Monitoring and Evaluation and Knowledge Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

With the support from the Global Environment Fund’s (GEF) Impact Program on Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR), the Representation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Viet Nam (FAO VN) is launching the project ‘Integrated Sustainable Landscape Management in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam’. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), and in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the project supports a critical shift towards sustainable agriculture in the Mekong Delta Region, through the development of green value chains and integrated landscape management. The project responds to the increasing calls for the transformation of agri-food systems in Viet Nam, as outlined in the recently approved National Action Plan for Food Systems Transformation toward Transparency Responsibility and Sustainability by 2030 (NAP-FST). The project also contributes to the objectives of Resolution 120 on Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Development in the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam, which puts the development of sustainable and high-quality agricultural products, sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience at the centre of the Mekong Delta Region (MDR) development.

The project will adopt an adaptive Results-Based Management approach, hinging upon a robust Monitoring and Reporting (M&E) system to inform evidence-based decision making. The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system adapts and integrates digital tools already in use in agriculture and rural development projects, and in line with standard methodologies and indicators commonly used across the FOLUR Impact Programme and the Sustainable Rice Landscape Initiative (SLRI) in South-East Asia.

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO has supported agriculture, natural resource management and rural development sectors in Viet Nam since 1978, implementing over 500 projects addressing different elements of food systems, including crop production and protection, livestock, forestry, fisheries, transboundary water management and food safety. Through technical and policy support, FAO is also a key partner of the Government of Viet Nam in the operationalization of the NAP-FST.

The position is located in the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE).

Reporting Lines

FAO VN is supporting ISPONRE in the recruitment of a Monitoring and Evaluation and Knowledge Management Specialist. The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the Lead Technical Officer, the regular supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and day-to-day reporting line to the National Programme Officer (Climate Change).

Technical Focus

As part of the Project Management Unit and in close coordination with FAO VN and FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO RAP), the incumbent will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the M&E system of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

The M&E Specialist is expected to perform the following tasks:

M&E and knowledge management system planning and development

• Review the M&E and knowledge management approach outlined in the project document and proposed systems for project data collection and analysis; • Provide technical guidance and advice to the project team relating to Monitoring and Evaluation; • Develop the M&E and knowledge management plan for the project with reference to the approach outlined in the project document and including review and follow up of the project indicators, and relevant reporting, and in line with standard methodologies used in FOLUR projects; • Adapt and integrate existing digital platforms for the collection of real-time, geo-tagged data for agriculture research into the project M&E system. • Prepare terms of reference for the technical and functional specifications of M&E system and knowledge management database outlined in the project document; • Prepare terms of reference and other supporting materials for preparation of the project baseline assessment; • Support the preparation of the project baseline assessment, and coordinate the baseline survey work plan and team.

Coordination and implementation of the M&E and knowledge management system

• Guide the operational partners in the implementation of the M&E and knowledge management plan; • Oversee the design and implementation of the M&E system and knowledge management database with the conracted service provider(s); • Ensure the interoperability of the M&E system and knowledge management database with other relevant systems identified by project partners; • Design and coordinate the application of quantitative and qualitative research tools for project monitoring; • Organize and contribute to meetings and workshops related to the establishment and implementation of the M&E plan; • Contribute to regular project reports and evaluations as required; • Advise on training to national project staff and counterpart in project M&E • Contribute to evaluations and other project M&E activities as required;

Contribution to Results-Based Management

• Track progress, take corrective measures and generate informed evidence-based data using geo-referencing tools. • Advise on the use of theory of change for project monitoring and evaluation;

Knowledge Management

• Support the establishment of a structured system for knowledge management and communication; • Develop/consolidate good practice and lessons learned for dissemination; • Facilitate the exchange of lessons learnt and project knowledge resources in relevant regional and global coordination platforms, including the Sustainable Rice Landscape Initiative (SRLI).

Other tasks

• Undertake any other duties as required to ensure the successful delivery of the project outputs.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master degree, preferably in the field of international project management, agriculture, natural resources management or landscape restoration; • At least 5 year experience in M&E for NGOs, INGOs and/or UN Agencies, preferably in the fields of agriculture and rural development; • Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese; • National of Viet Nam.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong experience in project management, including results-based management and monitoring and evaluation; • Experience in using Geographical Information Systems for M&E purposes; • Proven track record in quantitative (e.g. surveys) and qualitative (e.g. interviews, focus group discussion) methods for project monitoring, preferably in the agriculture sector; • Strong knowledge of Monitoring, Reporting and Verification systems for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in the agriculture sector; • Familiarity with M&E systems used in Sustainable Rice Landscapes Initiaves (SRLI) projects across South-East Asia is a strong asset; • Experience working with international partners on related issues; • Familiarity with GEF programming is an asset; • Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills; • Strong report-writing skills in English.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.