Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

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Description

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• Assist the Head of MEAL Team in reviewing project documents in relation to the scope and requirements of MEAL studies.
• Support the Head of the MEAL Team in coordinating and supporting the work of the Regional MEAL Specialists working from FAO’s various sub-national / regional offices.
• Lead in review and development of MEAL Framework (Logframe, MEAL Plan, IPTT) for ongoing/new projects based on international best practices in MEAL approaches guided by the Project Document and FAO Country Programme Framework.
• Coordinate for timely update of indicator performance tracking table (IPTT) and ensure they are utilized during donor reporting, strategic and operational planning, prioritization, implementation of corrective measures, advocacy, and accountability.
• In collaboration with MEAL Team colleagues develop and maintain a MEAL tracking tool for MEAL related activities (i.e. baselines, rapid assessments, evaluations, lessons learned and recommendations, and follow-ups on recommendations) demonstrating compliance with FAO’s rules and procedures and those of the donor as necessary, and establish the needed procedures for conducting MEAL, through development of different tools and techniques (standard charts, Tables, diagrams, process documentation, etc.) using innovative approaches for MEAL;
• Design the baseline survey and develop survey questionnaires with support and guidance from the Head of MEAL Team to conduct the baseline survey in collaboration with partners.
• Collaborate with Data Management Specialist to draft a data collection strategy (including the teams involved in the data collection), supervise data collection, organization, recording and data management overall, and the proper documentation and filing of all MEAL data, reports and tools to support the findings and figures.
• Assist the Head of MEAL Team in planning, designing, preparing and conducting all types of training and orientation on MEAL for all national staff and other FAO Afghanistan stakeholders.
• Design and develop appropriate formats, questionnaires and methodologies for data collection and oversee the data collection process to maintain the accuracy of regular data collected on project impacts and outcomes including those from secondary sources.
• Work closely with Data Management Specialist to roll-out data collection and management systems for improved reporting on key process and results indicators across FAO’s Implementing Partners
• Compile all project data in a timely and professional manner and oversee the data integration process in collaboration with MEAL Team colleagues, and under the technical guidance of the Head of MEAL Team.
• Analyze regularly the collected data and produce results and summarize findings to assess the regular progress of projects and the overall FAO Afghanistan programme with guidance and support from Head of MEAL Team.
• Take part in regular field visits and meet with various stakeholders to validate the data and ensure the quality of data on regular basis.
• Support the Head of the MEAL Team along with the Accountability to Affected Populations and Learning Specialists in strengthening the accountability and learning within FAO Afghanistan programming.
• Work closely with MEAL Team and Programming colleagues to identify strengths and weakness based on the overall FAO Afghanistan programme progress and draw lessons learned for better planning.
• Work closely with the Communications, Outreach and Reporting Team for effective and timely project reporting, quarterly, biannually, and annually as well as ad-hoc updates as may be needed for the resource partner.
• Support the MEAL Team and Programming Team to analyse the qualitative and quantitative data, report on findings from monitoring activities, and share information with operations staff on progress.
• Support and assist with the mid-term and final project evaluation missions and follow-up on the implementation of evaluation recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of the final project reports. 
• The candidate will be the focal point person for all project reporting and will work closely with the Reporting colleagues.
• Perform any other related duties as required. 

• Advanced degree (Master’s) or a university degree (Bachelor’s) in agriculture, agriculture economics, social sciences, international development, or related field is required. 
• For advanced degree at least seven (7) years of professional experience in results-based management and monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian and/or development projects that combines emergency response, disaster risk reduction, project formulation and implementation with UN and I/NGOs; 
• For university degree at least ten (10) years of professional experience in results-based management and monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian and/or development projects that combines emergency response, disaster risk reduction, project formulation and implementation with UN and I/NGOs.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari);  
• National of Afghanistan. 

• Proven experience in internationally recognized best practices and approaches/methodologies of MEAL, in the logical framework and other MEAL tools, and in the development and use of MEAL methods (qualitative, quantitative, participatory);
• Experience in data collection, analysis and reporting related to food security and livelihoods.
• Understanding of the purpose and functional of technical Programmes, operational guidelines and Programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations and/or FAO. 
• Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multi-stakeholder project with results-based management.
• Ability to use a logical and structured approach to collate, archive and synthesis information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication, reporting and presentation skills, analysis and interpretation of data, ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Skills and experience in resource mobilization, agriculture and economic development and project management.

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