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. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government 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 Public-Social-Private Partnerships for Ecologically-Sound Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood in Northern Tonle Sap Basin (PEARL) is a six-year project (2023 – 2029), funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This adaptation project aims to enhance the climate resilience of farmers and local communities in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin (Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Oddor Meanchey) through public-social-private partnerships and improved access to growing segments of premium agricultural product market while ensuring climate-resilient practices.
The Technical Specialist (MEAL) reports directly to Senior Project Officer (SPO) and works under the technical oversight of Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the FAO regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) and relevant technical units at FAO headquarters. Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative (FAOR) in Cambodia, and in close collaboration with FAO Representation team, governmental counterparts, and other technical specialists, the incumbent will carry out the tasks listed below.
Development and implement MEAL systems and conduct data collection and analysis to improve and enhance operational and programmatic performance of the PEARL project; develops analytical tools and reports to inform management and contribute to reducing and mitigating implementation risks by providing updated and real time performance analysis for the project. The Technical Specialist (MEAL) will:
Develop plan, tools and systems for the “Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) of the PEARL project;
Support the establishment of the project baseline;
Guide the project management unit (PMU) and operational partners in the implementation of the MEAL plan and build their capacity on data collection, analysis and reporting;
Contribute to the development of the project impact evaluation designs in close collaboration with FAO team and the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) of the GCF.
Support the planning and preparation of the project baseline survey, mid-term and terminal evaluations, and coordinate the data collections, assessments, beneficiary feedback and impact surveys;
Assist the FAO representation, Operations Specialist and LTO to monitor all project activities and progress towards achieving the project output;
Monitor and evaluate overall progress and the sustainability of the project results and prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual M&E reports for project and government counterparts, respectively;
Provide feedback to the Operational Partners and FAO on project strategies and activities on MEAL;
Suggest strategies to the Operational Partners and FAO for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
Support the development of tools and processes to support more effective collection, aggregating and analysis of project information to support enhanced MEAL activities under the project including Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) tools and digital knowledge management systems;
Conduct capacity assessment and assist project staff in applying MEAL tools;
Provide inputs, information and statistics for semi-annual and annual and other reports to draft the Project Implementation Reporting compliance with the donor requirements;
Systematically collect and review project activities to make sure that the activities are being implemented within the work plan and budget;
Participate in annual project reviews, project steering committee meetings, and planning workshops and assist the FAO Representative, LTO, in preparing relevant reports;
Develop/consolidate good practice and lessons learned for dissemination;
Assist the project staff in preparing relevant MEAL reports;
Conduct periodical field trips to the project sites;
Perform other tasks as required in order to deliver the above tasks.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following: Minimum Requirements:
University degree in Statistics, Management, Economics, Agricultural Development or related fields;
At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementation of MEAL in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN organizations/ Government. Experience from UN projects would be desirable;
Working knowledge (Level C) of Khmer and English is mandatory.
National of Cambodia
Technical/Functional Skills:
Demonstrated developmental work experience in programme planning, undertaking assessments, studies, surveys using quantitative and qualitative methods, reporting and knowledge management;
Experience with database development and management and statistical analysis;
Excellent writing and analytical skills;
Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and deliver assignments on time; and
Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.
