National Capacity Building Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

In 2021, Sierra Leone published its initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The initial NAP includes a stocktake of adaptation priorities, vulnerabilities, and measures across seven (7) identified priority sectors, based purely on desk research and literature review. The initial NAP explicitly states the need to develop a full NAP, informed by context-specific national and sectoral climate information and evidence generated through detailed vulnerability assessments. To this end, FAO in collaboration with the EPA launched a NAP readiness project in 2025. The NAP Readiness project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Titled: “Accelerating Action Towards Effective Climate Risk Management in Key Sectors in Sierra Leone,” the project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Sierra Leone, in close collaboration with EPA. The project’s objective is to strengthen climate-risk management in key adaptation sectors in Sierra Leone. The project will conduct detailed vulnerability assessments and strengthen institutional collaboration on climate adaptation. It will also engage stakeholders from government institutions, NGOs, research institutions, local communities, the private sector, and other relevant groups at national and sub-national levels. The Project aims to address gaps in weak capacities in National Adaptation Planning, the lack of a comprehensive vulnerability Assessment in the initial NAP, the lack of a comprehensive Climate Change Data Center, and limited private sector involvement in climate action.

The project seeks to recruit a capacity-building expert to lead activities for strengthening technical and institutional capacities for mainstreaming climate adaptation planning and integration into national planning and budgeting processes across the 7 selected sectors. Key tasks shall include identifying relevant stakeholders, assessing their capacity gaps, and facilitating capacity strengthening activities involving government officers (MDAs, Council Development Officers, District Agriculture Officers, Environment and Social Officers) from targeted sectors to integrate climate change in planning and budgeting processes. Work with relevant universities, training institutions, and public research organizations on integration of climate adaptation into their curricula, training programmes, research agendas, knowledge-management and knowledge-sharing systems, and institutional partnerships. He/she will also support documentation and compilation of training materials—including the training manual, modules, PPT deck, and supporting data—and prepare them for upload to the NSCC web platform/resource hub to support sustained institutional knowledge sharing and learning.

Reporting Line

The expert will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme in Sierra Leone, in close collaboration with the NAP National Project Coordinator and the National Technical Project Specialist, with support and backstopping from the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) and the LTO.

Technical Focus

The expert will be responsible for identifying relevant stakeholders, supporting capacity gaps assessment, and technical capacity building of government officers from targeted sectors to integrate climate change in planning and budgeting processes. This will be done, in collaboration with a relevant academic institution through online and face-to-face trainings and regional capacity development workshops.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review existing policies, plans, and institutional capacities across 7 key sectors to assess the extent to which climate change adaptation action is integrated and identify areas requiring strengthening.
• Provide support for capacity needs assessment with the institutional coordination expert.
• Support capacity gaps assessment through stakeholder interviews, surveys, and focus groups to identify specific capacity gaps.
• Contribute to development of a capacity development plan and training module on integrating climate change adaptation in planning and budgeting processes at MDAs and decentralized offices at regional and district levels.
• Contribute to developing tailored training modules on climate change adaptation, planning, and budgeting. Provide the training module to the Climate Change Secretariat for uploading on the EPA website.
• Work with academic and research institutions and contribute to integration of climate change adaptation into their training, research programs, and knowledge-management systems.
• Provide logistical and technical support during capacity-building sessions.
• Facilitate workshop sessions, ensuring active participation and gender inclusion.
• Provide post-training technical support to government officers to facilitate the practical application of acquired knowledge and skills for effective adaptation planning and implementation.
• Contribute to development of monitoring mechanisms to assess training impact.
• Prepare progress reports, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Apply gender-sensitive criteria in participant selection and incorporate gender considerations into the trainings.
• Compile training reports, session summaries, and capacity assessment findings.
• Share best practices and recommendations for scale-up.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in development studies, climate change or environment or related fields. Professional qualifications in training and capacity development is an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in designing and implementing capacity building initiatives targeting climate action.
• Working knowledge of English,
• National of Sierra Leone or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge in capacity building and trainings
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills.
• Excellent Communication and facilitation
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders including government, civil society, and private sector.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Selection criteria

• Evidence of previous work on capacity building and training
• Evidence of previous experience working on similar projects
• Knowledge of curriculum development, adult learning principles, and participatory training techniques to design effective training materials and facilitate capacity building
• Academic training in facilitation, workshop design, and participatory methods to effectively deliver capacity-building sessions.
• Ability to critically analyze policies, conduct capacity assessments, and synthesize findings into comprehensive reports.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – English