National Mid Term Review Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. As a specialized UN agency, FAO leads efforts to achieve food security and ensure access to quality food for all. Working in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and international standards. The STAR-FARM project, funded by the EU and led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Vietnam, aims to facilitate smart agro-ecological transformation in the Mekong Delta, enhancing resilience to climate change and environmental degradation.

Job Purpose

The National Mid-Term Review (MTR) Specialist will support the International MTR Team Leader and the FAO project team in conducting a comprehensive mid-term review of the STAR-FARM project. This role is crucial for assessing the project's progress towards its objectives and results, identifying challenges, and formulating strategic recommendations to enhance its effectiveness and impact during the remaining implementation period. The MTR will evaluate the project against OECD DAC criteria, ensuring accountability to the EU Delegation and FAO, and providing valuable insights for adaptive management and future project planning.

Responsibilities

The National MTR Specialist will review project documentation, including the project document, log frame, and progress reports. They will contribute to the inception report and data collection tools, such as questionnaires and interview protocols, following the methodological approach outlined in the MTR Concept Note. The specialist will support primary data collection through interviews and virtual meetings with FAO staff and stakeholders, ensuring all data is recorded and organized systematically. They will participate in analyzing collected evidence with the International MTR Team Leader to identify key findings, formulate preliminary conclusions, and develop recommendations. The role involves contributing written inputs for various deliverables, including the inception report, draft MTR report, and final report, and may require presenting conclusions and recommendations to stakeholders.

Work Experience

A minimum of 6 years of experience is required in evaluating international development projects. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in EU-funded projects or projects implemented by FAO, particularly within the Mekong Delta region. This experience should be complemented by an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Development studies, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, or Rural Development.

Skills

Essential skills include strong analytical and report writing abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments. Familiarity with agroecological approaches, agro-based livelihoods, value chain development, and evaluation methodologies is crucial. A solid understanding of economics and value chains is also required. The candidate should demonstrate results focus, teamwork, and the ability to build effective relationships and share knowledge.

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