National Ecological Project M & E Specialist (SURAGGWA)

ABOUT FAO AND THE PROJECT

FAO supports governments to improve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, strengthen agricultural, fisheries and forestry production, and manage natural resources sustainably. Its Nigeria portfolio includes crops, livestock, fisheries, natural-resource management and food-security information and analysis. This position provides technical support to the SURAGGWA programme.

POSITION DETAILS

• Title: National Ecological Project M & E Specialist (SURAGGWA)
• Requisition: 2601908
• Organisation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Unit: FAO Representation in Nigeria (FRNIR)
• Location: Kano, Nigeria
• Engagement: Non-staff opportunity; National Project Personnel (NPP)
• Duration: 12 months
• Deadline: 22 September 2026. The official portal displays the closing time according to the applicant's device settings.

REPORTING AND TECHNICAL FOCUS

The specialist works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer for SURAGGWA / National Project Coordinator, collaborating with programme, operations and administration teams. The technical focus is programme development, coordination and operational assistance informed by Nigerian institutions, languages, culture and local conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

MEAL systems and evidence

• Develop and implement monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems, tools and reporting instruments covering technical delivery, financial management, indicator achievement and adherence to the project schedule.
• Systematically gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative information throughout the project cycle to assess implementation.
• Measure progress and impact, identify good practices, generate learning and recommend timely improvements for evidence-based decisions.
• Propose refinements to indicators within donor- and FAO-approved agreements and documentation, supporting impact measurement, internal and external evaluations and assessment of intervention co-benefits.

Reporting and information management

• Establish effective reporting arrangements involving government, donors, grantees and other project stakeholders.
• Provide timely information for project coordination, work-team, steering-committee and technical-committee meetings.
• Lead coordination and information management for application of the LOTTA evaluation.
• Work with project-management-unit specialists to prepare and regularly update technical and financial progress reports, including information required by FAO corporate systems.
• Generate information relevant to national food and agriculture statistics, integrated watershed management, vegetation and forest cover, and project-linked SDG indicators under FAO custodianship.

Field monitoring and technical coordination

• Coordinate the field-monitoring team and accompany implementation of the monitoring plan.
• Identify, organise and analyse good practices, lessons and recommendations for sustainability and future interventions.
• Coordinate and advise database, GIS and other relevant specialists to integrate and generate SURAGGWA project information.
• Support monitoring of project contracts and agreements.

Evaluations and technical missions

• Help prepare external evaluation missions and follow through on evaluation recommendations and learning.
• Support preparation, implementation and follow-up of international monitoring specialists' technical-mission agendas.
• Carry out other project-related duties within the specialist's technical competence as requested by FAO.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced university degree in Statistics, Economics, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Fisheries or another discipline related to FAO's work.
• At least three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO activity in Nigeria.
• Working knowledge at Level C of both English and Hausa.
• Nigerian nationality.

TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

• Competence in statistical analysis software such as R, STATA or SPSS, or other relevant analytical tools.
• Experience with KoBoToolbox, ODK or SurveyCTO and GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS is highly desirable.
• Experience across more than one location or work area, particularly field assignments.
• Relevant programme or project development and management experience.
• Understanding of technical-programme objectives, operational guidelines and programme-management procedures, preferably those of FAO or the UN.
• Relevant policy-analysis experience relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.
• Experience identifying, formulating and preparing proposals and implementing, monitoring and reviewing programmes or projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Results focus, teamwork and communication.
• Building effective relationships.
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

INCLUSION, SAFEGUARDING AND APPOINTMENT CONDITIONS

FAO promotes diversity in gender, nationality, background and culture and encourages qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply. All personnel must uphold high standards of integrity and professional conduct. FAO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. Selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Appointment is subject to medical fitness, qualification accreditation, applicable residency or visa requirements and security clearance. Applications are handled confidentially. FAO is a non-smoking environment.

HOW TO APPLY

• Apply through the official FAO recruitment portal using the application link and requisition 2601908.
• Complete an accurate online profile covering employment history, academic qualifications and language skills, and attach a motivation letter.
• Submit the application before the deadline; incomplete and late applications are not accepted. Applications are screened on the information in the online profile.
• Higher-education qualifications must be from institutions recognised in the World Higher Education Database and aligned with the relevant ISCED mappings.
• Applicants may be asked for performance assessments and permission to verify employment, character, education, military or police records relevant to their qualifications.
• Personal information may be processed by FAO and service providers for screening, assessments and verification with the applicant's consent. Withdrawing consent by withdrawing the application ends consideration.
• Apply early and check the precise closing time on the official portal. FAO charges no recruitment fee at any stage.