Position: National Specialist: Monitoring and Evaluation and Progress Reporting Specialist Background: Winrock International is recruiting a National Specialist: Monitoring and Evaluation and Progress Reporting Specialist for an Asian Development Bank (ADB) opportunity in Laos focused on Sustainable Agrifood systems. The project will contribute to food security and nutrition improved, and agricultural value addition increased in a climate resilient and gender-responsive manner in Lao PDR. This position will be a part-time consultancy that will require a commitment of 24 person months over a 5-year period. Location: Laos Major Responsibilities: This national specialist will provide support for the two implementing agencies of MOIC’s DOSMEP and BOD of BOL to monitor the performance of project activities in achieving their impact towards project objectives. Under the guidance of DOSMEP’s PMU Manager, ISC shall establish and maintain a digital project monitoring and evaluation system that can report on implementation progress and monitor the indicators presented in the design and monitoring framework for the project and the project financing requirements; Develop a MEL plan outlining the MEL objectives, approaches and main methodologies used to monitor and report on progress and midterm and project completion reporting; Conduct a baseline survey, gathering data to create a baseline for all outcome level indicators and relevant output indicators, ensuring alignment with methodologies and approaches required by project financing partners; Ensure that all indicators identified and reported are gender disaggregated and incorporate climate risk and resilience considerations; Based on the system developed, produce quarterly reports on implementation process identifying areas where attention is needed to resolve implementation bottlenecks; In cooperation with the PMU project staff, use the project data base of PFI borrowing activities (digital data collected through smart phones) to identify candidates for a baseline survey to be used to assess overall project impact upon project completion; Develop capacities of PIU staff (and consultants) in monitoring and evaluation including data collection and analysis; In consultation with the ISC Team Leader, develop a monitoring mechanism that can report on the impact of the three areas supported by the project – (a) credit, (b) rural infrastructure, and (c) technical support services that can be used to guide future project design efforts; (ix) Generate reports as outlined in the loan and grant agreements for consideration by the government and ADB; and Other tasks as instructed by the PMU Manager. Qualifications Education: She/he will have tertiary qualifications from a recognized educational institution gained in Lao PDR or the equivalent from an internationally recognized tertiary institution at least of bachelor level majoring in either economics, business administration or similar disciplines. Experience: Experience with and participation in bi-laterally or multi-laterally financed projects will be an advantage as will be familiarity with the various methods of recording project achievements such as the design and monitoring framework. Familiar with the requirements of the international development agencies requirements in financial intermediary designed projects. Experience working in LAO PDR preferred Experience working with ADB preferred. Experience working in ASEAN countries – particularly in Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia considered as an advantage Computer Skills: Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced proficiency in Excel is preferred. Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form. Language: Fluent in English (written and spoken), Thai or Lao language skills (preferred) Physical Demands: This position may require regional travel This position is based on-going donor funding. Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal treatment for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation