National Data Systems Expert
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports sustainable agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and life. In Sierra Leone, FAO collaborates with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded project to accelerate climate risk management. This initiative aims to strengthen climate adaptation in key sectors by conducting vulnerability assessments and enhancing institutional collaboration, addressing gaps in national adaptation planning and climate data management.
Job Purpose
The National Data Systems Expert will be instrumental in managing climate and environmental data for the EPA in Sierra Leone. This role involves collecting, validating, standardizing, and uploading climate data into the Centre for Environmental Data and Statistics (CEDAS). The expert will ensure data accuracy, completeness, and security, while also providing essential system configuration, user training, and documentation. The primary goal is to facilitate seamless data integration and management, supporting the project's objective of strengthening climate-risk management and informing national adaptation planning through robust data systems.
Responsibilities
The National Data Systems Expert will support data gap and needs assessments by identifying and inventorying existing climate data sources and gaps at policy, institutional, and technical levels. This involves consultations and desk reviews, followed by facilitating the uploading of collected data into CEDAS. The role includes supporting the installation and configuration of geospatial software and equipment, testing systems, and assisting with training sessions using approved content, while maintaining detailed records. The expert will also support demonstrations of the CEDAS platform, provide technical assistance for data formatting and mapping according to standards, and conduct data quality checks. Routine data management reports will be compiled, and system issues will be logged, documented, and escalated as needed.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience is required in implementing environmental assessments, climate data collection, and related capacity building, with a strong emphasis on utilizing Geo-Spatial Tools.
Skills
Proficiency in Geo-Spatial Analysis Techniques and climate data systems is essential. The role requires strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills, coupled with excellent communication and facilitation abilities. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector, is crucial. Proven experience in data entry, validation, and management within centralized or cloud-based systems, along with familiarity with data collection tools, databases, and integration platforms, is necessary. Experience supporting system configuration, user training, and documentation is also required. Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of local languages is an asset.