National Conflict-Sensitive Resource Management Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports governments in developing policies and programs for food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable agriculture. In Ghana, FAO collaborates with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to enhance agricultural policy, investment, and private sector engagement. The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) provides direct, practical support to governments for urgent needs. Transhumance pastoralism is vital for Ghana's food security and economy but often leads to conflicts with farmers over resources, exacerbated by climate change and land-use pressures. Ghana lacks a comprehensive policy for conflict prevention and sustainable resource management in this context.

Job Purpose

The National Conflict-Sensitive Resource Management Specialist will conduct a comprehensive analysis of conflicts and context related to the access and use of natural resources, specifically land, grazing areas, and water resources. This analysis will focus on the Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts within the Eastern Region of Ghana. The specialist's work is crucial for understanding the dynamics of resource-based conflicts and informing strategies for peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource governance in the region, aligning with FAO's project objectives.

Responsibilities

The specialist will prepare an inception report detailing methodology, work plan, and stakeholder engagement. They will conduct a desk review of relevant studies and policies on transhumance and resource conflict in Ghana and West Africa. A comprehensive assessment of transhumance systems, migration routes, grazing patterns, and resource access in the target area will be performed. The role involves supporting the identification and analysis of conflict drivers between pastoralists and host communities, assessing socio-economic, environmental, institutional, and governance factors contributing to these conflicts. Mapping conflict hotspots, resource-use patterns, and vulnerable communities is also required. The specialist will assess existing conflict prevention interventions, identify investment areas for peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource governance, and support the development of a national policy brief with key findings and recommendations. Practical recommendations for community dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution mechanisms will be proposed, alongside strategies for improving access to and sustainable management of land, water, and grazing resources. Finally, a multi-stakeholder validation workshop will be organized and facilitated.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is necessary. This experience should encompass developing and implementing strategies related to pastoralism and transhumance governance, farmer-herder conflict management, community development, livestock sector development, policy and institutional analysis, and participatory rural development. Working knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is essential.

Skills

Essential skills include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Proven expertise in pastoralism, livestock systems, or transhumance management is required. Knowledge of the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol, livestock mobility systems in West Africa, natural resource governance, and One Health approaches is desirable. A clear understanding of conflict/context analysis concerning natural resource access at national and ECOWAS levels, along with experience in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in rural settings, is important. Strong quantitative, statistical, and analytical skills, a proven track record in socioeconomic studies, and familiarity with priority setting/ranking methods are also necessary. Advanced knowledge of land and water management, animal mobility, and herder-farmer conflicts is beneficial. The ability to engage effectively with government, traditional authorities, pastoralists, and community groups is crucial. Prior experience with FAO or UN agencies, and with Ghanaian government institutions, is advantageous. Expert knowledge of English is essential, and knowledge of a local language like Twi is highly desirable.

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