Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) 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 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 organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments and other partners to develop policies, programs, and projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's country program in Sudan. This position involves ensuring the effective planning and implementation of monitoring activities, conducting data analysis, and reporting on various indicators related to processes, outcomes, and impacts. The MEAL Specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including FAO Sector Coordinators, Program/Project Managers, and Field Coordinators, to facilitate adaptive management through timely sharing of information. The role requires a proactive approach to enhance the capacity of implementing partners and ensure accountability mechanisms are in place for affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including contributing to project and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design to ensure proper planning and budgeting of MEAL activities. They will support the development of logical frameworks and MEAL plans, assist in beneficiary registration and data handling in accordance with FAO's data protection policy, and oversee primary data collection processes. This includes survey design, data quality oversight, and reporting for various assessments. The Specialist will collaborate with project managers to maintain relevant databases, establish information flows related to MEAL activities, and strengthen accountability mechanisms for project activities. Regular field visits will be conducted to assess project implementation quality, and the Specialist will provide technical support to implementing partners and facilitate MEAL-related training courses. Additionally, they will contribute to donor and organizational reporting and oversee M&E-related contracts to ensure timely and quality delivery of tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in development studies, statistics, agriculture, economics, or related fields. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning is required. Proficiency in English and Arabic is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Sudan. The role demands strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical skills in statistical software such as R, STATA, or SPSS, as well as experience in developing integrated MEAL frameworks, are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as development studies, statistics, agriculture, or economics. Candidates must have obtained their higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, preferably in humanitarian and complex contexts. Experience working in multiple locations or areas of work is considered an asset, as is prior experience in the UN or other international organizations.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and the official language of Sudan, Arabic. Proficiency in both languages is necessary for effective communication within the role.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve working in emergency situations and requires the ability to meet tight deadlines. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.