Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agrifood systems globally. In Papua New Guinea, FAO is implementing a Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded project focused on REDD-plus Results-Based Payments. To support this initiative, a Project Management Unit (PMU) is being established within the FAO Representation in Port Moresby to oversee project implementation, ensuring adherence to FAO, Government of Papua New Guinea, and GCF requirements.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for the monitoring, evaluation, results-based management, performance reporting, and data analysis for the GCF-funded PNG REDD-plus Results-Based Payments project. The specialist will design and implement the project's M&E systems, track project performance against objectives and targets, ensure timely and accurate reporting, and maintain compliance with both FAO and Green Climate Fund requirements. This position is crucial for informed decision-making, effective project management, and demonstrating project impact and accountability.

Responsibilities

Lead the monitoring and evaluation of project outputs, outcomes, and impacts through data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring alignment with GCF, UNSDCF, SDG, and CPF indicators. Design, validate, and implement the project's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan, aligning with the Logical Framework Matrix, Environmental and Social Management Plan, Gender Action Plan, and Annual Work Plan. Support budget implementation monitoring by providing M&E data and analysis. Manage the web-based M&E system, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and timely reporting. Provide technical inputs during the Project Inception Phase, integrating M&E into the project's Theory of Change. Support the integration of the project's Logical Framework into the FAO Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS). Identify and implement early warning mechanisms for risks and continuous improvement. Coordinate field monitoring missions and support the preparation of Annual Performance Reports and Semi-Annual Progress Reports. Assist the Communications Unit with data for evidence-based communication products. Prepare for and participate in external audits and evaluations, developing strategies to address findings. Coordinate project completion activities, including asset disposition and final reporting. Liaise with FAO M&E officers at regional and headquarters levels to ensure compliance with corporate standards.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, or performance monitoring of development projects is required. Experience with donor-funded programmes is preferred. Familiarity with climate change, REDD+, forestry, natural resource management, or environmental programmes is an asset. Experience in establishing partnerships with government institutions is desirable.

Skills

Proficiency in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems for development programmes. Strong experience in results-based management, including logical frameworks and results frameworks. Expertise in data collection, analysis, performance monitoring, and donor reporting, particularly for GCF, GEF, or UN agencies. Experience using statistical software (e.g., R, STATA, SPSS) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel). Familiarity with monitoring information systems and project management platforms like FPMIS. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to formulate and finalize technical documents and reports in English. Experience in building effective relationships and knowledge sharing is also important.

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