communication with various stakeholders, including governments, UN entities, and local communities, to enhance the GIAHS Programme's impact and reach.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the GIAHS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist include: conducting an in-depth desk review and situational analysis of monitoring and evaluation approaches relevant to GIAHS; collecting, analyzing, and processing relevant data and information on existing M&E practices across GIAHS sites; liaising with relevant FAO units to gather and review M&E methodologies, technical documents, and reports; collaborating with UN entities and international organizations to review their M&E frameworks and identify relevant challenges and good practices; proposing a draft GIAHS M&E framework and pilot-testing it in at least 10 GIAHS sites; developing a user-friendly digital data collection, monitoring, and reporting tool tailored to GIAHS sites; supporting the organization of an international expert meeting on M&E for GIAHS; presenting the proposed M&E framework and digital reporting tool at the expert meeting; participating in selection panels as required; representing FAO at relevant meetings and international conferences; and performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Economics, Economic Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Agricultural Heritage Systems, Statistics, Data Science, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related fields. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should have one year of relevant experience for Category C, five years for Category B, or ten years for Category A, specifically in developing substantive contributions and achievements related to Monitoring and Evaluation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Economic Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Agricultural Heritage Systems, Statistics, Data Science, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related areas. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of one year of relevant experience for Category C, five years for Category B, or ten years for Category A. This experience should be related to developing substantive contributions and achievements in Monitoring and Evaluation, project and program evaluation, and digital reporting. Experience in field-based positions and working in multiple locations or areas is desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO Headquarters. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate strong analytical, drafting, and report-writing skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. Familiarity with FAO’s GIAHS Programme and its areas of work is considered an asset. The role may involve participation in international meetings and conferences, and candidates should be prepared to represent FAO in these settings.