National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist

Organizational Setting

At the country level, the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Viet Nam has been serving as the basis for FAO’s works in Viet Nam for the period of 2022-2026. Climate Change Response, Disaster Resilience and Environmental Sustainability is one of the four FAO strategic priorities under the CPF. The Country Office (CO), with technical support from RAP GEF team, has successfully mobilized significant resources from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to address the issues related to water resources management, fisheries and aquaculture, environment, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration in Viet Nam.

The assignment will cover 3 ongoing and 1 pipeline GEF projects managed by FAO Viet Nam. 

• “Integrated Sustainable Landscape Management in The Mekong Delta of Vietnam”
• “Enhancing Water Security, Biodiversity and Resilience of Livelihoods through Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem Restoration in Viet Nam’s Red River Basin”
• “Enhancing water management and compliance to address hypoxia caused by nutrients, and other pollutants, into the Gulf of Tonkin (Vietnam)”
• “Supporting sustainable fisheries development through the promotion of initiatives, environmentally-friendly technologies and climate adaptation”

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in Viet Nam.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the formulation of the Project Document for GEF as well as support the implementation of ongoing GEF projects of FAO Viet Nam within the area of expertise of the position.

Under the overall administrative supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in Viet Nam, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) from RAP, and in collaboration with FAO GEF specialists and the entire PPG team, the National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist will be responsible for generating and collating information to inform the technical content, structure and implementation approach of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist will support the GEF Design Expert and the GEF project specialists by carrying out the following tasks:

For Ongoing projects

MEL strategy and framework

• Support the relevant technical specialists in overseeing the Operational Partners’ implementation of the MEL frameworks according to the Project Document;
• Provide regular training and support to the Operational Partners on the formulation of the MEL Frameworks of the projects, especially monitoring plans for piloting studies.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Collaborate with internal project experts to contribute to the design and implementation of annual work plan and performance indicators specific to project initiatives;
• Monitor and collect information on the implementation of the aforementioned M&E framework for the preparation of the Project Progress Report (PPR), twice a year, and the Project Implementation Review (PIR), once a year;
• Update the project risk management plans if new risks are identified;
• Support the drafting of essential reports for project steering committees and other stakeholders where required;
• Participate in field trips when required, conduct assessments, impact evaluations, and other research studies including secondary analysis of existing data to capture project outcomes;
• Provide data as required for independent evaluations and ensure findings from the evaluations are incorporated into project interventions as appropriate.

Learning & Knowledge Management

• Provide regular training to the project team and Operational Partners where appropriate;
• Work closely with project experts to identify challenges, consolidate good practices and lessons learned for wider dissemination, ensuring relevant findings are shared with project components and management in appropriate formats;
• Prepare comprehensive documents and reports that highlight project achievements, good practices, and lessons learned;
• Ensure all materials and reports related to MEL are properly filed and accessible for future reference

For Pipeline project

• Support the technical team in the formulation of the M&E Framework and Knowledge Management and Communication section of the ProDoc;
• Attend consultation workshops; take note of the relevant MEL feedback and incorporate into the ProDoc;
• Support the technical team in costing MEL activities to support project budgeting.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

• University degree (Bachelor or Master) in Monitoring and Evaluation, Research, Social Sciences, or related field or related field;
• At least 7 years of progressively relevant experience in mornitoring and evaluation, project management, data analysis, and reporting for development projects, preferably involving GEF or other internationally funded projects.;
• Working knowledge in English and Vietnamese;
• National of Viet Nam or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Previous experience working with UN agency and on GEF projects or other international donors’ projects on relevant technical areas preferred;
• Knowledge and understanding of FAO and GEF’s requirements on MEL is a plus;
• Good command of computer skills (MS Office package), data processing and analysis software
• Relevant experience in working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations;
• Experience in working with partners in Viet Nam at all levels (Ministries, provinces, private sectors, etc.);
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner;
• Experience in design and implementation of research and evaluations, including experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis;
• Experience in gender equity and social inclusion principles in project design and implementation;
• Familiarity with IWRM, Ecosystem restoration, water quality, aquaculture and fisheries or relevant areas of expertise is desirable;
• Proven ability to deliver quality outputs working under tight deadlines.