Climate-related Sectoral Studies and Policy Review Consultant

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.