Institutional Collaboration and Knowledge-sharing Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads global efforts to combat hunger and poverty. FAO Gambia, in collaboration with The Gambia Government and the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, is implementing the "Climate Resilient Fishery Initiative for Livelihood Improvement in the Gambia" (PROREFISH Gambia) project, funded by the Green Climate Fund. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Gambian fisherfolk to climate change and improve their livelihoods.

Job Purpose

The primary objective of this role is to bolster institutional collaboration, coordination, and decision-making among stakeholders within the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This will be achieved through facilitating climate policy dialogue, promoting knowledge sharing, and enhancing capacities to effectively integrate climate risk and resilience measures into sector planning and ongoing implementation activities. The specialist will play a key part in ensuring a cohesive and informed approach to climate adaptation within the sector.

Responsibilities

The specialist will review project documents and national policies to understand the PROREFISH project's scope and objectives. Responsibilities include designing and delivering training modules on climate risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and integrating climate resilience into sectoral planning. The role involves planning and facilitating national and sub-national workshops and capacity-building trainings for stakeholders from the fisheries sector and related institutions. Strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of government staff on climate risk management and adaptation planning is crucial. The specialist will organize knowledge-sharing forums, deliver training on collaborative governance and institutional coordination, and conduct workshops on knowledge management and evidence-based decision-making. Facilitating inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement processes and liaising with FAO, government counterparts, and development partners are key. The role also includes preparing technical documentation, collaborating on training assessments, and documenting proceedings, discussions, lessons learned, and recommendations from all events.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in climate change, environmental governance, institutional capacity development, or policy support. Proven experience working with government institutions, particularly those related to fisheries, water resources, and environment, on climate change issues in The Gambia is essential. Experience in institutional strengthening and capacity-building initiatives for public sector institutions and fisheries communities is also required.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, and strong communication abilities. The candidate must excel at building effective relationships and promoting knowledge sharing. Demonstrated experience in designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, workshops, and policy dialogue platforms is crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and virtual meeting platforms is necessary. Familiarity with the UN system is desirable. A good knowledge of at least one local Gambian language is required.

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