Programme Monitoring Specialist

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the general supervision of the Head of Programme and direct supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, and in collaboration with technical sectors of FAO Somalia.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for developing a detailed Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework for the overall FAO Programme in Somalia.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Develop a detailed Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan, including data collection methods, tools, and indicators, to measure the project’s progress and outcomes.
•    Contribute to the development of Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) for new projects with SMART indicators, upload the LFMs into the FAO Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS), and regularly provide updates.
•    Lead in drafting Letter of Agreements/Understanding (LoA/U) and Terms of Reference (TOR) for MEL studies including baseline surveys, impact assessments and studies conducted by MEL staff and Third-party Monitors (TPMs).
•    Provide MEL capacity-building training to the FAO Somalia MEL team, TPMs, Technical team, Service Providers and Government Line Ministries.
•    Track and record results made by all Sectors for FAO Somalia and contribute to the Country Annual Report preparation, which is the main reporting tool at the country level.
•    Take a leading role in compiling and monitoring sector targets and achievements for the Strategic Objectives using corporate reporting systems including FPMIS, PIRES and IMIS for regional and headquarters initiatives in line with the CPF Frameworks.
•    Provide input to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) joint work plan and reports.
•    Prepare detailed budgets and calendar of all MEL activities and monitor MEL Unit budget for all projects and contracts.
•    Monitor the implementation of letters of agreement and study contracts and take prompt action for budget and work plan revisions when needed.
•    Prepare consolidated annual MEL report in accordance with approved reporting formats.
•    Contribute to the preparation of annual and quarterly MEL work plans for both internal and TPMs consulting firms.
•    Prepare data collection tools and review compliance verification reports in consultation with the Compliance Unit.
•    Review and recommend clearance of TPM and Back to Office reports.
•    Conduct field missions for monitoring of programmes and projects.
•    Assist in preparation of the project interim and terminal reports with emphasis on information related to progress against the targets for all indicators.
•    Ensuring the integration of MEL activities throughout the project cycle and promoting a culture of learning, transparency, and accountability.
•    Providing regular reports and updates to project management and stakeholders on the progress and findings of MEL activities.
•    Perform other duties, if required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    University degree in social sciences, statistics, economics, international development, public administration, business administration, or a related field is required.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience (Category B) in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Recognized expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL).
•    Experience in capacity development for MEL.
•    Demonstrate ability to monitor MEL budgets and work plans.
•    Ability to prepare donor concept notes and reports.
•    Experience in designing M&E tools and strategies to measure the project’s progress and outcomes.
•    Ability to draft contracts and LoA/Us for Service Providers and Third-party Monitors (TPMs).