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  • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
  • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
  • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
  • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
  • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

In 2021, Sierra Leone published its initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The initial NAP includes a stocktake of adaptation priorities, vulnerabilities, and measures across seven (7) identified priority sectors, based purely on desk research and literature review. The initial NAP explicitly states the need to develop a full NAP, informed by context-specific national and sectoral climate information and evidence generated through detailed vulnerability assessments. To this end, FAO, in collaboration with EPA, launched a NAP readiness project in 2025. The NAP Readiness project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Titled: “Accelerating Action Towards Effective Climate Risk Management in Key Sectors in Sierra Leone,” the project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Sierra Leone, in close collaboration with EPA. The project’s objective is to strengthen climate-risk management in key adaptation sectors in Sierra Leone. The project will conduct detailed vulnerability assessments and strengthen institutional collaboration on climate adaptation. It will also engage stakeholders from government institutions, NGOs, research institutions, local communities, the private sector, and other relevant groups at national and sub-national levels. The Project aims to tackle the gaps of weak capacities in National Adaptation Planning, lack of a comprehensive vulnerability Assessment in the initial NAP, lack of a comprehensive Climate Change Data center and limited private sector involvement in climate action.

The project seeks to recruit a national expert to support FAO Sierra Leone and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in leading the development and validation of a comprehensive, inclusive, climate-informed, Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The national NAP development expert will ensure that the NAP reflects national and regional adaptation priorities, is informed by relevant climate risks and vulnerabilities, and secures government ownership.


Reporting Line

The expert will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme [PV1.1] [MM1.2] in Sierra Leone and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator and National Technical Project Specialist, with support and backstopping from the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) and the PMU.


Technical Focus

The expert will lead the formulation of a comprehensive National Adaptation Plan (NAP) by developing the NAP Roadmap and methodology, conducting climate vulnerability and risk assessments across key sectors, facilitating stakeholder consultations, reviewing relevant adaptation policies and strategies, and preparing draft and final NAP documents. The role will also include establishing monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks with indicators and tools to track implementation, identifying capacity-building needs and technical assistance requirements, developing policy and technical knowledge products to support awareness and decision-making, and producing periodic and final reports documenting progress, outcomes, challenges, best practices, and lessons learned throughout the NAP formulation process.


Tasks and responsibilities

The National NAP development expert will work with an international expert to:
• Develop a comprehensive, multi-sectoral NAP aligned with national development goals and international commitments (e.g., Nationally Determined Contributions - NDCs); under the leadership of the Environment Protection Agency (NDA) and other key actors. This adaptation planning process will include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Assess current and projected climate risks and vulnerabilities across the 7 key sectors; identifying risk and vulnerability levels, priority zones, affected communities, and critical systems;
• Engage stakeholders from national to local (sub-national) levels through inclusive, participatory consultations to validate the climate risks, surface contextualized knowledge and best practices, and propose adaptation solutions;
• Identify development priorities that are climate-sensitive within each key sector;
• Assess current policies and plans to ensure they align with adaptation needs and priorities of the key sectors;
• Develop a comprehensive NAP roadmap in consultation with EPA, FAO and the NAC.
• Identify, prioritize and appraise sector-specific adaptation strategies and options and integrate them into the NAP;
• Enhance institutional and technical capacities for adaptation planning and implementation with a focus on Climate Risk and Vulnerability assessment (CRAVA);
• Institute the use of the MEL results (developed by the M & E expert) to inform and improve future adaptation planning;
• Prepare progress reports and communicate them to stakeholders and international bodies;
• Develop seven (7) sector-specific technical briefs and one (1) overarching policy brief, documenting lessons from multi-sectoral (full) NAP formulation/development;
• Develop an abridged version of the NAP and communication materials targeting the wider public to explain the NAP process and key recommendations.
• Coordinate the operationalization/delivery of the Communication Action Plan developed by the Institutional coordination/stakeholder expert


FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING


Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in climate change or environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Rural development and related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Climate change adaptation planning and policy formulation, Sectoral vulnerability and risk assessments related to climate change or multi-stakeholder consultation and coordination processes.
• Working knowledge of English and any local language
• National of Sierra Leone or resident of the country with a valid work permit


FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement


Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge in multi-sector NAP development and vulnerability Assessments
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills.
• Excellent Communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders including government, civil society, and private sector.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.


Selection Criteria

• Proven experience in climate change action, including developing and implementing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs, NAPAs) or similar climate resilience strategies at the national or regional level.
• Experience working with government agencies, development partners, and local stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of national policies, frameworks, and international climate agreements (e.g., UNFCCC)
• Demonstrated ability to produce comprehensive technical reports, policy documents, and strategic plans
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently, with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Previous experience working on similar projects, especially on GCF Readiness procedures

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
  • For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/.These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.