National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Viet Nam operates under the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2022-2026, with a strategic priority on Climate Change Response, Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Sustainability. The Country Office, supported by the RAP GEF team, has secured substantial Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding to address critical environmental issues including water resources management, fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration. This role will engage with three ongoing and one pipeline GEF projects managed by FAO Viet Nam.
Job Purpose
The incumbent will provide crucial support for the formulation of a GEF Project Document and contribute to the implementation of ongoing GEF projects within FAO Viet Nam. Reporting administratively to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and technically to the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) from RAP, the National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist will collaborate with FAO GEF specialists and the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) team. The primary responsibility is to generate and compile information essential for defining the technical content, structure, and implementation strategy of the project, ensuring alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.
Responsibilities
The National Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will support GEF Design Experts and project specialists. For ongoing projects, responsibilities include overseeing Operational Partners' implementation of MEL frameworks, providing training on MEL formulation, and developing monitoring plans for pilot studies. The role involves collaborating on annual work plans and performance indicators, monitoring project implementation for progress reports (PPR) and Project Implementation Reviews (PIR), and updating risk management plans. The specialist will assist in drafting reports for steering committees, participate in field trips for assessments and evaluations, and ensure evaluation findings are integrated into project activities. For learning and knowledge management, the role includes training project teams and partners, identifying challenges, consolidating best practices, and preparing reports on achievements and lessons learned. For pipeline projects, the specialist will support the formulation of the MEL framework and Knowledge Management sections of the Project Document, attend consultations, incorporate feedback, and assist in costing MEL activities.
Work Experience
Requires at least 7 years of progressive experience in monitoring and evaluation, project management, data analysis, and reporting for development projects. Experience with GEF or other internationally funded projects is preferred. Experience working with UN agencies and on GEF projects is also desirable.
Skills
Essential skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Proficiency in computer skills (MS Office), data processing, and analysis software is required. Experience working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly within multilateral organizations, is valuable. Familiarity with FAO and GEF MEL requirements is a plus. Excellent communication and report-writing abilities, experience in designing and implementing research and evaluations (quantitative and qualitative), and familiarity with IWRM, ecosystem restoration, or fisheries are desirable. The ability to deliver quality outputs under tight deadlines is crucial.