The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist to support its ongoing initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with a global leader in agricultural innovation, data-driven programming, and evidence-based policy development.
About FAO
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure food security for all. The organization’s mission is to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance rural livelihoods, and strengthen global partnerships to build resilient food systems. Through its technical expertise and field presence, FAO works with governments, civil society, and private-sector partners to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Position Overview
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring that FAO’s projects and programs are implemented effectively and produce measurable results. The role involves developing robust M&E systems, coordinating data collection and analysis, and generating insights to guide strategic decision-making. The specialist will collaborate closely with program managers, field officers, and partner organizations to enhance accountability, transparency, and learning across all FAO initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop M&E Frameworks: Design and implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks in line with FAO’s strategic objectives and project goals.
- Data Management: Establish reliable systems for data collection, verification, and analysis to measure progress against key performance indicators.
- Performance Evaluation: Conduct mid-term and final evaluations of projects to assess efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, and impact.
- Reporting and Communication: Prepare detailed progress reports, analytical briefs, and data dashboards to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
- Capacity Building: Provide technical assistance and training to national partners and project teams on M&E methodologies, data tools, and best practices.
- Learning and Adaptation: Identify lessons learned, document best practices, and make recommendations to strengthen program design and implementation.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Work with government agencies, donors, and partner organizations to harmonize data systems and promote coordinated evaluation approaches.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Agriculture, Economics, Statistics, or a related discipline.
- Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably in international development, humanitarian aid, or agricultural projects.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrated ability to design and operationalize M&E systems, develop indicators, and manage data collection and analysis using modern tools and methodologies.
- Analytical Proficiency: Strong command of statistical software such as SPSS, R, STATA, or Excel, with the ability to visualize and interpret complex datasets.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to translate data into actionable insights and concise reports.
- Teamwork: Proven ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language, such as French or Spanish, is considered an asset.
- Values: Commitment to FAO’s core principles of integrity, professionalism, inclusion, and accountability.
Why Join FAO
Working at FAO means joining a diverse and dedicated team committed to transforming the world’s food systems and improving lives. The organization provides a collaborative and inclusive environment where employees are empowered to innovate and contribute to meaningful change. FAO also offers professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a strong focus on work-life balance.
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter highlighting relevant achievements and motivation, and contact information for professional references. Applications should be submitted through FAO’s official recruitment system before the indicated deadline.
FAO is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Women and candidates from underrepresented regions are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.
Deadline: 8th November, 2025
