National Data Systems Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

In 2021, Sierra Leone published its initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The initial NAP includes a stocktake of adaptation priorities, vulnerabilities, and measures across seven (7) identified priority sectors, based purely on desk research and literature review. The initial NAP explicitly states the need to develop a comprehensive NAP, informed by context-specific national and sectoral climate information and evidence from detailed vulnerability assessments. To this end, FAO, in collaboration with EPA, launched a NAP readiness project in 2025. The NAP Readiness project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Titled: “Accelerating Action Towards Effective Climate Risk Management in Key Sectors in Sierra Leone,” the project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Sierra Leone, in close collaboration with EPA.  The project’s objective is to strengthen climate-risk management in key adaptation sectors in Sierra Leone. The project will conduct detailed vulnerability assessments and strengthen institutional collaboration on climate adaptation. It will also engage stakeholders from government institutions, NGOs, research institutions, local communities, the private sector, and other relevant groups at national and sub-national levels. The Project aims to tackle the gaps of weak capacities in National Adaptation Planning, lack of a comprehensive vulnerability Assessment in the initial NAP, lack of a comprehensive Climate Change Data Center, and limited private sector involvement in climate action.

The NAP project seeks to recruit a National Data Systems Expert to support climate and environment data-management at EPA, contribute to strengthening the capacity of the Centre for Environmental Data and Statistics (CEDAS) to effectively manage climate change adaptation data, generate knowledge, and disseminate climate information.

Reporting Line

The expert will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme and the National Project Coordinator in Sierra Leone and in close collaboration with the National Technical Project Specialist, with support and backstopping from the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) and the PMU.

Technical Focus

The National Data Systems Expert will be responsible for collecting, validating, standardizing, and uploading climate data into CEDAS; ensuring accuracy, completeness, and security; and providing system configuration support, user training, and documentation to facilitate seamless data integration and management. He/she will work with the data management firm to provide the required deliverables.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support data gaps and needs assessment through identifying and inventorying existing climate data sources and gaps/needs at policy, institutional, and technical levels, through consultations and desk review, and then facilitate uploading the collected data into CEDAS.
• Support the installation and configuration of geospatial software and equipment by following approved instructions. Test software, equipment, and data connections.
• Assist with delivering training sessions using supervisor-approved content. Maintain attendance records and document topics, materials, participant feedback, and outcomes for review.
• Support demonstrations of the CEDAS platform to the EPA-SL, CEDAS team, the NAC using datasets validated by the team responsible. Record questions, feedback, and follow-up items. Provide technical assistance to format and map data according to approved CEDAS and other applicable standards before entry or upload.
• Carry out assigned data quality checks using approved methods. Record results, discrepancies, and corrections. Compile routine data management reports using available records, including entry status, completeness, quality-check results, and outstanding issues.
• Log system issues and errors, document their observed impact, and record actions taken as instructed. Refer issues requiring decisions or further action to the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in information technology, Environmental Data Science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related field (e.g., Statistics, Data Management, Software Engineering).
• At least five years of experience in the implementation of environmental assessment, climate data collection, and related capacity building using Geo-Spatial Tools
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Geo-Spatial Analysis Techniques
• Knowledge in Climate data system
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills.
• Excellent Communication and facilitation
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders including government, civil society, and private sector.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Selection criteria

• Proven experience in data entry, validation, and management within centralized or cloud-based data systems.
• Experience working with data collection tools, databases, and data integration platforms.
• Familiarity with data standards, formats, and validation techniques.
• Experience supporting system configuration, user training, and documentation related to data systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience in organizing and conducting regional and national workshops/ training sessions and in climate change adaptation, NAP formulation, and project implementation.
• Technical understanding of UNFCCC policies and guidelines and environmental carbon markets
• Knowledge in capacity development, experience.
• Familiarity with GCF processes and UNFCCC guidelines.
• Previous experience working in similar projects, especially on NAP GCF Readiness;