Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for improving the country’s preparedness to emerging health threats. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Transforming Agrifood systems for sustainable production and healthy diets), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture). The project will be implemented in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda. The monitoring and evaluation specialist will be responsible to prepare the monitoring strategy of the project. 

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the sub-regional Coordinator and the technical supervision of the FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project – Strengthening prevention, preparedness, and response to emerging health threats in eastern Caribbean, the monitoring and evaluation Specialist, will monitor and evaluate the progress of project activities throughout the implementation of the project. Specific duties will include:

Technical Focus 

The Monitoring and evaluation specialist will provide technical support to a project on Animal Health. The incumbent will review the project logical framework to develop an MEL plan and prepare monitoring reports. The incumbent will also assist in the operational and administrative management of the project. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Review the Project Logical Framework, and other relevant project documentation to identify appropriate Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) indicators, and develop an MEL plan 
•    Select relevant data and design tools as well as appropriate methods and sources for data collection; propose possible platforms (excel, word, web-based, MS Power BI, etc.) for the system 
•    Prepare monitoring reports as required by the project coordinator using data collection tools / templates for the preparation of the annual plans, financial reports etc. 
•    Support the preparation of the work plan, monitors expenditures and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints; 
•    Prepare a monitoring strategy considering the requests of donors and FAO procedures that guarantees appropriate implementation 
•    Support the project coordinator in engaging with relevant stakeholders and obtaining periodic reports to be included in the monitoring system. 
•    Coordinate consolidation of technical and operational data, ensuring that all project-related data and documentation are adequately filed 
•    Assist in the operational and administrative management, as well as daily monitoring of the activities carried out in the project, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Organization; 
•    Review budget estimates, actual expenditures, obligations, and available balances and assists with the preparation of budget revisions as required; 
•    Review the project expenses and prepares the project's financial reports when needed; 
•    Prepare quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress reports on all project activities with data and statistics; 
•    Monitor financing mechanisms associated with contracts and memoranda of understanding 
•    Support the preparation of TORS of midterm and final evaluations and follows up on the process; 
•    Facilitate the systematization and dissemination of knowledge products associated with project monitoring; 
•    Support the organization of events including identification of participants, development of technical documentations, preparations of minutes and reports and provide the appropriate information to guarantee the logistics of events and trips developed within the framework of the project 
•    Performs other related duties as required. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in project management, agriculture economics, business administration, social sciences or related field
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in the design and implementation of M&E/MIS in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN bodies/Government
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Barbados or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one area of work 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management (monitoring and evaluation);
•    Good understanding of designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports.
•    Computer literacy is required especially in the development of MIS using database software
•    Expertise in analysing data using statistical software
•    Quality of both oral and written communication skills.