Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the Government of Angola in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, natural resource management and rural development.

FAO Angola implements a diverse portfolio of programmes funded through TCP, GEF, GCF, the European Union, the World Bank, bilateral donors, the UN Joint SDG Fund and other financing mechanisms. These interventions contribute directly to the implementation of the Government's National Development Plan (Plano de Desenvolvimento Nacional), the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Agenda 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063.

The increasing complexity of the programme portfolio requires strengthened monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems to ensure evidence-based decision-making, quality implementation, adaptive management, and accountability to beneficiaries and development partners.

This ToR reflects FAO's current emphasis on results-based management, evidence generation, accountability to beneficiaries, high-quality data systems, learning, and support to donor and corporate reporting.

The MEAL Officer will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning systems across FAO Angola's programme portfolio, ensuring alignment with FAO corporate standards, donor requirements, the CPF Results Framework, the UNSDCF Monitoring Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The incumbent will promote a culture of evidence, results-based management and continuous learning throughout the Country Office.

This position supports FRANG's capacity for programme/project budget planning, delivery monitoring, and donor financial reporting, contributing to the compliant and effective implementation of FAO Angola's project portfolio.

Reporting Lines

The MEL specialist will work under the overall supervision and responsibility of the FAO Representatives, the functional supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme, the technical supervision of the RAF M&E Officer, and in close collaboration with technical and programme leads, as well as relevant national counterparts.

Technical Focus

The MEL specialist/s will be responsible for generating and disseminating quality evidence on results achieved through the assigned project/s, to support adaptive programming, accountability and learning.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support project planning and ensure integration of MEL requirements from the design phase.

• Develop the project results chain, log frame and theory of change in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure alignment of project results and indicators with the CPF results matrix and indicators, as well as with corporate PPAs and the overall FAO Strategic Framework.

• Develop the project MEL plan and MEL budget.

• Develop reference materials on project key performance indicators, data collection and analysis tools.

• Maintain and update project monitoring database.

• Orient and train stakeholders on monitoring data and reporting requirements.

• Collect and analyze data on project performance against key performance indicators.

• Support progress and final reporting by providing relevant and quality assured M&E data.

• Design subject matter surveys and/or assessments in line with project performance indicators.

• Produce and disseminate knowledge products based on monitoring data (in collaboration with knowledge management and communication specialists, where in place).

• Organize learning events based on project monitoring findings.

• Compile and escalate project performance issues arising from monitoring findings for immediate redress to PTF’s attention.

• Based on the findings from monitoring, compile and disseminate lessons learned to enhance implementation and adaptive learning.

• Provide relevant support to project mid-term and/or terminal evaluations (if envisaged).

• Provide backstopping on the effective use of tools and methodologies for monitoring, evaluation and learning.

• Knowledge of DIEM (Data in Emergencies) methodologies would be an asset for emergency and resilience projects.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (or a bachelor's degree with relevant experience) in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Development, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably within FAO, another UN agency, or an international development organization.

• National of Angola

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in Angola or Southern Africa is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated experience in agriculture, food systems, forestry, fisheries, climate resilience or rural development programmes is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)

Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted

Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at

For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website:

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.