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, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, thereby improving production, nutrition, the environment, and overall quality of life, while leaving no one behind.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will be a key player in the FAO Country Office in India, specifically within the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) for the GEF-7 project aimed at promoting sustainable food systems in India. This role involves performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of data collected by the NPMU, State Project Management Units (SPMUs), and Operational Partners to report on project results. The MEAL Specialist will be responsible for developing and refining SMART indicators based on the project's Results Framework and Theory of Change, leading the preparation of a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure effective data collection and reporting. The position requires a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation of agriculture and food systems, as well as natural resource management projects, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and contributes to sustainable development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: developing and refining SMART indicators to track project progress, leading the preparation of a comprehensive M&E Plan, coordinating with the Management Information System (MIS) unit to identify appropriate indicators, performing qualitative and quantitative data analysis, coordinating the tracking and reporting of GEF-7 Core Indicators and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, reviewing assessment and evaluation results, supporting training for project staff on M&E systems, developing methodologies for project M&E, providing technical support for impact evaluations, preparing technical design documents for mid-term reviews and terminal evaluations, and ensuring consistent data collection and reporting across target states. The role also involves addressing cross-cutting issues such as gender and Indigenous Peoples' engagement, ensuring that gender-disaggregated data is collected within the M&E system.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, statistics, rural development, development studies, environmental sciences, or a related field. They should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in monitoring and evaluation and/or results-based management of natural resource management, agriculture, rural development, climate change, sustainable food systems, or related development projects. A working knowledge (Level C) of English is required, and candidates must be nationals of India or residents with a valid work permit. Familiarity with GEF monitoring and evaluation requirements is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as agriculture, economics, statistics, rural development, development studies, or environmental sciences. Candidates must ensure that their qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in the context of natural resource management, agriculture, rural development, climate change, or sustainable food systems. Experience working with international non-governmental organizations and donor organizations is highly valued, as is familiarity with the agro-ecological and socio-economic context of the target states in India.

Languages:
A full proficiency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Hindi is desirable. Knowledge of Punjabi, Odia, or other languages spoken in the target states is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
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 full-time engagement, and candidates should be aware that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.