Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and other relevant partners are incepting the project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims at building climate resilience in vulnerable watersheds and communities through increasing climate resilience of watershed ecosystems, stabilizing productivity and farmers’ incomes and enhancing enabling environment. Total cost of the project is estimated at USD 53.2 million, which will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO and the Government of Malawi. The project will be implemented in 11 targeted districts in different regions in Malawi over a period of 6 years. Around 575,000 vulnerable people in rural communities will benefit from project interventions and more than 83,000 heIPOres of land will be restored through application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach.

Reporting Lines

The National M&E and GIS Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi, the direct supervision of the International Project Officer of EbAM project, and the technical guidance of the International M&E Officer; and work closely with the EbAM National Project Coordinator (NPC), other project team members and implementing partners.

Technical Focus

The National M&E and GIS Specialist will work on design and implementation of a monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning (MEAL) framework for the EbAM Project, with GIS-based information system.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Develop the MEAL framework and associated implementation manual, and facilitate their implementation for monitoring, evaluating and reporting: (a) technical/physical completion rate; (b) financial delivery rate; (c) achievement of targets of indicators in project results framework; and (d) compliance with the project schedule.
•    Collect and analyze quantitative data and qualitative information systematically, identify good practices, promote learning, measure progress and impacts, make suggestions for improvement, and inform in a timely manner for evidence-based decision-making.
•    Within the framework of the signed agreements and the documentation approved by the donor and FAO, propose improvements in the project’s indicator system, to optimize and contribute to the measurement of the impact/internal and external evaluations, as well as the co-benefits of the interventions.
•    Support the establishment and proper functioning of upstream (government, donors) and downstream (beneficiaries) reporting mechanisms, including all relevant project stakeholders.
•    Support the generation of timely and relevant information for meetings with the EbAM project team, the FAO Country Office, the Project Steering Committee, and the Project Technical Committee and relevant stakeholders.
•    Prepare and update, on a regular basis and in collaboration with the different specialists of the project coordination and implementation units, implementation progress and financial reports.
•    Generate key information that feeds national statistics on food and agriculture, integrated watershed management, vegetation or forest cover, and those linked to the SDGs monitored under FAO coordination and linked to the goals of the Project.
•    Provide technical support to the project’s field monitoring team and participate in relevant field monitoring and evaluation activities as required.
•    Survey, systematize and analyze good practices and make key recommendations to ensure sustainability, lessons learned, and ideas for future interventions.
•    Provide technical advice and services to the EbAM project team members and the FAO Country Office in the areas of database, GIS and information management system.
•    Support monitoring of execution of the contracts and agreements signed with project implementing partners.
•    Support preparation and implementation of EbAM internal and external evaluations and audits and assist implementation of relevant recommendations and lessons learned.
•    Follow-up with the outcomes from the technical missions of the International Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
•    Carry out any other tasks assigned by the IPO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in M&E, Spatial Analysis, Statistics, Agriculture Economics or any related fields.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation and spatial analysis.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Chichewa is mandatory
•    National of Malawi

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent and relevance of experience in working on senior-level positions in project M&E.
•    Experience in preparing and implementing complex M&E systems for climate change related projects.
•    Knowledge and experience in GIS technologies and GIS-based data and information management, especially geo-spatial skills in areas of agriculture, watershed and nature resources management and climate change.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and donors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION