Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO supports the Government of Jamaica through its FAO Jamaica Country Office (FAOJM) in advancing climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable rural communities and smallholder farmers to climate change and climate-related shocks.

Following the approval of the Funding Proposal (FP299) by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO together with Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) will implement  the project “ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica” in response to a request from the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change (MWECC), acting as National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF. Implementation will be carried out in partnership with national institutions, and in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and applicable donor requirements.

The project is organized around four interrelated components: 
•     Building capacity in climate-resilient agricultural production and post-harvest systems, 
•     Accelerating climate adaptation of vulnerable smallholder farmers, 
•     strengthening climate information services and early warning systems for agriculture, and 
•     mobilizing finance, policy and business support for agricultural resilience.

For more information about the project, please review: FP299: ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica | Green Climate Fund

Reporting Lines

The National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Technical Officer designated as Project Manager, and under the overall supervision of FAO Representative (FAOR) in Jamaica and the Assistant FAO Representative Programme (AFAOR Programme).

Technical guidance would be provided by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) assigned by FAO. The incumbent would work in close collaboration with relevant FAO technical staff and national counterpart institutions, as appropriate, in accordance with FAO rules and procedures.

Technical Focus

The National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and operating the Project Monitoring System, aligned with GCF and FAO guidelines, and the ADAPT Jamaica logical framework and M&E Plan).

Their work is essential to ensure that timely, reliable, and quality data is generated on progress towards project outputs, outcomes, and indicators, enabling informed decision-making, accountability, and adaptive improvement. In addition, it will facilitate data verification, support compliance and alignment with Jamaica’s national climate resilience and agricultural development strategies, and the reporting requirements of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), ensuring that progress is tracked against established outcomes and impact indicators. Its role is key to creating an environment of continuous learning, ensuring that the project not only meets its goals, but also generates valuable knowledge for internal decision making, mid-term and end evaluation and national stakeholders.  

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will work within the FAOJM Project Management Unit (PMU), operating under FAO rules and procedures, and will coordinate closely with implementing partners through regular technical meetings and joint planning sessions. The responsibilities of the National M&E Specialist include:

•     Develop and implement a monitoring system and tools, as well as monitoring and reporting instruments on technical/physical execution level; financial management; level of compliance with the indicators; Compliance with the project schedule.
•     Ensure integration of the monitoring system with the donor reporting requirements and FAO systems (FPMIS) as well as corporative reporting requirements (FAO CPF, UNSDCF).
•     Assist in the preparation of Annual Work Plans and Budgets for review and approval, providing annual planning tools and guidance.
•     Support the establishment of the baseline data and the coordination for mid-term and final evaluations in line with FAO and GCF requirements, as well as the respective follow-up on recommendations. 
•     Assist in the adjustment of project results indicators, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). 
•     Be responsible for day-to-day monitoring of project activities, results and risks, ensuring that budgets and work plans are on track and monitor project progress. 
•     Monitor adherence to environmental, social and fiduciary safeguards, including monitor implementation of the Project’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Gender Action Plan (GAP). 
•     Monitor indicators to assess results at outcome, output and activity levels.
•     Draft technical and financial reports as needed, supporting project management decisions and allocation of resources and activities by monitoring the progress of implementation of activities and achievement of targets.
•     Contribute to mid-term and final evaluations through evidence preparation, data analysis, and technical inputs.
•     Identify and report bottlenecks and implementation challenges, relevant on project level, to the Project Management.
•     Prepare budget revisions and extensions if needed.
•     Ensure compliance with GCF/FAO reporting calendars: APRs, semi-annual/annual reports and inputs to mid-term and final evaluations; keep corporate systems (e.g. FPMIS) updated. 
•     Attend PMU and Steering Committee (PSC) meetings, providing M&E analysis for strategic decision-making

Knowledge management: The incumbent will establish and maintain a Knowledge Management (KM) component to ensure systematic capture, organization, and use of all information generated through M&E activities. Responsibilities include: 

•     Maintaining a structured repository for data, evidence, and documentation. 
•     Capturing and summarizing lessons learned, good practices, and emerging results. 
•     Producing concise knowledge products (briefs, notes, success stories) in coordination with the Communication Specialist. 
•     Ensuring KM inputs inform PMU and Steering Committee decision-making. 
•     Ensuring KM products meet corporate standards and support replication and scaling.

•     Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Project Management Development Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Agriculture, Fisheries, Social Sciences or another related field. 
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in project monitoring, preferably in agriculture, climate resilience, or rural development projects. 
•     Working knowledge of English (level C). 
•     National of Jamaica.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Proven experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks and tools. 
•     Proven experience in data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder engagement. 
•     Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, or Stata). 
•     Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills. 
•     Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster strategic partnerships. 
•     Knowledge of modern data management systems and digital platforms. 
•     Capacity to generate evidence-based recommendations and support decision-making. 
•     Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and deliver results under pressure.

Selection Criteria

•     The evaluation of candidates may include an assessment exercise or written technical test, followed by a competency-based interview and a final presentation test.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION