Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

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