Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead Specialist

About the role

FAO Uganda is recruiting a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead Specialist to strengthen results management and institutional learning for the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2026-2030. The post leads the development and operation of an integrated country-level MEAL system, supports evidence-based decision-making and resource mobilization, and reports to the FAO Representative under the technical supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes).

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the MEAL team, its performance, accountability and reporting.
• Oversee the availability and use of data and M&E tools, and develop and review data collection tools.
• Coordinate FAO Uganda's M&E team and act as the national M&E focal point for approving data requests.
• Provide technical M&E support to technical teams and project staff, and plan data review meetings.
• Respond to data and reporting requests from subregional, regional and corporate levels.
• Collaborate with Communication, Resource Mobilization and Policy teams, and support Data Quality Assurance Reviews.
• Use FAO systems such as FPMIS, PIRES and IMIS for reporting.
• Represent FAO in external M&E, quality assurance and coordination forums, and coordinate country-level evaluations and thematic evaluation studies.
• Lead MEAL, learning and knowledge management initiatives and periodic reflection sessions with staff, government counterparts and partners.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (recognized by IAU/UNESCO) in monitoring and evaluation, development studies, agricultural economics, statistics, public policy, social sciences or a related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in data management, statistical techniques, quantitative surveys or MEAL, with 5 years in a leadership position.
• National of Uganda and fluent English.
• Relevant experience in results frameworks, theories of change, indicators, data analysis, quality assurance and evaluation, and with government, development partners and implementing partners.

Required skills

• Results-based management and strategic programme monitoring.
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Evaluation planning, quality assurance and follow-up.
• Proficiency in data management, visualization and digital reporting tools.