Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

· advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
· provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
· assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
· position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
· ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position will be assigned in Isabela Province, with field missions within Isabela Province and Cagayan Province.

Reporting Lines

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will be under the direct supervision of Project Team Coordinator, and in collaboration with the Assistant FAO Programme, Programme Management Specialist (PMU) and Community Resilience and Emergency Response Adviser.

Technical Focus

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will lead the design and implementation of the project’s monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems to ensure that progress, results, and impact are systematically tracked and documented. The role will support evidence-based decision-making by managing data collection, analysis, reporting, field monitoring, beneficiary feedback, and learning processes in line with FAO and donor requirements.

Tasks and responsibilities

· Lead the design and operationalization of the MEAL framework aligned with FAO’s corporate results framework and DFAT reporting requirements, including clear indicators, baselines, targets, and means of verification.
· Develop and implement a results-based monitoring system to track progress across project outputs (cash-plus assistance, climate-smart agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, and early warning systems).
· Design and deploy data collection tools and methodologies (baseline, midline, endline, Post-Distribution Monitoring, and real-time monitoring) ensuring alignment with project objectives and humanitarian standards.
· Oversee beneficiary data management systems, including profiling of farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring disaggregation by sex, age, disability, and vulnerability status in line with GEDSI priorities.
· Coordinate and supervise data collection, validation, and analysis with field teams, LGUs, and partners to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and reliability of project data.
· Establish and manage accountability mechanisms, including a Community Feedback and Response Mechanism (CFRM) and grievance redress systems, ensuring safe, accessible, and inclusive channels for beneficiaries.
· Ensure integration of GEDSI principles and safeguarding standards across all MEAL processes, including inclusive participation and protection of vulnerable groups.
· Conduct regular field monitoring, spot checks, and compliance assessments to track implementation progress, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions based on the project risk management plan.
· Lead evaluations and assessments, including baseline, midterm, and endline evaluations to measure project outcomes such as improved resilience, productivity, and food security.
· Generate evidence-based reporting and knowledge products, including progress reports, dashboards, briefs, and donor reports in line with DFAT and FAO standards.
· Analyze project performance data to inform adaptive management, providing technical recommendations to improve delivery of cash-plus support, climate adaptation measures, and early action interventions.
· Facilitate learning and reflection processes, including After-Action Reviews (AARs), lessons learned workshops, and partner reflection sessions to enhance programme effectiveness.
· Document and disseminate good practices, case studies, and innovations, particularly in anticipatory action, climate-resilient agriculture, and energy-efficient technologies.
· Support development of communication and visibility materials by providing data-driven inputs and evidence of impact for stakeholders and donors.
· Build capacity of project staff, partners, and LGUs on MEAL systems, including training on data collection, analysis, accountability, and reporting tools.
· Strengthen coordination with government agencies and partners (e.g., DA, DAR, LGUs, NGOs) to harmonize monitoring systems and ensure alignment with national frameworks.
· Ensure compliance with donor (DFAT) and FAO reporting requirements, including timely submission of narrative and financial progress reports.
· Provide technical input to project design, work planning, and revisions, ensuring that interventions remain evidence-based, risk-informed, and responsive to emerging climate and economic shocks.
· Support digitalization of MEAL systems, including use of GIS mapping, dashboards, and mobile data collection tools for real-time analysis and visualization.
· Ensure that community feedback and monitoring findings are translated into program improvements, strengthening accountability, effectiveness, and sustainability of project interventions.
· Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

· Advanced university degree in the field of Economics, Statistics, Agriculture, Rural Development and Social Science related studies.
· At least 7 years of relevant experience in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities related to agriculture/rural development sectors, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian programmes.
· Working knowledge (level C) of English
· A national of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

· Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
· Experience in results-based management, data collection and analysis, reporting, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.
· Excellent writing, and report writing skills in English and Filipino.
· Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino.
· Working knowledge of relevant local dialects is an advantage
· Knowledge of/familiarity with statistical packages and computer analytical tools is necessary.
· Strong project management skills, including keen attention to details and ability to follow tasks and ideas through to completion.
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a team and with people from diverse backgrounds
· Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in English.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT