The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will be responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) programme of the FAO Afghanistan programme. S/he will provide leadership and oversight for FAO Afghanistan’s monitoring, evaluation, and accountability systems. The incumbent will ensure the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data across the country programme, with particular emphasis on compliance with donor requirements, accountability to affected populations, and adaptive programme management.
Responsibilities:
Lead the development and implementation of a country-wide MEAL framework and strategy, ensuring harmonized methodologies and tools across all projects.
Ensure compliance with donor requirements for monitoring, reporting and accountability, producing high-quality data for donor reporting and audits.
Oversee routine monitoring and data collection systems (field monitoring, third-party monitoring, remote sensing and digital tools), ensuring quality, consistency and credibility.
Lead the institutionalization of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) mechanisms, including feedback and complaints channels.
Produce regular dashboards, monitoring briefs and outcome reports to inform programme management and adaptive decision-making.
Ensure systematic linkages between project monitoring data and corporate reporting systems (including FAO OER frameworks).
Manage and mentor the MEAL team, building staff capacity in monitoring, evaluation and digital data collection.
Coordinate with the Learning Specialist to facilitate learning initiatives through after-action reviews, monitoring reflections and adaptive management processes.
Represent FAO in inter-agency monitoring and accountability fora at country level.
Supervise the team of national affiliate workforce in the country.
Participate in selection processes as may be required.
Any other tasks that may be assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in in Economics, Statistics, Rural Development, Social Sciences or closely related technical field.
Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in coordinating and implementing MEAL activities related to food security and/or agriculture programmes.
