National Specialist on Climate-related Sectoral Studies and Policy Review

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 National Specialist to support the International 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 National Specialist 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

• Support the International Consultant in conducting climate-related sectoral studies covering fisheries, water resources, forestry, environment, and climate change sectors in The Gambia.
• Work with the International Consultant to collect, compile, and analyse relevant national data, reports, legislation, policies, strategies, standards, and institutional documents required for the consultancy.
• Work with the International Consultant to undertake desk review of existing sectoral policies, strategies, standards, and Acts and regulations.
• Liaise with key government institutions, including MoFWRNAM, MoECCNR, Departments of Fisheries, Water Resources, Forestry, and Parks and Wildlife, to facilitate information sharing and consultations.
• Coordinate meetings, interviews, and technical discussions between the International Consultant and national stakeholders and prepare minutes and records of these engagements. Support mapping of institutional mandates, coordination mechanisms, and stakeholder roles relevant to climate resilience in all the relevant sectors.
• Support the International Consultant to organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and validation workshops for draft studies, policy revisions, and recommendations.
• Perform any other related tasks required for successful completion of the consultancy, as assigned by FAO or the International Consultant.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

• Advanced university degree (master’s level) in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries Management, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, or closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate change adaptation, environmental management, fisheries development, coastal resource management, policy development, or institutional strengthening.
• Working knowledge of English, and limited knowledge of French]
• National of Gambia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven experience supporting development or revision of national policies, strategies, guidelines, standards, or legal frameworks.
• Experience working with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, other United Nations agencies, government institutions, NGOs, or development partners on similar assignments is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of climate risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, adaptation planning, and resilience-building approaches is desirable.
• Understanding of fisheries, aquaculture, coastal ecosystems, mangrove restoration, and natural resource management.
• Strong knowledge of policy and regulatory framework development, including mainstreaming climate resilience into sectoral planning.
• Familiarity with The Gambia’s environmental, fisheries, and climate policy landscape is desirable.
• Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to coordinate with multiple institutions and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, virtual meeting tools).

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated experience in conducting sectoral studies, institutional assessments, policy reviews, and regulatory analysis.
• Knowledge of one local language (Wolof, Mandinka or Fula) will be an added advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION