Back Assistant Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition.

The FAO Country Office in Bangladesh (FABGD) is responsible for leading FAO's response to country priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the country and, in collaboration with the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), Divisions, Offices and Centres at FAO Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to these priorities. Through its Country Programming Framework (CPF), the Country Office supports policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, at country level and facilitates the emergence of country partnerships and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Project Synopsis
The Diversified Resilient Agriculture for Improved Food and Nutrition Security (RAINS) project is funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), under the overall supervision of Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). The Project, focuses on improving food and nutrition security by promoting resilient, diversified agricultural practices among smallholder farmers. RAINS’ outreach is 420,000 beneficiaries located in in 14 districts of Bangladesh. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations provides Technical Assistance (TA) to the Ministry, aiming at supporting the government institutions in achieving the expected results of RAINS. 

The position is SC-7.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and technical supervision of the project LTO, FAO-TA Team Leader and under the direct supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation / Management Information System (M&E/MIS) Specialist. 

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the M&E/MIS Specialist and execute assigned tasks in timely and independent manner. The duties and responsibilities include the following:

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Assist the M&E/MIS Specialist in reviewing and updating the RAINS logframe.
•    Support the design and review of baseline, midline and endline surveys.
•    Perform data entry and data quality checks of different data sets.
•    Develop data collection tools using ODK and prepare dashboards.
•    Support the development of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management frameworks.
•    Support the digitalization of data collection processes and maintain consistency across different platforms.
•    Conduct needs assessments and design training plans for M&E teams on MIS use, data analysis and reporting.
•    Train and coach relevant field staff in mobile data collection tools and their integration with MIS.
•    Support the preparation of technical assessments, progress reports, and terminal reports, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
•    Provide ongoing technical support for the operation and maintenance of M&E systems tools.
•    Support field-based monitoring staff in planning and execution of their activities.
•    Actively participate in FAO Bangladesh’s internal learning processes and peer support mechanisms.
•    Contribute to developing communication materials, case studies, and success stories to enhance project visibility and knowledge dissemination.

Perform other duties (such as general correspondence, attendance at meetings, minutes of meetings, reports, follow-up, etc.) as required;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced University degree in Agricultural Economics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics or other related disciplines.   
•    At least seven years of relevant professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, database management, action research and reporting in an international development setting, preferably with a UN agency.
•    Working knowledge of English and Bengali. 
•    National of Bangladesh.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Knowledge and experience of working with agricultural and market development projects in Bangladesh is desirable. 
•    Large database management experience is a strong advantage. 
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bengali.
•    Willingness to work as a team member with multicultural and multidisciplinary team of experts.
•    Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives of the assignment work under pressure and meet deadlines.
•    Willing to undertake intensive field work in rural Bangladesh. 
•    Self-motivation, willingness to learn and a good work ethic.

Selection Criteria

•    Excellent IT skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office, GIS, Tableau/PowerBI, Kobo/ODK is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION