General
Description of assignment title: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Assignment country: Cambodia
Expected start date: 04/01/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 2. Zero hunger
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
Host entity: FAO KHM
Type: Onsite
Duration: 9 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Phnom-Penh
Details
Mission and objectives
FAO Office was opened in Cambodia in 1979 as the Liaison Office and full Representation Office was opened in Phnom Penh in 1994. Since 1979, the FAO Representation in Cambodia has contributed both emergency and technical assistance to the Royal Government of Cambodia in many areas including agricultural productivity, diversification, irrigation, animal production and health, fisheries, technical information management and statistics, food security, consumer protection and food safety, promotion of access to new markets, forestry, environment, climate change, Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) and small-scale agro-industry.
Context
Under the current Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2019-2023, the FAO Representation in Cambodia works closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia and in collaboration with development partners towards three priority outcomes: 1. Enhanced agricultural productivity, diversification and commercialization, and safe and nutrition‐sensitive food systems for poverty reduction and food and nutrition security. 2. Equitable and sustainable management of natural resources, and climate change adaptation and mitigation 3. Reduction of vulnerability and improved resilience to shocks at national, community and household level FAO Cambodia employs 112 staff and its portfolio comprises over 40 active projects with a total budget of approximately USD 45million (as of December 2022). The UNV will support the country office in developing and implementing a comprehensive MEAL framework. He/she will be engaging with all projects closely, providing guidance and assistance on their own MEAL frameworks and is expected to travel to field locations on a regular basis. MEAL Monitoring is the continuous and systematic collection and analysis of data about project progress and changes in the project context. Evaluation is the user-focused assessment of an ongoing or completed project’s design, implementation and results. Accountability is a commitment to respond to and balance the needs of all project stakeholders (including beneficiaries, donors, partners and the organization itself). Learning is about embedding processes for internal reflection – using data and raising questions to make smarter project decisions.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of FAO Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will:
- Designs and implements MEAL frameworks for the Country Office, programmes, and operations.
- Provides advice and guidance to project teams (including all Operational Partners) on issues relating to MEAL, and develops the necessary frameworks when necessary.
- Applies rigorous analytic thinking in the analysis of data collected (qualitative and quantitative) and the preparation of reports and other materials for dissemination.
- Presents findings, conclusions and recommendations to relevant audiences.
- Liaises and collaborates with all units of the Country Office to promote results-based and evaluation culture, and enhanced learning.
- Keeps abreast of methodological developments in MEAL.
- Participates actively and productively in multidisciplinary evaluation teams, with internal and external partners.
- Contribute to Reports and Evaluations as required.
- Performs other duties as required. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs
- A draft plan (with timelines, sources, etc,) and a framework for monitoring FAO Cambodia’s 6 programme areas
- A draft template monitoring framework for projects
- Contributions to the regular UNSDCF, and country office reports
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
5 years of experience in M&E, international development, community development, or journalism, or other relevant programmes; experience working with the UN or other international development organization is an asset; Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of M&E; Extent and relevance of technical expertise in conducting MEAL; Proven ability to deliver clear and concise reports and presentations; Work experience in fields related to FAO’s mission is highly desirable (such as agriculture, nutrition, emergency and resilience and others); Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in food, agriculture, environmental restoration and eliminating food insecurity and rural poverty and the use of volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Khmer, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in social science field (such as economics, sociology, or psychology) or evaluation.
Competencies and values
- Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to FAO technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to FAO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
- Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and FAO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
- Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
- Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
- Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
- Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
- Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
- Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards FAO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The climate of Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal and is characterized by heat and humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the hot, dry season from November until April. Houses and apartments are available to suit most budgets and preferences. House hunting is not difficult in Phnom Penh. The usual means of locating suitable accommodation is through estate agents/realtors. International UN Volunteers are required to follow the UN residential security requirements as per the local MORSS when choosing their accommodation. There are few taxi operators in Phnom Penh, so for daily transportation the cheapest, fastest and most frequent mode of travel is by a tuk-tuk (a motor-powered rickshaw). Some UN volunteers chose to purchase their own mode of transportation, be it a car, a motorbike or a pushbike. They are strictly recommended by UN security to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when traveling on motorbikes, tuk-tuk or bicycling. In terms of health, beside COVID-19 common diseases in Cambodia are those which exist in other tropical countries like diarrhoea, malaria, dengue and HIV/AIDS. Most of the serious cases have been reported contracted in hilly, rural and densely forested areas. City dwellers like in Phnom Penh can also be at risk due to poor disposal of waste. Generally in cities, people use purified water for drinking and cooking. The recommended vaccinations are those against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis. While medical facilities in Cambodia are sufficient for the treatment of most routine ailments and minor accidents, illnesses and accidents of more serious nature require medical evacuation, usually to Bangkok or Singapore. Cambodia is a unique country and FAO in Cambodia had a bold and transformative agenda that would be a great fit for an innovative change maker. Cambodia provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy