Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist
Organizational Context
The FAO/GCF "Carbon Sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic (CS-FOR)" project aims to support Kyrgyzstan's NDC commitment to cut emissions by increasing carbon sequestration in forests and rangelands. The project contributes to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy with co-benefits in adaptation and disaster risk reduction. FAO, as the Accredited and Executing Entity, collaborates with national partners to implement activities across four districts, focusing on sustainable natural resource management and green growth investments.
Job Purpose
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will provide crucial support to the project team, ensuring the timely and efficient monitoring and evaluation of project activities. This role is essential for facilitating evidence-based decision-making, enabling effective project planning, and ensuring that monitoring and evaluation processes are conducted efficiently. The specialist's contributions will directly impact the project's ability to track progress, identify challenges, and achieve its objectives in line with established frameworks and requirements.
Responsibilities
The M&E Specialist will support the implementation of the CS-FOR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Plan, adhering to FAO and GCF requirements. This includes maintaining an evidence-based, georeferenced, and gender-responsive M&E system and supporting the Monitoring and Tracking System with databases and documentation. Responsibilities involve collecting, verifying, analyzing, and reporting qualitative and quantitative project data against indicators and targets, including ground-truthing and direct field observations. The specialist will manage georeferenced field data, GPS points, and photos, and support annual/quarterly field monitoring plans and missions. They will assist in organizing consultations and workshops on M&E and natural resource management, track implementation progress, identify risks and bottlenecks, and support the preparation of Annual Work Plans and field monitoring reports. Furthermore, the role involves supporting the preparation of various project reports (MYRs, APRs, evaluations, donor reports), providing progress updates, and facilitating Mid-Term Evaluation activities, ensuring compliance with FAO and GCF procedures and safeguards.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation is required. Experience in forestry, natural resource management, or a related field is also beneficial. Familiarity with international organizations or UN projects in similar roles is an advantage.
Skills
Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Technical skills required involve conducting complex monitoring and evaluations, synthesizing evidence for reports, and good analytical and writing abilities. Knowledge of FAO tools and procedures is an asset. Proficiency in Russian and Kyrgyz (Level C) is essential, with knowledge of English considered an advantage. Experience with statistical software for data analysis is also a plus.