Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country office, which is headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist the 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.

FAO Iraq is implementing and planning a number of projects aimed at strengthening the resilience and socio-economic cohesion amongst the vulnerable host communities in rural areas through support to agricultural livelihoods and access to employment in the agri-food sector.

The position is located in Karbala, Iraq.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and the direct supervision and technical guidance of International Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and in close collaboration with technical officers, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will monitor and evaluate the implementation of all FAO projects in Iraq, as well as contribute to the accountability and learning agenda.

Technical Focus 

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects; review relevant documents and reports; identify priorities, liaise with relevant parties; identify follow-up actions.
•    Prepare various written outputs, e.g.

background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
•    Contribute to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
•    Participate in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
•    Conduct field missions for monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects.
•    Identify data collection methodologies, frequency, responsibilities for indicators and ensure timely update of progress for indicators.
•    Design and conduct surveys to collect baseline data for indicators and targets and develop reporting guidelines and tools in accordance with FAO requirements.
•    Contribute to the development of Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) for new projects, with clear expected results to be achieved by the FAO technical and advisory assistance at each level, upload the LFMs into the FAO Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS), and design surveys to collect relevant baseline data to measure programme and projects targets and results.
•    Assist in preparation of quarterly and semi-annual project progress reports and identify lessons learnt, constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions and present recommendations for improving the performance.
•    Assist in preparation of the final report of work and drafting of project terminal report in accordance with the FAO standard format and in consultation with stakeholders.
•    Assist in developing and dissemination of information and knowledge products for programme monitoring and reportingthe logical framework.
•    Design learning strategy for new projects and ensure continuous data collection for new and ongoing projects for learning purposes.
•    Design, introduce and implement adaptive management to improve programme and projects delivery based on monitoring, evaluation and learning findings.

•    Perform other related duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Rural Agricultural Development or related field.
•    At least five years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme monitoring and evaluation and the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems including experience in preparing logical frameworks, results-based work plans and budgets.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic (oral and written) is required.
•    Iraqi Nationality

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
•    Hands-on experience and proven records of monitoring complex programmes and/or projects, and coordination with different stakeholders.
•    Demonstrated work experience and skills in project management including familiarity with the development of results frameworks, logical framework, and results-based project work plans and budget.
•    Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
•    Strong skills in organizing and leading consultative processes involving various stakeholders.
•    Excellent communication and presentation skills and experience working in multicultural environment.
•    Good communication, writing and presentation skills in English and Arabic.
•    Knowledge of FAO’s core mandated areas an advantage.

Selection Criteria 

•    Ability to work within a team of professional staff from diverse technical and cultural backgrounds.
•    Ability to plan and meet deadlines.
•    Teamwork spirit, ability to work under minimum supervision, flexibility.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION