Organizational Setting
FAO is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which leads the international effort for a world free of hunger and malnutrition in which food and agriculture contribute to improving the living standards of all its inhabitants, especially the poorest, in an economically sustainable way. social and environmental. We work to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and its global goals by fostering sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems for better production, nutrition, environment and life.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works in Colombia to support the country in eradicating hunger, malnutrition, and rural poverty. It works alongside the national government, local authorities, and other partners to develop public policies, programs, and projects focused on sustainable agri-food systems, food and nutrition security, inclusive rural development, and the sustainable management of natural resources, with a territorial, gender-sensitive, and differentiated approach.
The project “Strengthening Climate Change Resilience through the Adoption of Agroforestry and Sustainable Forest Management Models in Colombia” is being implemented by the FAO in collaboration with Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Government of Putumayo, the municipal governments of the targeted municipalities, local institutions, and pepper producer organizations. The project is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The project aims to develop a sustainable production model for pepper and other crops that promote diversification while conserving forests, water, soil, and the overall ecosystem. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen income-generation opportunities for farming families. This approach recognizes the department of Putumayo as a strategic territory due to its rich biodiversity, positioning it as an environmental heritage area and key element of Colombia’s national sovereignty. Furthermore, the project promotes an integrated model that balances productive development with environmental sustainability.
In addition, the project focuses on promoting productive alternatives with improved market access to ensure stable incomes for farming families. This represents an important challenge in a department such as Putumayo, which has been affected by illicit crops cultivation, an issue that not only degrades ecosystems but also undermines the foundations of peacebuilding in the territory.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is the official grant aid implementing agency of the government of the Republic of Korea, established in 1991. KOICA is responsible for delivering Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development in partner countries. Through technical cooperation, capacity development, and knowledge transfer initiatives, KOICA supports sectors such as climate change, agriculture, health, education, and public administration, in alignment with global development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Reporting Lines
Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Colombia, the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and in close coordination with the Project Manager and senior specialists in the areas of natural resources, family farming, and risk management.
Technical focus
The Technical Process Specialist in Monitoring and Evaluation is responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of activities that promote the sustainable development of pepper cultivation and agroforestry systems. The position will work closely with the project team to strengthen forest governance, support ecosystem restoration, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources, thereby contributing to the achievement of the project’s outcomes under the strategy “More Forests, More Sustainable Production.”
Additionally, the role will be key in ensuring effective communication and articulation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the implementation of the project “Strengthening Climate Change Resilience through the Adoption of Agroforestry and Sustainable Forest Management Models in Colombia.”
Tasks and responsibilities
• Design a knowledge management strategy within the framework of the implementation of the project “Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change through the Adoption of an Agroforestry and Sustainable Forest Management Model in Colombia.”
• Support the monitoring of compliance with results and impact indicators within the framework of the knowledge management strategy, maintaining consistency and feasibility with the Logical Framework, the Operational Plan, and the project objectives.
• Provide support for organizing and processing the information produced by the project in its Korean version.
• Process the necessary information as input for the indicators established in the project framework and their alignment with the goals of the Korea International Cooperation Agency KOICA country program and the FAO country program framework.
• Submit a detailed work plan, in FAO format, specifying the tasks to be performed and the means of verification to be used, in accordance with the expected results
• Assist in the design and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project “Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change through the Adoption of an Agroforestry and Sustainable Forest Management Model in Colombia,” funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
• Support the use of the tools and instruments necessary to carry out the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project “Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change through the Adoption of Agroforestry and Sustainable Forest Management Models in Colombia.”
• Oversee information gathering efforts by project technical staff, as defined in the respective monitoring and evaluation plan and knowledge management strategy.
• Identify the impact of the project on related country strategies within the implementation framework.
• Analyze the information prepared for each of the results and deliverables (baseline, progress assessment survey, etc.) to incorporate it into the knowledge management strategy.
• Share the monitoring and evaluation plan and knowledge management strategy for the project “Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change through the Adoption of Agroforestry and Sustainable Forest Management Models in Colombia” with all relevant teams.
• Prepare and submit regular Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual) based on project performance indicators, ensuring alignment with both FAO and KOICA reporting requirements. Provide monthly inputs to the FPMIS (Field Program Management Information System) and the Country Office information system (databases, alignment matrix, AOP progress, reporting matrix, Gannt, means of verification, etc.), to systematically and continuously monitor the activities carried out, as well as the outcomes and results of the various project outputs.
• Participate in and support the preparation of KOICA’s monthly coordination meetings, including consolidating reports and following up on agreed actions.
• Support the final process of structuring and cleaning all information generated by the project, using the necessary formats and applications.
• Support the preparation of progress reports to be issued to resource partners, as well as the corresponding annual and final reports.
• Promote and disseminate good gender practices in accordance with FAO's gender equality policy.
• Keep all information confidential that is handled in connection with the program, its processes, or its activities, as well as information about the organization that is collected under this contract. The incumbent must protect the information to which they have access and prevent its destruction or misuse. Similarly, giving access to or showing files, documents, or archives to unauthorized persons is prohibited.
• Support the project evaluation process by sending updated information and generating inputs for the evaluation.
• Actively participate in Country Office Monitoring Group meetings.
• Lead technical communication with the donor agency by preparing materials for and participating in regular/ad-hoc coordination meetings between FAO and KOICA, including the drafting of official minutes and action points.
• Provide support for organizing lessons learned and best practices from the project.
• Conduct compliance visits to assigned project areas to review project progress and performance, gathering information necessary for the knowledge management strategy.
• Facilitate communication between the FAO Office in Colombia and the KOICA Colombia Office to coordinate joint actions during the implementation of the project on knowledge management.
• Support the management and planning of field visits in coordination with FAO and KOICA, ensuring that all missions are carried out in accordance with institutional guidelines, operating procedures, and project objectives.
• Consultants must consult, study, and familiarize themselves with the PROTOCOL FOR REPORTING CASES OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE IN COMMUNITIES (provided by Human Resources) and immediately report any cases they become aware of in accordance with this protocol. FAO has zero tolerance for any practice of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Promote the development and dissemination of good practices in gender matters in accordance with FAO's gender equality policy.
• Perform any other work related to the assigned subject matter that may be required by the project Coordinator, and that is consistent with the nature of the position.
• Complete the transfer report promptly upon leaving the organization and, if you perform supervisory duties, oversee the proper transfer of responsibilities by the staff under your supervision.
CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Minimum requirements
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in systems engineering; industrial engineering; agro-industrial engineering; agricultural sciences; economics, administration, or related disciplines. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in rural development program/project operations and evaluations and KOICA-funded projects.
• Working knowledge of Korean (level C) and Spanish (level C)
FAO's core competencies
• Results-based approach
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement
Technical/functional skills
• Proven experience in developing professional M&E reports and technical documents in both Korean and English, with a deep understanding of Official Development Assistance (ODA) result frameworks (Logical Frameworks).
• Ability to analyze project monitoring issues.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills.
• Experience in drafting and presenting follow-up reports.
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to organize and plan tasks.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team, good interpersonal skills, and strong strategic communication and facilitation skills to effectively manage relationships and coordinate high-level meetings with donor agencies (KOICA) and relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel and/or programs for information analysis.
• Communication and knowledge transfer skills.
• Ability to exercise the utmost discretion regarding United Nations documents, information, and materials at all times.
• Ability to maintain a cordial, respectful, and cooperative attitude toward all individuals and organizations with whom you interact
• Ability to act with extreme discretion at all times with regard to United Nations documents, information and materials.
• Permanent attitude and behavior of cordiality, composure, respect and collaboration with all people and organizations with whom they interact.
Selection criteria
• Prior experience with KOICA-funded projects or a strong understanding of KOICA’s Project Management Regulations and ODA evaluation criteria will be valued.
• Knowledge and proficiency in English is considered an asset
• Korean language knowledge is an essential requirement for the duties of the position, ongoing communication with donor agencies, and drafting/reviewing/reporting documents in Korea