National Project Technical Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for West Africa oversees and implements strategies for agri-food systems and rural development, fostering relations with regional institutions. It supports FAO Representations in addressing subregional food security and rural development issues. This role is within a three-year GCF-funded project in Sierra Leone focused on accelerating climate risk management. The project aims to assess climate stresses, engage stakeholders, and develop a Full National Adaptation Plan (NAP), moving beyond initial desk reviews to include research and vulnerability assessments.

Job Purpose

The National Project Technical Specialist will provide crucial technical support to the National Project Coordinator (NPC) for the effective implementation, coordination, and collaboration of the climate risk management project in Sierra Leone. This role involves offering specialized technical advice to the NPC, National Designated Authority (NDA), Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, GCF Focal Person, and other key stakeholders. The Specialist will contribute to planning, adjusting project activities, workplans, and budgets according to GCF rules, and will be instrumental in drafting and reviewing technical aspects of consultancy Terms of Reference and recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with project objectives and GCF requirements.

Responsibilities

The National Project Technical Specialist will provide technical backstopping and operational guidance to the National Project Coordinator and Project Management Unit (PMU). Responsibilities include supporting the NPC in planning and adjusting project activities, workplans, and budgets in line with GCF rules. The Specialist will assist in drafting/reviewing technical aspects of consultancy Terms of Reference and recruitment processes. Key duties involve technical coordination and monitoring of project activities, organizing training and workshops, documenting events, and participating in interviews and bid openings. The role entails executing the NAP process at the country level, providing national technical support for climate risk assessment, vulnerability mapping, and advising government and stakeholders on climate adaptation policies. Ensuring integration of climate risk into national development planning, tracking progress with gender-sensitive indicators, and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations are also critical. Building institutional and technical capacities of national and local actors, technically reviewing consultant deliverables, and supporting international consultants are essential functions. The Specialist will also assist in managing the NAP project, monitoring progress, tracking activities, ensuring adherence to work plans, and preparing progress reports. Furthermore, the role involves coordinating with national stakeholders, ensuring gender and social inclusion, and providing support on technical aspects of climate change adaptation, research, data collection, and analysis.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of experience in project management and implementation, specifically within the environment and climate sectors. A Master’s degree in climate change, project management, business administration, or a related area is considered an advantage. The candidate must be a national of Sierra Leone and possess working knowledge of English.

Skills

Key skills include a results-focused approach, teamwork, and strong communication abilities. The role requires building effective relationships and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Technically, in-depth understanding of GCF operations, NAP development, and climate risk assessment is essential. The ability to lead and coordinate project teams, strong analytical skills for data synthesis, and extensive professional experience in coordinating climate change or NAP projects are crucial. Experience leading field teams, providing technical expertise, and previous work with GCF or global projects are advantageous. Knowledge of national institutions, UN or international organizations, climate change mitigation and adaptation, GCF architecture, and experience in organizing workshops and dialogues are also beneficial.

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