Institutional and Sectoral Coordinating and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist

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 has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in the areas of food security and sustainable agriculture, and works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Institutional and Sectoral Coordinating and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist is crucial for the successful implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in Sierra Leone. The specialist will be responsible for mapping institutional mandates and roles related to NAP implementation, as well as identifying and engaging stakeholders, particularly from the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners. The role involves contributing to the development of a comprehensive NAP process roadmap, which outlines key steps, activities, and stakeholder responsibilities. The specialist will also develop a framework document that defines institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms, conduct needs assessments, and facilitate stakeholder engagement workshops. This position requires a strategic approach to enhance collaboration among various stakeholders and ensure effective climate risk management in key sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Institutional and Sectoral Coordinating and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist include:

• Mapping institutional mandates and roles related to National Adaptation Planning and NAP implementation.
• Identifying and mapping stakeholders, including private sector actors, CSOs, and development partners, and defining their roles in adaptation planning and implementation.
• Contributing to the development of a NAP process roadmap that outlines key steps, activities, roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Developing a framework document that defines institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms, capacity gaps, and necessary actions.
• Creating an Operational Manual detailing stakeholder engagement and coordination approaches.
• Conducting a needs assessment and developing an Action Plan to strengthen coordination and stakeholder engagement for adaptation planning.
• Organizing and facilitating national workshops to validate framework documents and capacity needs.
• Liaising with consultants on capacity building and delivering targeted training for stakeholders.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices for future reference. 1
• Preparing detailed reports on stakeholder engagements and training outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in environmental science or climate change. They should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in sectoral and institutional coordination related to climate change adaptation interventions and stakeholder engagement. A strong understanding of climate risk management and adaptation planning processes is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills, along with excellent communication and facilitation abilities. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector, is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in environmental science, climate change, or a related field. Candidates must have obtained their qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 5 years of relevant experience in institutional and sectoral coordination, particularly in climate change adaptation projects. Previous experience in stakeholder mapping and engagement, as well as working on National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness projects, is highly desirable. Leadership and supervisory experience in managing projects or programs will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, as it can facilitate better communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The appointment is subject to security clearances. This position may involve working on a full-time basis and may require international travel for stakeholder engagement and workshops.