Monitoring Evaluation Accountability Learning Specialist

FAO; New Delhi; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 4,800,000; Full time

Job summary

FAO is seeking an experienced MEAL Specialist to lead qualitative and quantitative analysis across the project. You will design SMART indicators, develop an M&E plan, track core indicators, and report progress to stakeholders.

The role includes coordinating with MIS, training staff, and supporting evaluations within the Indian context. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree in a related field, 8+ years of relevant experience, and strong English skills with Hindi as a plus.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, statistics, rural development, development studies, environmental sciences is required.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation or results-based management of development projects.
• Working knowledge of English is essential.
• Open to Indian nationals or residents with valid work permit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine SMART indicators based on the project’s Results Framework and Theory of Change to monitor progress at all levels.
• Lead the preparation of a detailed M&E Plan, coordinating with the MIS unit, and performing qualitative and quantitative data analysis for progress reports.
• Track GEF-7 Core Indicators, SDGs, and LDN indicators; discuss findings with stakeholders to recommend adaptive actions.
• Support training staff on M&E systems, develop M&E methodologies, and provide technical support for evaluations and studies.
• Prepare for mid-term and terminal evaluations; coordinate with state-level MEAL experts and the project MIS for harmonized data collection and reporting.
• Support work plan development, present M&E findings, contribute to cross-cutting issues like gender, and provide MEAL advice to other project units.

Skills

Results orientation

Teamwork

Communication

Relationship building

Knowledge sharing

Project cycle management

MEAL

Results Frameworks

Theories of Change

Indicator development

Data analysis

GEF M&E

M&E planning

Data quality assurance

Analytical skills

Data management

Report writing

English proficiency

Hindi desirable

Education

Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, statistics, rural development, development studies, environmental sciences

Job description

Organizational context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to achieve food security for all and support sustainable agrifood systems globally. As a specialized UN agency, FAO operates in over 130 countries. In India, FAO is implementing a GEF-7 project focused on promoting sustainable food systems through transforming rice-wheat systems in Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This project aims to enhance integrated landscapes and efficient food value chains, working across diverse agro-ecological contexts and involving national and state-level government partners.

Job purpose

The Monitoring Evaluation Accountability Learning (MEAL) Specialist will be responsible for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of project data collected by various implementing units and partners. This role is crucial for reporting on project results and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of agriculture, food systems, and natural resource management initiatives. The specialist will contribute to tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the project aligns with its objectives and contributes to sustainable development goals within the Indian context.

Responsibilities

The MEAL Specialist will develop and refine SMART indicators based on the project's Results Framework and Theory of Change to monitor progress at all levels. This includes leading the preparation of a detailed M&E Plan, coordinating with the MIS unit, and performing qualitative and quantitative data analysis for progress reports. The role involves tracking GEF-7 Core Indicators, SDGs, and LDN indicators, and discussing findings with stakeholders to recommend adaptive management actions. The specialist will also support training staff on M&E systems, develop M&E methodologies, provide technical support for evaluations and studies, and prepare for mid-term and terminal evaluations. Coordination with state-level MEAL experts and the project MIS is essential for harmonized data collection and reporting. The role includes supporting work plan development, presenting M&E findings, contributing to cross-cutting issues like gender, and providing M&E advice to other project units.

Education

A Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, statistics, rural development, development studies, environmental sciences, or a related field is required. The candidate must have at least 8 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation or results-based management of relevant development projects. Working knowledge of English is essential. The position is open to Indian nationals or residents with a valid work permit.

Work experience

Requires a minimum of 8 years of progressive professional experience in monitoring and evaluation and/or results-based management, specifically within natural resource management, agriculture, rural development, climate change, or sustainable food systems projects. Experience with international organizations or donor-funded projects is beneficial.

Skills

Key skills include a strong focus on results, teamwork, and communication. The ability to build effective relationships and engage in knowledge sharing is important. Technical competencies involve demonstrated experience in project cycle management and results-based MEAL, including Results Frameworks, Theories of Change, indicator development, and data analysis. Familiarity with GEF M&E requirements, developing M&E plans, and data quality assurance is necessary. The candidate should possess strong analytical, data management, and report-writing skills, with the ability to translate evidence into actionable recommendations. Proficiency in English is required; Hindi is desirable, and knowledge of regional languages is an asset.

Required languages

English