Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Local Systems MEL Specialist for a education, ict consultancy assignment financed by FAO in Uganda.
Aninver Development Partners SL is currently preparing a competitive proposal for an upcoming consultancy assignment commissioned by the FAO in Uganda. The initiative focuses on the development and piloting of an innovative systems Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) methodology, specifically applied to the national food systems transformation action plan. We are seeking a qualified Local Systems MEL Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team for this important engagement.
The selected expert will play a pivotal role in designing adaptive, systems-oriented monitoring mechanisms that capture complex interactions across agricultural value chains, nutrition, and socio-economic development. Working closely with national stakeholders, government counterparts, and technical teams in Uganda, the specialist will facilitate institutional ownership, data collection protocol setup, and targeted capacity-strengthening activities throughout the project lifecycle.
Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.
Objectives of the assignment
- Design a comprehensive systems Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) methodology tailored to food systems transformation in Uganda.
- Apply and pilot the developed MEL framework practically to the national food systems transformation action plan.
- Establish robust baselines, data collection protocols, and regular review mechanisms to track performance.
- Build local capacities among national stakeholders and institutions for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Scope of work
- Design the conceptual and operational systems MEL framework capturing multi-sectoral linkages and feedback loops.
- Define outcome indicators relevant to food systems transformation and policy implementation.
- Apply the MEL methodology to the national food systems transformation action plan.
- Establish reliable data collection protocols and review mechanisms in coordination with local partners.
- Conduct participatory workshops, training sessions, and consultations with national stakeholders in Uganda.
- Validate the methodology and facilitate knowledge transfer and operational skill-building.
Your role as Local Systems MEL Specialist
- Lead local MEL activities and coordinate closely with national institutions and the FAO technical team.
- Contribute to the design and contextualization of the systems-oriented MEL methodology for Uganda.
- Support the practical application and piloting of the MEL framework to the national food systems action plan.
- Design and implement data collection protocols, baselines, and performance tracking mechanisms.
- Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations, participatory workshops, and capacity-building sessions.
- Ensure effective local stakeholder engagement and foster institutional ownership of the MEL processes.
- Draft technical reports, progress updates, and documentation related to local monitoring and evaluation.
Requirements
- Advanced university degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Agriculture, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Demonstrated professional experience in designing and implementing MEL systems for development projects, preferably in Uganda.
- Strong understanding of systems thinking, food systems transformation, or multi-sectoral agricultural development.
- Proven experience in facilitating stakeholder consultations, capacity building, and training workshops with national institutions.
- Excellent analytical, data collection, and report-writing skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English with strong communication skills.
- National of, or based in, the project country
Desirable
- Prior working experience with FAO or other international organizations in Uganda.
- Familiarity with ICT tools for data collection and digital monitoring systems.
- Experience in mainstreaming gender and environmental sustainability into MEL frameworks.
An experienced Local Systems MEL Specialist with a strong background in monitoring and evaluation, participatory capacity building, and food systems transformation frameworks within Uganda.
Assignment details
- Location: Uganda
- Financed by: FAO
- Sector: Education, ict
- Estimated duration: 12 months
- Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)
About Aninver Development Partners
Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.
Why apply
- Join a multidisciplinary team on a FAO-financed project in Uganda.
- Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
- Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.
How to apply
Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.
Can I apply if I am not based in the country? This position requires a national of, or a professional based in, the project country.
What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.
