Climate-related Sectoral Studies and Policy Review Consultant

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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 (FAO) of the United Nations is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and poverty around the globe. In line with the above mandate, and in response to needs of the country, FAO Gambia and The Gambia Government, the Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters Ministry received funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through a project entitled “Climate Resilient Fishery Initiative for Livelihood Improvement in the Gambia” (PROREFISH Gambia).

The project is designed to strengthen the resilience of Gambian fisherfolk to climate change and enhance their livelihoods through the restoration of mangrove ecosystems to maintain fish and shellfish habitats, the development of climate-resilient fisheries infrastructure to reduce vulnerability and post-harvest losses, the introduction of improved processing technologies, and the promotion of sustainable aquaculture to offset the decline in capture fisheries.

Under component 3: Improved climate change adaptive capacities, Activity 3.1.1 focuses on strengthening sectoral institutions and policies and building capacity to respond effectively to climate risks. The project will support the sectoral institutions, including the MoFWRNAM (Departments of Fisheries and Water Resources), the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MoECCNR) Departments of Forestry and Parks and Wildlife) to gather and analyze data to identify climate risks and provide adequate policy responses and related actions. This includes the development and revision of national policies, strategies, and standards.

To support these processes, FAO seeks the services of a qualified Consultant in undertaking climate-related sectoral studies and reviewing and revising relevant policies and strategies

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in The Gambia, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), ESM unit in HQ, with the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator, close collaboration with the International Consultant, the MoFWRNAM (Departments of Fisheries and Water Resources), and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources MoECCNR (Departments of Forestry and Parks and Wildlife), the consultant shall provide technical, operational, and coordination support for the effective implementation of climate-related sectoral studies, review and revision of relevant national policies and strategies to enhance climate resilience in the fisheries sector.

Technical Focus

The main objective of this assignment is to undertake climate-related sectoral studies and provide technical support for the review and strengthening of relevant national policies, strategies and standards, to enhance climate resilience, adaptive capacity, and sustainable livelihoods in the fisheries and associated natural resource sectors in The Gambia.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review the PROREFISH project document, GCF funding proposal, and relevant national policies, strategies and standards, related to fisheries, water resources, forestry, environment, Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, and climate change to establish a clear understanding of the policy and institutional requirements. Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas required to be updated.
• Map mandates, roles, and coordination mechanisms of key sectoral institutions, including the Departments of Fisheries and Water Resources under MoFWRNAM and the Departments of Forestry and Parks and Wildlife under MoECCNR.
• Assess existing institutional capacities, gaps, and needs in climate risk assessment, data management, and policy implementation.
• Support the revision of policies, strategies, guidelines, financing mechanisms and standards, integrate climate resilience and ecosystem-based approaches to enhance climate resilience in the fisheries sector.
• Ensure integration of cross-cutting issues including gender, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability into the revised policies, strategies, guidelines, and standards.
• Identify opportunities for climate resilience practices and sustainable livelihoods (climate smart agriculture)
• Organize validation workshops for proposed policy revisions and study findings and actionable recommendation/roadmaps.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries Management, Environmental Policy, or a closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in climate change adaptation, environmental management, fisheries or coastal resource management, and/or policy development.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one other UN Language

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven experience working with international organizations (preferably Food and Agriculture Organization, UN agencies, or development partners) on similar assignments.
• Experience working in west Africa and/or developing countries is highly desirable.
• Strong expertise in climate risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and adaptation planning, particularly in fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
• In-depth knowledge of policy development, including mainstreaming climate resilience into sectoral policies and strategies.
• Knowledge of cross-cutting issues, including gender equality, social inclusion, environmental safeguards, and disaster risk reduction.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills in English, with the ability to produce high-quality technical reports and policy briefs.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including conducting consultations and leading validation workshops.
• Familiarity with The Gambia’s environmental, fisheries, and climate policy landscape is desirable.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated experience in conducting sectoral assessments and policy reviews related to climate change and natural resource management.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• 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 more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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

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