National Specialist on Climate-related Sectoral Studies and Policy Review, Banjul, Gambia

2601575

National Specialist on Climate-related Sectoral Studies and Policy Review

Job Posting: 27/Jul/2026

Closure Date: 15/Aug/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : FRGAM - FAO Representation in Gambia

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level : N/A

Primary Location: Gambia-Banjul

Duration : 4 months

Post Number : N/A

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

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• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ . These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings .
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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