Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist
Duration: 6 months contract with possible extension
Organizational Setting
FAO/GCF "Carbon Sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic (CS-FOR)" project was approved by the GCF Board in November 2019 and became effective in October 2022 after national ratification.
The project supports the country’s NDC commitment to cut emissions by 15.97% by 2030 by increasing carbon sequestration in forests and rangelands. The project aims to contribute to the development of a low carbon-emission and climate resilient economy, while capitalizing important co-benefits from adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The project will lead to the sequestration of 19.8 million tCO2eq in 20 years. These reductions represent 7.6 percent of the country’s total emissions, and 22.6 percent of the agricultural share of emissions.
The objective of the project is to increase carbon sequestration through supporting climate investments in forests and rangelands and through reducing drivers of degradation and emissions via institutional support, participatory ecosystem-based sustainable management of natural resources and green growth investments.
FAO serves as the Accredited and Executing Entity, working with national partners, including Forestry Service under the Ministry of Emergency Situation (MES) of the Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Kyrgyz Development Fund (RKDF) and Community Development and Investment Agency (ARIS), to implement activities in four districts across Jalal‑Abad, Osh, and Naryn regions.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR), direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), and the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), with methodological guidance from the M&E Officer, and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator (NPC), as well as in close cooperation with project teams and Operational Partners.
Technical Focus
The M&E Specialist is expected to support the project team in timely and efficient monitoring and evaluation over implementation of project activities for timely decision-making for evidence-based project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Tasks and responsibilities
• In coordination with the project team, support the implementation of the CS-FOR Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework and Project M&E Plan in line with FAO and GCF requirements.
• Support maintaining the evidence-based, georeferenced, and gender-responsive M&E system.
• Support the implementation of the Monitoring and Tracking System, including indicator tracking tables, LoPs, MoVs, databases, and supporting documentation and maintaining project databases.
• Support the collection, verification, analysis, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative project field data against approved indicators, targets, and work plans.
• Verify reported outputs and outcomes through ground-truthing and direct field observation.
• Collect, verify, and maintain georeferenced field data, GPS points, photos, and monitoring records.
• Support the implementation of the annual and quarterly field monitoring plans.
• Support the regular field monitoring missions and site visits to verify progress, results, indicators, and reported achievements.
• Support the organization, in cooperation with the project team, of district and national consultations, workshops, and technical discussions on M&E, GIS, and natural resource management.
• Support development, monitoring, and evaluation of INRMCRPs.
• In guidance of project team, support tracking the implementation progress, identify risks, delays, and bottlenecks.
• Support preparation of Annual Work Plans based on monitoring findings.
• Support monitoring the implementation of the Annual Work Plans.
• Prepare field monitoring reports and follow up on recommendations.
• Support preparation of MYRs, APRs, evaluation reports, and donor reports.
• Provide regular progress updates to NPC, CTA, LTO, and FAO management.
• Facilitate preparatory activities for the Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE), including evidence compilation and indicator verification.
• Ensure compliance with FAO procedures, GCF requirements, and safeguards.
• Perform any other project-related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in monitoring and evaluation, forestry, natural resource management, or related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Working knowledge of Russian and Kyrgyz (level C).
• National of Kyrgyzstan 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 Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in conducting or contributing to complex thematic, programme, portfolio, or project monitoring and evaluations.
• Ability to synthesize evidence and prepare clear, balanced and evidence-based reports.
• Knowledge of FAO and experience with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting is an asset.
• Good analytical and writing skills
• Good communication and advocacy skills
• Previous working experience with UN or international organizations in similar positions will be an added advantage
• Use of statistical software for data analysis (such as R, STATA, SPSS), or other tools considered to be an asset
Selection criteria
• Knowledge of English will be considered as an asset,