Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. In the Philippines, FAO has partnered with the government and local organizations for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, productivity, and resilience to natural disasters and climate change.

Job Purpose

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will be responsible for the design and implementation of comprehensive MEAL systems for the project. This role is crucial for systematically tracking progress, results, and impact, ensuring that evidence generated supports informed decision-making. The specialist will manage data collection, analysis, reporting, field monitoring, and beneficiary feedback mechanisms, adhering strictly to FAO and donor requirements to enhance project effectiveness and accountability.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and operationalization of the MEAL framework, ensuring alignment with FAO's results framework and donor reporting standards. Implement a results-based monitoring system to track project outputs, including cash-plus assistance and climate-smart agriculture initiatives. Design and deploy data collection tools for various monitoring phases, ensuring data disaggregation for gender, age, disability, and vulnerability. Oversee beneficiary data management and establish accountability mechanisms, such as a Community Feedback and Response Mechanism. Ensure integration of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles and safeguarding standards. Conduct regular field monitoring, lead evaluations, and generate evidence-based reports and knowledge products. Analyze performance data to inform adaptive management and facilitate learning processes like After-Action Reviews. Document and disseminate good practices, build capacity of staff and partners on MEAL, and strengthen coordination with government agencies. Ensure compliance with donor and FAO reporting requirements and support the digitalization of MEAL systems.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience is required in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities within agriculture/rural development sectors, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian programs.

Skills

Proficiency in results-based management, data collection and analysis, reporting, and knowledge management is essential. Strong project management skills, with keen attention to detail, are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino are necessary, with knowledge of local dialects being an advantage. Familiarity with statistical packages and computer analytical tools is required. Ability to work under pressure in complex humanitarian contexts and within diverse teams is crucial. Experience in stakeholder engagement and building effective relationships is highly desirable.

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