Senior Technical Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's Subregional Office for West Africa focuses on developing and implementing strategies for agri-food systems and rural development priorities in the region, collaborating with various regional institutions and country offices to address food security and agricultural issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Readiness Project in Sierra Leone. This position requires a strategic leader who will provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure that the NAP is comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with national priorities. The STA will be responsible for coordinating stakeholder engagement, providing policy advice, and ensuring that climate change adaptation strategies are effectively integrated into national policies and development plans. The role involves working closely with government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to foster collaboration and participation in adaptation efforts. The STA will also oversee climate risk assessments and ensure compliance with international guidelines, thereby contributing to the advancement of Sierra Leone's climate resilience agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Advisor will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing overall technical directives for climate change adaptation strategies; leading the development and updating of the NAP; coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration; strengthening the capacity of national institutions to assess climate risks; designing and implementing the NAP development process; overseeing climate risk assessments; ensuring alignment with UNFCCC guidelines; preparing policy briefs and reports; mobilizing financial resources for adaptation; establishing monitoring and evaluation systems; providing oversight for the NAP Readiness Project; reviewing technical deliverables; advising on consultant terms of reference; facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops; and ensuring compliance with FAO and GCF standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in climate change, environmental science, natural resource management, or related fields from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a Bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of experience in implementing environmental assessment and monitoring climate change projects is required. Candidates should also demonstrate leadership and supervisory experience in managing similar projects, knowledge in capacity development in the climate and environmental sectors, and familiarity with GCF processes and UNFCCC guidelines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as climate change, environmental science, or natural resource management. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of a Master’s degree. The educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidates have a solid academic foundation in the relevant disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in the implementation of environmental assessment and monitoring climate change projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing technical advisory services for international development projects, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation. Experience working in least developed countries (LDCs) or similar contexts, especially in West Africa, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in organizing and conducting regional and national workshops and training sessions related to climate change adaptation and NAP formulation.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also have a limited knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, French, Russian, or Spanish, which would be considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaboration in international contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the three-year project timeline. The role is based in Sierra Leone, and candidates may be assessed based on their ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and candidates with experience within the United Nations System or international organizations will be given preference.