National Data Systems Expert at Food and… · Freetown

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

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 comprehensive NAP, informed by context-specific national and sectoral climate information and evidence from detailed vulnerability assessments. To this end, FAO, in collaboration with 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 tackle the gaps of weak capacities in National Adaptation Planning, lack of a comprehensive vulnerability Assessment in the initial NAP, lack of a comprehensive Climate Change Data Center, and limited private sector involvement in climate action.

The NAP project seeks to recruit a National Data Systems Expert to support climate and environment data-management at EPA, contribute to strengthening the capacity of the Centre for Environmental Data and Statistics (CEDAS) to effectively manage climate change adaptation data, generate knowledge, and disseminate climate information.

Reporting Line

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

Technical Focus

The National Data Systems Expert will be responsible for collecting, validating, standardizing, and uploading climate data into CEDAS; ensuring accuracy, completeness, and security; and providing system configuration support, user training, and documentation to facilitate seamless data integration and management. He/she will work with the data management firm to provide the required deliverables.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support data gaps and needs assessment through identifying and inventorying existing climate data sources and gaps/needs at policy, institutional, and technical levels, through consultations and desk review, and then facilitate uploading the collected data into CEDAS. • Support the installation and configuration of geospatial software and equipment by following approved instructions. Test software, equipment, and data connections. • Assist with delivering training sessions using supervisor-approved content. Maintain attendance records and document topics, materials, participant feedback, and outcomes for review. • Support demonstrations of the CEDAS platform to the EPA-SL, CEDAS team, the NAC using datasets validated by the team responsible. Record questions, feedback, and follow-up items. Provide technical assistance to format and map data according to approved CEDAS and other applicable standards before entry or upload. • Carry out assigned data quality checks using approved methods. Record results, discrepancies, and corrections. Compile routine data management reports using available records, including entry status, completeness, quality-check results, and outstanding issues. • Log system issues and errors, document their observed impact, and record actions taken as instructed. Refer issues requiring decisions or further action to the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in information technology, Environmental Data Science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related field (e.g., Statistics, Data Management, Software Engineering). • At least five years of experience in the implementation of environmental assessment, climate data collection, and related capacity building using Geo-Spatial Tools • Working knowledge (level C) of English • National of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Geo-Spatial Analysis Techniques • Knowledge in Climate data system • 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

• Proven experience in data entry, validation, and management within centralized or cloud-based data systems. • Experience working with data collection tools, databases, and data integration platforms. • Familiarity with data standards, formats, and validation techniques. • Experience supporting system configuration, user training, and documentation related to data systems. • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. • Experience in organizing and conducting regional and national workshops/ training sessions and in climate change adaptation, NAP formulation, and project implementation. • Technical understanding of UNFCCC policies and guidelines and environmental carbon markets • Knowledge in capacity development, experience. • Familiarity with GCF processes and UNFCCC guidelines. • Previous experience working in similar projects, especially on NAP GCF Readiness;

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings. • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications • Incomplete applications will not be considered • Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered • Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile • We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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