Organizational Setting

The main aim of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations country offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing policies, programmes and investments that enhance food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable development of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry and natural resources.
The FAO South Sudan Representation is organized around three core functional areas: Programme, Operations and Administration. Its portfolio includes humanitarian, resilience and development interventions in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, natural resource management and food security information systems.
South Sudan is endowed with substantial natural resources, including land, water, forests, fisheries, wildlife and biodiversity assets that are critical to livelihoods, food systems and economic transformation. However, sustainable management and productive utilization of these resources continue to face constraints including climate variability, environmental degradation, conflict, weak institutional capacity, inadequate infrastructure and limited financing.
To strengthen sector coordination and policy coherence, the Government of South Sudan and development partners established the Natural Resource Sector Working Group in 2023. The Working Group seeks to harmonize sector policies, programmes and investment priorities across natural resource-related institutions.
The NRSWG subsequently mandated its Secretariat to lead preparation of the Natural Resources Sector Strategy (NRSS), intended to promote food security, economic empowerment and sustainable management of the country’s natural resource base.
With technical support from FAO, World Food Programme, Japan International Cooperation Agency and European Union Technical Assistance partners, a draft strategy has been prepared. Following stakeholder consultations, further technical refinement is required to ensure the Strategy is coherent, actionable and fit for formal adoption.

Reporting Lines

The Natural Resources Sector Strategy Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in South Sudan, the general guidance of the Head of Programmes, and the direct technical supervision of the Technical Adviser.

Technical Focus

The consultant will lead the technical review, stakeholder consultation and finalization process of the NRSS in close collaboration with members of the Natural Resources Sector Working Group, Development Partners Working Group, relevant government institutions and other stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
•     Undertake a comprehensive technical review of the draft NRSS and integrate relevant stakeholder comments, evidence and policy recommendations.
•     Facilitate structured consultations with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies to validate priorities, strengthen ownership and ensure policy alignment.
•     Support the planning and technical facilitation of a National Stakeholders Validation Workshop for review and endorsement of the NRSS.
•     Liaise with relevant institutions to support high-level strategic consultations aimed at positioning the NRSS within national development and economic planning frameworks.
•     Prepare concise strategic briefing materials, presentations and decision-support products for senior leadership engagement on the NRSS.
•    Revise and finalize the NRSS based on agreed recommendations, ensuring technical quality, coherence, implementation orientation and readiness for formal adoption.

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 Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Development Planning, International Relations or related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in natural resources management, policy development and compliance, strategic environmental planning and management, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), strategic project management and other related areas
•     Working knowledge of English (Level C)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•     Previous professional experience in South Sudan or similar emergency contexts
•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•     Extent and relevance of experience in national strategy development, public policy formulation or sector planning processes
•     Sound understanding of sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and natural resources governance
•     Strong facilitation, drafting, stakeholder coordination and analytical skills
•     Proven experience working with government entities, United Nations and Donor Partners
•     Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Selection criteria

•     Working knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.