Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO's response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the general supervision of the Head of Programme, and the direct supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will design and implement all the monitoring, evaluation, learning, and results reporting activities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the FAO Somalia Programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and implement the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework for the RESTORE project, ensuring that it aligns with the project goals and objectives. • Develop a detailed MEL plan, including data collection methods, tools, and indicators, to measure the project's progress and outcomes. • Coordinate a baseline study at the inception phase of the project to establish baseline values for target indicators in the Results Framework. • Oversee routine process monitoring and post-distribution monitoring to review the status and completeness of project infrastructures. • Plan and conduct midline assessments to track the achievements of the project and make necessary adjustments. • Develop and maintain a comprehensive MEL system, including data management, analysis, and reporting. • Ensure the integration of MEL activities throughout the project cycle and promoting a culture of learning, transparency, and accountability. • Collaborate with IOM, UNEP, and WVIS M&E Units to ensure coordination and consistency in MEL approaches across agencies. • Provide regular reports and updates to project management and stakeholders on the progress and findings of MEL activities. • Lead the end line impact assessment after the completion of project activities to measure progress and success against target outcome indicators. • Develop and implement a Collaborate, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) approach within the project, identifying learning needs, and creating feedback loops for continuous improvement. • In close collaboration with learning team, facilitate learning events, workshops, and after-action reviews (AARs) to promote knowledge sharing, reflection, and lessons learned. • Support establishing communities of practice (CoPs) around specific thematic areas or sectors relevant to the project to foster ongoing learning and collaboration. • Stay updated on emerging trends, methodologies, and best practices in MEL and incorporating them into the project's MEL approach. • Perform other duties, if required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, rural development, international development, monitoring and evaluation, social development, or a related field is required. • At least 5 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. • Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian for COF.REG. • Working knowledge of English (level C) for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in leading customized MEL efforts for international development and learning and development programs, including developing MEL technical designs and data collection tools, managing large/complex data collection efforts, leading analysis, and preparing high-quality reports. • Technical expertise in MEL approaches and implementation good practice. • Track record of strong qualitative research skills, including sample design, instrument development, data analysis (using software), and reporting on qualitative evidence. • Quantitative skills will be a plus and should include good command of statistics, sampling methodologies, and statistical analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, and Epi Info. • Experience with capacity building and delivering training.