National Multi-Sector NAP Development Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to achieving food security for all. The organization aims to support sustainable agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods of rural populations, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure that all people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. In Sierra Leone, FAO is actively involved in various projects, including the development of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to address climate change challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Multi-Sector NAP Development Expert will play a crucial role in leading the development and validation of a comprehensive, inclusive, climate-informed Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for Sierra Leone. This position requires the expert to ensure that the NAP reflects national and regional adaptation priorities, is informed by relevant climate risks and vulnerabilities, and secures government ownership. The expert will be responsible for formulating a comprehensive 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 also includes establishing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks with indicators and tools to track implementation, identifying capacity-building needs and technical assistance requirements, and developing policy and technical knowledge products to support awareness and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National NAP development expert will work closely with an international expert to develop a comprehensive, multi-sectoral NAP aligned with national development goals and international commitments. Key responsibilities include assessing current and projected climate risks and vulnerabilities across seven key sectors, engaging stakeholders from national to local levels through inclusive consultations, identifying climate-sensitive development priorities, assessing current policies to ensure alignment with adaptation needs, developing a comprehensive NAP roadmap, prioritizing sector-specific adaptation strategies, enhancing institutional capacities for adaptation planning, preparing progress reports, and developing technical briefs and communication materials. The expert will also coordinate the operationalization of the Communication Action Plan developed by the Institutional coordination/stakeholder expert.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in climate change, environmental science, natural resources management, rural development, or related fields. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate change adaptation planning and policy formulation, sectoral vulnerability and risk assessments, and multi-stakeholder consultation processes is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and any local language, and must be nationals of Sierra Leone or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as climate change, environmental science, natural resources management, or rural development. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the National Adaptation Plan.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate change adaptation planning and policy formulation. Candidates should have experience in conducting sectoral vulnerability and risk assessments related to climate change, as well as experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder consultation processes. Proven experience in developing and implementing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) or similar climate resilience strategies at the national or regional level is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of local languages is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and local languages will facilitate stakeholder engagement and ensure that the NAP reflects the needs and priorities of diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve working on a contract basis, and candidates should be prepared for potential international recruitment.