National Multi Sector NAP Development 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 full NAP, informed by context-specific national and sectoral climate information and evidence generated through 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 project seeks to recruit a national expert to support FAO Sierra Leone and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in leading the development and validation of a comprehensive, inclusive, climate-informed, Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The national NAP development expert will ensure that the NAP reflects national and regional adaptation priorities, is informed by relevant climate risks and vulnerabilities, and secures government ownership.

Reporting Line

The expert will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme [PV1.1] [MM1.2] in Sierra Leone and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator and National Technical Project Specialist, with support and backstopping from the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) and the PMU.

Technical Focus

The expert will lead the formulation of a comprehensive National Adaptation Plan (NAP) by developing the NAP Roadmap and methodology, conducting climate vulnerability and risk assessments across key sectors, facilitating stakeholder consultations, reviewing relevant adaptation policies and strategies, and preparing draft and final NAP documents. The role will also include establishing monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks with indicators and tools to track implementation, identifying capacity-building needs and technical assistance requirements, developing policy and technical knowledge products to support awareness and decision-making, and producing periodic and final reports documenting progress, outcomes, challenges, best practices, and lessons learned throughout the NAP formulation process.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National NAP development expert will work with an international expert to:

• Develop a comprehensive, multi-sectoral NAP aligned with national development goals and international commitments (e.g., Nationally Determined Contributions - NDCs); under the leadership of the Environment Protection Agency (NDA) and other key actors. This adaptation planning process will include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Assess current and projected climate risks and vulnerabilities across the 7 key sectors; identifying risk and vulnerability levels, priority zones, affected communities, and critical systems;
• Engage stakeholders from national to local (sub-national) levels through inclusive, participatory consultations to validate the climate risks, surface contextualized knowledge and best practices, and propose adaptation solutions;
• Identify development priorities that are climate-sensitive within each key sector;
• Assess current policies and plans to ensure they align with adaptation needs and priorities of the key sectors;
• Develop a comprehensive NAP roadmap in consultation with EPA, FAO and the NAC.
• Identify, prioritize and appraise sector-specific adaptation strategies and options and integrate them into the NAP;
• Enhance institutional and technical capacities for adaptation planning and implementation with a focus on Climate Risk and Vulnerability assessment (CRAVA);
• Institute the use of the MEL results (developed by the M & E expert) to inform and improve future adaptation planning;
• Prepare progress reports and communicate them to stakeholders and international bodies;
• Develop seven (7) sector-specific technical briefs and one (1) overarching policy brief, documenting lessons from multi-sectoral (full) NAP formulation/development;
• Develop an abridged version of the NAP and communication materials targeting the wider public to explain the NAP process and key recommendations.
• Coordinate the operationalization/delivery of the Communication Action Plan developed by the Institutional coordination/stakeholder expert

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
  FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en    
  FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
  Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en   
  FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en    
  FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm    
  FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en       
  Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in climate change or environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Rural development and related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Climate change adaptation planning and policy formulation, Sectoral vulnerability and risk assessments related to climate change or multi-stakeholder consultation and coordination processes.
• Working knowledge of English and any local language
• National of Sierra Leone or resident of the country with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge in multi-sector NAP development and vulnerability Assessments
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills.
• Excellent Communication and facilitation skills
• 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 climate change action, including developing and implementing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs, NAPAs) or similar climate resilience strategies at the national or regional level.
• Experience working with government agencies, development partners, and local stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of national policies, frameworks, and international climate agreements (e.g., UNFCCC)
• Demonstrated ability to produce comprehensive technical reports, policy documents, and strategic plans
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently, with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Previous experience working on similar projects, especially on GCF Readiness procedures

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION