Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

Organizational Setting 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(i)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)          assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)     position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems   transformation; and 
(v)           ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. 

Reporting Lines

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist reports to the Project Team Leader.

Technical Focus

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist plays a key role in ensuring that programs and projects are effectively monitored, evaluated, and improved based on lessons learned. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Develop a comprehensive MEAL strategy/reporting framework and plan for the Project: Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao incorporating gender-sensitive indicators and integrating gender into the theory of change.
•    Contribute to the development of the project analytical plan and tools including but not limited to the design and implementation of baseline, mid and endline studies utilizing sex-disaggregated data and applying intersectional analysis.
•    Ensure timely collection of data on project activities and outcomes, and analysis of this data to assess and report on the project’s progress, results, learnings, and impacts.
•    Provide support to the Project Team Leader and the Value Chain Specialist through regular reporting.
•    Ensure that all M&E activities comply with the donor’s and FAO requirements.
•    Provide support in the collection and review of relevant value chain studies done in Mindanao/Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
•    Provide coaching to project field staff/provincial coordinator on MEAL
•    Analyze training needs assessment reports and findings conducted in coordination with respective specialists. 
•    Support the project team leader in coordinating the planning and implementation of midterm and final evaluations of the project. 
•    Assist the Project Team Leader in the performance of routine spot checks and field visits to assess the project’s progress and identify any potential risks or issues  guided by the project’s risk management plan, which outlines the key risks and mitigation measures for the project; 
•    Prepare and submit an end-of-assignment report according to FAO's guidelines; and
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Statistics, Economics, Fisheries, Aquaculture, or Aquatic Resources or related degree programs.
•    At least five (5) years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation accountability and learning, data analysis, data visualization, and/or information management specially in the field of 
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    General knowledge and skills in the use of KoboCollect, Tableau, Power BI and other office software’s, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
•    Familiarity with FAO operational procedures is an advantage.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog 
•    Ability to communicate in a Mindanaoan dialect is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION