Title: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist
Requisition ID: 7926
Grade: ISA-NOD
Country: Philippines
Duty Station: Davao City
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 6 months
Application deadline: 31-Aug-2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)
Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.
PROJECT CONTEXT
This position is funded under the “European Union Support for Resilient Mindanao” (EU4Mindanao) Action, which is part of the European Union’s long-term support to building lasting peace and promoting inclusive development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Mindanao as a whole.
With the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) as the Overall Government Partner, EU4Mindanao is jointly implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as lead agency and Administrative Agent, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The Action focuses on localizing a quadruple humanitarian, peace, climate and development (HPCD) approach in communities that face multi-faceted and interlocking vulnerabilities. These communities are composed of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and those at risk of displacement, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women and girls, and youth in Mindanao, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and in the BARMM. Despite recent efforts to address persistent challenges in GIDAs and to advance the Bangsamoro peace process, these groups have not fully benefited from the resulting peace dividend due to persistent conflict, exposure to multiple hazards, longstanding discrimination, shortcomings in legal frameworks, and other sources of instability.
The impact (overall objective) of the EU4Mindanao Action is to foster an enabling environment for sustainable peace and development in Mindanao. Two Specific Objectives/Outcomes have been formulated:
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- Outcome 1: Local communities' resiliency is increased.
- Outcome 2: Local value chains and value addition, fair production and economic opportunities for target communities are strengthened.
While both Outcomes aim to increase local productive capacities, they will respectively focus on agriculture (Outcome 1, FAO) and processing/agro-industry (Outcome 2, UNIDO). To operationalize the HPCD nexus, the human security approach and conflict-sensitive programming will be applied across both Outcomes, ensuring programmatic coherence and cost-effectiveness that maximize lasting impact. The Action is aligned with the 2024-2028 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the EU Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for the Philippines (2021-2027), and the Mindanao Agenda 2023-2028 of MinDA.
ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty and hunger reduction, inclusive and fair globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019 as well as the Riyadh Declaration adopted at the twenty-first session of UNIDO General Conference in 2025, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Member States. The relevance of this mission as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, however, applies to all SDGs.
The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) 2026 - 2029 is UNIDO’s core strategic document and it is in line with UNIDO’s Vision 2050. It sets a renewed vision to support Member States and shape their industries for development. The priorities include fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, renewable and clean energy, sustainable energy access and climate action. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.
Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards-related activities; and (iv) convening and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer, investment mobilization, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.
DIRECTORATE OF SDG INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION (IET)
The Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate-relevant or climate-improving technologies.
It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative technical cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.
The Directorate houses the Divisions of Coordination and Integration Support (IET/CIS), Quality, Impact and Accountability (IET/QUA), Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Climate and Technology Partnerships (CTP). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions and relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS).
Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST)
Under the overall guidance of the Director General, the direct supervision of the Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST) develops and implements an innovative service package in response to UNIDO's mandate for fair and responsible local industrial production and trade with a particular focus on building the required skills and capacities and foster a conducive business operating environment to ensure that such production and trade are as inclusive as possible, promoting – among others – the development of human capital through vocational training and industrial skills development.
In collaboration with IET/IFI, IET/PPP, TCS/SME, TCS/CPA, and GLO/MSR, the Division will conceptualize and negotiate such services and raise funds from Member States, development partners, IFIs, and the private sector to coordinate their effective implementation and devise ways in which their implementation can be brought to scale.
This will include cross-cutting and sector-specific initiatives for sustainable supply/value chain and skills development in industrial sectors where UNIDO has, over the years, accumulated expertise, such as agro-industries, fisheries, textiles, leather, light manufacturing, health, mining, automotive and pharma and others. It will do so through close engagement with Member States, private sector associations, industrial enterprises, international quality, standards and trade-related governing bodies, other UN Agencies (e.g. ILO), development partners, NGOs and consumer associations, as appropriate, ensuring solid and operational partnerships.
Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Fair Production Unit (IET/PST/SEF)
The Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Fair Production Unit supports Member States in integrating into the emerging global systems of fair and sustainable trade and supply chains. It aims 62 to increase employability, strengthen access to decent employment, augment job retention, and increase access to qualified workforce by the industry, through modern technical and vocational education and training (TVET), professional education and entrepreneurship systems essential for driving sustainable transition. Central to its mandate is the commitment to provide the skills required to enabling sustainable supply chain practices, ensuring resilience, particularly at the firm level, and addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from new due diligence regulations. To this end, it provides specialized and country-tailored assistance to Member States to skill, upskill, and/or reskill their labour force and enhance their entrepreneurship capacity, it implements demand driven educational approaches, leverages partnerships with the private sector and strengthens institutional and firm-level capacities that fortify sustainable supply chains, with emphasis on the most vulnerable. It places importance on mitigating unintended consequences stemming from due diligence regulations, ensuring that all actors, especially at firm-level, are equipped to navigate through these changes. The Unit promotes innovation in learning, concepts and norms to augment the quality, relevance, attractiveness and accessibility of TVET for sustainable industrial employment and self-employment for the most vulnerable. The Unit also deploys foresight and planning instruments to guide Member States in developing industrial skills of future employees and respond to re-skilling and up-skilling requirements tailored for sustainable supply chains.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), with mentoring from the international Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Expert, and in close coordination with the EU4Mindanao Outcome 2 and Outcome 1 project teams, MinDA, and field personnel involved in data collection, with regular coordination with the UNIDO Country Office in the Philippines, the M&E Specialist will support the effective tracking of project implementation across the two Outcomes of the Action.
The Specialist will assist in monitoring progress against the workplan, ensuring that activities are conducted according to schedule and objectives, by travelling to project sites and cross-checking data as required. The Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day operationalization of the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Framework designed during the inception phase, including data collection, aggregation, analysis, and reporting, in line with EU monitoring and reporting requirements and with UNIDO and FAO corporate M&E standards. The Specialist will work to inform decision-making and provide timely feedback to the project team and MinDA, contributing to the overall accountability and performance of the project.
The Specialist will ensure that data collection systematically captures LNOB-disaggregated information as defined in the Description of the Action, and that cross-cutting elements (HPCD nexus, human security approach, conflict sensitivity, HRBA, FPIC, "do no harm", gender equality, social inclusion, environmental and social safeguards, and climate resilience) are adequately reflected in monitoring outputs. The Specialist will operate in compliance with UN security policies and procedures, coordinating with the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) for all field missions to Mindanao, including BARMM.
The Specialist will act as a "convergence" interface between the Action and MinDA, in line with MinDA's coordination mandate under Republic Act No. 9996¹ and its emphasis on convergence in the Mindanao Agenda 2023-2028.² This entails translating between the project and MinDA, identifying linkages with other MinDA-supported initiatives, and coordinating the Action's communication and social media presence through MinDA's established channels in line with EU visibility requirements.
Specifically, the Specialist will perform the following duties:
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MAIN DUTIES
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Concrete/ measurable Outputs to be achieved |
Expected duration |
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Operationalization of the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Framework During the inception phase, provide substantive inputs to the design of the Integrated M&E Framework being led by the international M&E Expert, including review of the logical framework, contribution to the definition of baselines and targets, and feedback on the design of data collection, aggregation, and reporting tools. Operationalize the Integrated M&E Framework on a day-to-day basis from project start, deploying user-friendly data collection, aggregation, and reporting tools (templates for activity reports, monitoring visits, beneficiary surveys) across project sites and across both Outcomes. Maintain and regularly (at least every two months) update the project M&E database/tracker, ensuring that all indicators at impact, outcome, output and activity level are tracked, that data is LNOB-disaggregated (sex, age, LNOB group), and that data is aligned with UNIDO and FAO corporate M&E standards. Coordinate with UNIDO and FAO M&E focal points to ensure consistent data collection and reporting across both Outcomes. Lead the establishment of baseline values during the inception phase, including the design of baseline surveys, supervision of enumerators where required, data analysis, and validation, in coordination with the M&E Expert. Where relevant, align indicator design and baseline data with the indicators and dimensions of the MinDA Socioeconomic Index and the Mindanao Agenda 2023-2028, to facilitate convergence and avoid duplicate data collection efforts. |
Integrated M&E Framework operationalized from project start.
Project M&E database/tracker maintained and updated on bi-monthly basis, with LNOB-disaggregated data for all relevant indicators.
Baseline values for all indicators confirmed during the inception phase and validated by the M&E Expert, the CTA and the Project Manager.
Data collection, aggregation and reporting tools used consistently across both Outcomes. |
40% of working time |
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Field data collection, monitoring visits, and data quality assurance Plan and conduct regular monitoring visits to project sites across Mindanao, including BARMM, in coordination with the CTA, technical specialists, EU4Mindanao Outcome 1 field staff, and in compliance with UNDSS security policies and clearance procedures. Cross-check data reported by partners, grantees, BDS providers, training centres, implementing partners, local authorities, and other counterparts, against direct field observations and beneficiary feedback. Conduct data verification, triangulation, and validation in accordance with the quality assurance protocols defined by the M&E Expert. Ensure that data collection adheres to the UN principle of accountability to affected communities, including surveys and feedback sessions that foster meaningful participation of beneficiaries, with particular attention to LNOB groups. Identify and flag any data quality issues, inconsistencies, or gaps, and propose corrective measures in coordination with the M&E Expert and the CTA. Document monitoring visits through standardized field reports and ensure timely follow-up on action points. Apply value-chain literacy during field monitoring to verify that observed bottlenecks (production, post-harvest, processing, market access) are correctly captured in M&E outputs and to flag emerging value-chain risks or opportunities for the attention of the project. |
At least one monitoring visit per quarter per priority site, with documented field reports and follow-up action points.
Inception phased and firt annual progress report data quality assurance review conducted in coordination with the M&E Expert.
Beneficiary feedback systematically collected and integrated into M&E outputs.
Data quality issues identified and resolved with documented corrective measures. |
25% of working time |
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Reporting, analysis, and support to evaluations and ROM missions Timely prepare bi-monthly internal monitoring reports and contribute substantive M&E inputs to all major project reporting milestones, including the inception report, the annual progress reports, and the final consolidated report in accordance with the terms of the contribution agreement . Ensure that all reports include LNOB-disaggregated data and a section on social inclusion and gender mainstreaming, as required by the EU. Provide logistical, administrative and data-related support to monitoring exercises, included a potential EU Results-Oriented Monitoring review, and to the mid-term and final (mandatory and independent) evaluations, including facilitating access to data and evidence, organizing field visits for evaluators, supporting interview logistics, and supporting the follow-up of management responses and action plans. Analyze M&E data and produce regular dashboards, infographics, and analytical briefs to support the CTA, the Project Coordinator, and the Project Manager in decision-making and adaptive management. Understand requirements and ensure that the M&E system includes and is applied in alignment with OPSYS requirements. Ensure the documentation of lessons learned and good practices so that they can feed adaptive management, e.g. by proactively liaising with Technical Specialists and MinDA. |
Bi-monthly internal M&E reports produced on schedule. Inception report, annual progress reports, and final consolidated report supported with substantive and timely M&E inputs.
ROM missions and mid-term and final evaluations supported with all required logistical and data inputs.
M&E dashboards, infographics, and analytical briefs produced regularly (on bi-monthly basis) and disseminated to the project team.
Sound understanding of OPSYS platform as part of M&E system. |
20% of working time |
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Coordination with the M&E Expert, MEL Group, MinDA and stakeholders Work in close coordination with the international M&E Expert, receiving technical mentoring on M&E methodologies, tools, data quality assurance, and reporting, and operationalizing the M&E Expert's guidance at field level. Lead the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Group composed of EU4Mindanao Outcome 1 and 2 M&E focal points, supporting effective coordination, tool development, and adherence to corporate guidelines, and the systematic capture and sharing of lessons learned and good practices across both Outcomes Act as the day-to-day "convergence" interface with MinDA, translating between the project and MinDA by:
Coordinate with MinDA M&E focal points and with LGUs, BARMM ministries, and other government counterparts on data collection, validation, and reporting. Coordinate with implementing partners, grantees, BDS providers, training centres, anchor firms, and other partners on monitoring and reporting requirements, including support to grantees and partners in complying with UNIDO and EU reporting standards. Build the M&E capacities of project team members, implementing partners and grantees through targeted on-the-job coaching and short training sessions, in coordination with the M&E Expert. |
Regular technical interactions with the M&E Expert documented
Active and substantive participation in the MEL Group meetings.
Coordination with MinDA M&E focal points and government counterparts maintained.
Implementing partners, grantees and BDS providers oriented on M&E requirements.
On-the-job coaching and short training sessions delivered to project team members and partners. |
10% of working time |
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Integration of cross-cutting elements and grievance mechanism data Ensure that day-to-day M&E activities adequately capture cross-cutting elements including the HPCD nexus, the human security approach, conflict sensitivity, HRBA, FPIC, "do no harm" principles, gender equality and women's empowerment, social inclusion (with particular attention to LNOB groups, environmental and social safeguards (ESMP/ESMF), and climate resilience. Coordinate with the Gender and Inclusion Expert and the Lead ESMP Expert on the day-to-day collection and reporting of their respective indicators. Operationalize the integration a grievance mechanism and related data into the M&E framework, ensuring that grievances raised by affected individuals and communities, and the responses issued, are systematically recorded, analysed, and reported, in line with the Project Document and the project-level grievance mechanism. Ensure compliance with European Union visibility requirements and proper implementation of the project’s communication and visibility activities across teams and actions, including in line with the European Commission’s “Use of the EU emblem in the context of EU programmes 2021–2027” and “Communicating and raising EU visibility – Guidance for external actions” (July 2022). Any other tasks as required by the PM/AH. |
Cross-cutting elements systematically reflected in M&E outputs, with documented disaggregated data and analysis.
Coordination with the Gender and Inclusion Expert and the Lead ESMP Expert documented through joint monitoring outputs.
Grievance mechanism integrated into the M&E framework, with bi-monthly. Donor visibility ensured in a uniform manner across produced products. |
5% of working time |
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, economics, development studies, public policy, social sciences, international development, or another relevant discipline is required. Alternatively, a first level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be acceptable provided it is combined with additional 7 years of professional hand-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment. Specialized training or certification in M&E, results-based management (RBM), or impact evaluation is desirable.
Technical and Functional Experience:
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- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in monitoring and evaluation of development programmes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, is required.
- Demonstrated experience in operationalizing M&E systems and frameworks at field level, including the use of data collection, aggregation, and reporting tools, is required.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting field monitoring visits, beneficiary surveys, data verification, triangulation, and validation, is required.
- Experience in producing internal monitoring reports, donor reports, M&E dashboards, infographics, and analytical briefs, is required.
- Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, or development partners, is required.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of agricultural value chains in Mindanao, including familiarity with at least one of the priority value chains targeted by the Action (soybean, coffee, cattle, and/or cacao, coconut, durian), is required.
- Experience working in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao or in comparable contexts, is required. Experience in integrating gender equality, social inclusion, HRBA, FPIC, "do no harm" and rights-based approaches into industrial development interventions, is highly desirable.
- Experience in monitoring and reporting on EU-funded projects, including familiarity with EU monitoring and reporting requirements and the Results-Oriented Monitoring (ROM) approach, is highly desirable.
- Experience working in conflict-affected or fragile contexts, including BARMM, is highly desirable.
- Experience in collecting LNOB-disaggregated data (sex, age, LNOB group) and integrating cross-cutting elements (HRBA, FPIC, gender equality, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity, environmental and social safeguards) into M&E systems, is desirable.
- Experience in monitoring programmes within HDP Nexus, resilience-building, social cohesion, peacebuilding, or recovery contexts, is desirable.
- Prior experience coordinating with MinDA, BARMM ministries, or other Mindanao-based government counterparts, is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with UNIDO and/or FAO corporate M&E policies and procedures, is an asset.
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Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in Tagalog are required.
CORE VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS
CORE VALUES:
- Excellence – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance
- Integrity – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly
- Inclusion – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness
- Humility – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions
- Humanity – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development
CORE BEHAVIOURS:
- Connect & Collaborate - Build trust through communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity
- Analyse & Plan - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively
- Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives
- Learn and Develop - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge
- Adapt and Innovate - Respond flexibly to change; Embrace innovation and new approaches
This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.
All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.
Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org
NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.
Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org