Monitoring and Evaluation 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 has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. The FAO/GCF project titled 'Carbon Sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic (CS-FOR)' was approved by the GCF Board in November 2019 and became effective in October 2022 after national ratification. This project supports Kyrgyzstan's commitment to reduce emissions by 15.97% by 2030, focusing on increasing carbon sequestration in forests and rangelands, contributing to a low carbon-emission and climate-resilient economy, and addressing disaster risk reduction.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the project team in the effective monitoring and evaluation of project activities. This position requires a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that project planning, monitoring, and evaluation are conducted efficiently and effectively. The M&E Specialist will be responsible for implementing the CS-FOR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Project M&E Plan, ensuring compliance with FAO and GCF requirements. This role involves maintaining a georeferenced and gender-responsive M&E system, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and preparing reports that reflect the project's progress and outcomes. The M&E Specialist will also facilitate consultations and workshops related to M&E, GIS, and natural resource management, contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The M&E Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the CS-FOR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Project M&E Plan in accordance with FAO and GCF standards.
• Maintaining an evidence-based, georeferenced, and gender-responsive M&E system.
• Implementing the Monitoring and Tracking System, including managing indicator tracking tables, databases, and supporting documentation.
• Collecting, verifying, analyzing, and reporting project field data against approved indicators and targets.
• Conducting ground-truthing and field observations to verify reported outputs and outcomes.
• Collecting and maintaining georeferenced field data, including GPS points and monitoring records.
• Supporting the execution of annual and quarterly field monitoring plans and conducting regular site visits.
• Organizing district and national consultations, workshops, and technical discussions on M&E and natural resource management.
• Assisting in the development and evaluation of Integrated Natural Resource Management Community Resilience Plans (INRMCRPs). 1
• Tracking implementation progress, identifying risks and bottlenecks, and preparing Annual Work Plans based on monitoring findings. 1
• Preparing field monitoring reports and following up on recommendations. 1
• Supporting the preparation of Mid-Year Reviews (MYRs), Annual Progress Reports (APRs), evaluation reports, and donor reports. 1
• Providing regular updates to the National Project Coordinator (NPC), Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and FAO management. 1
• Facilitating activities for the Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE), including evidence compilation and indicator verification. 1
• Ensuring compliance with FAO procedures, GCF requirements, and safeguards. 1
• Performing any other project-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in monitoring and evaluation, forestry, natural resource management, or a related field. They should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation, demonstrating a strong understanding of the principles and practices in this area. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of Russian and Kyrgyz at level C, and they should be nationals of Kyrgyzstan or residents of the country with a valid work permit. Familiarity with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring, and reporting is considered an asset, as is previous experience working with UN or international organizations in similar roles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as monitoring and evaluation, forestry, natural resource management, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project monitoring and evaluation, as well as the technical aspects of natural resource management and climate investment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation. This experience should include conducting or contributing to complex thematic, program, portfolio, or project monitoring and evaluations. The ability to synthesize evidence and prepare clear, balanced, and evidence-based reports is crucial. Experience with statistical software for data analysis, such as R, STATA, or SPSS, is also considered an asset, as it enhances the candidate's ability to analyze data effectively and contribute to the project's success.

Languages:
A working knowledge of Russian and Kyrgyz is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the project and with local stakeholders. Knowledge of English will be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyrgyzstan, specifically in Bishkek. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including national partners and project teams. The M&E Specialist will be expected to engage in field monitoring missions and site visits, which may require travel to different regions within the country. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be provided during the hiring process, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and collaboration.