Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The position is located in FAO Representation in DRC under the functional guidance of FAO Representative in DRC. The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will be expected to establish and implement a monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning framework for the FAO-DRC country programme framework. This will entail identifying opportunities for uptake of FAO corporate Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) tools and processes, managing staff and MEAL contracts for MEAL-related tasks and developing capacities. The M-E Officer will operate under the general oversight of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in DRC, the direct supervision of Deputy FAO Representative and with the technical support of PSE, OED and other relevant units in the sub-region, region and headquarter and in close collaboration with FAOR DRC operational unit.

Reporting Lines

The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer reports to the Deputy FAOR.

Technical Focus

Monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, accountability mechanisms.

Key Results

Contribution to the effective and efficient management and coordination of the operational support of the programme and project activities of the Regional Office.

Key Functions

• Monitors the progress of both pipeline and ongoing projects at regional level and prepares relevant reports and briefs according to pre-established formats;

• Identifies projects/programmes facing problems and draws them to the attention of responsible officers/units concerned, and follows up with budget holders on projects/programmes;

• Contributes to programme development (including identification of new projects/programmes in the Region) and project formulation processes in accordance with the relevant procedures and in conformity with relevant CPF, regional priorities and Strategic Framework;

• Cooperates with the funding liaison units and other units in the Regional Office in the mobilization of resources required for technical assistance projects;

• Ensures close oversight of project appraisal and approval processes in line with the revised Project Cycle guidelines, and undertakes necessary follow-up actions with relevant departments/units;

• Provides support to the budget holders in ensuring the provision of scheduled inputs including experts, consultants, equipment, fellowships, training, and subcontracts, and technical backstopping, and monitors their timely execution, in line with project work plans;

• Monitors timely action relating to preparation of delivery estimates, pipeline reviews and preparation of project related reports (progress and terminal reports);

• Participates in the analysis of technical and operational backstopping requirements for the field programme in collaboration with the respective budget holders;

• Reviews, updates and maintains the field programme related information and data in the FPMIS (Field Programme Management Information System), trains staff in FPMIS use and data maintenance, and serves as focal point for FPMIS-related requirements for the Region;

• Acts as focal point, oversees and coordinates the collection and storage of information and documents;

• Provides guidance and advice to project budget holders on procedural issues relating to project operations;

• Monitors the completion of field projects and follows up with budget holders to ensure the timely submission of terminal reports as well as operational and financial closure of projects.

Specific Functions

• Manages the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the FAO DRC Country Office;

• Designs, develops and maintains principles, concepts and methodologies for a results-based M-E Framework of the overall programme and individual projects in the portfolio of the FAO DRC Country Office, and integrates them with Country Programming Framework (CPF), SDGCF and FAO's Strategic Objectives;

• Designs, develops and maintains tools and procedures (questionnaires, sampling methods, analytical templates, impact evaluation) and integrates them with the results-based M-E Frameworks of the FAO DRC Country Office;

• Provides technical inputs in the definition of logical frameworks, including substantive guidance in the selection of programmes' and projects' and thematic outcomes, outputs and indicators;

• Designs, develops and maintains supportive beneficiary accountability systems and protocols so as to ensure that beneficiaries are well informed and offered a platform to provide feedback;

• Provides capacity development for FAO DRC staff and partners on the M-E tools and systems, the function of M-E in quality assurance and strengthens a culture of open reflection, learning and improvement;

• Conducts field visits to support the implementation of projects by identifying challenges and proactively recommending remedial actions and adaptations as well as advocating for effective implementation of M-E activities;

• Ensures the systemic consideration of the lessons learned as opportunities for improvement in the planning and implementation of projects and programmes;

• Presents findings of evaluations to key stakeholders and provides recommendations for improving programme delivery;

• Perform any other relevant duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Social Sciences or a related field;

• Five years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project planning/formulation/ implementation;

• Working knowledge of French and limited knowledge of English.

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development (including formulation and analysis) and management (implementation and monitoring);

• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO, which would be considered an asset;

• Proficiency with STATA, SPSS, R or other statistical packages is desirable.