Climate-related Sectoral Studies and Policy Review Consultant

The consultant will undertake climate-related sectoral studies and provide technical support for the review and strengthening of relevant national policies, strategies and standards to enhance climate resilience, adaptive capacity, and sustainable livelihoods in the fisheries and associated natural resource sectors in The Gambia. The role involves reviewing project documents and policies, mapping institutional mandates, assessing capacities, supporting policy revisions, and organizing validation workshops.

Responsibilities

• Review the PROREFISH project document, GCF funding proposal, and relevant national policies, strategies and standards related to fisheries, water resources, forestry, environment, Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, and climate change to establish a clear understanding of the policy and institutional requirements and identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas required to be updated.
• Map mandates, roles, and coordination mechanisms of key sectoral institutions, including the Departments of Fisheries and Water Resources under MoFWRNAM and the Departments of Forestry and Parks and Wildlife under MoECCNR.
• Assess existing institutional capacities, gaps, and needs in climate risk assessment, data management, and policy implementation.
• Support the revision of policies, strategies, guidelines, financing mechanisms and standards, integrating climate resilience and ecosystem-based approaches to enhance climate resilience in the fisheries sector.
• Ensure integration of cross-cutting issues including gender, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability into the revised policies, strategies, guidelines, and standards.
• Identify opportunities for climate resilience practices and sustainable livelihoods (climate smart agriculture).
• Organize validation workshops for proposed policy revisions and study findings and actionable recommendation/roadmaps.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries Management, Environmental Policy, or a closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in climate change adaptation, environmental management, fisheries or coastal resource management, and/or policy development.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one other UN Language.
• Proven experience working with international organizations (preferably Food and Agriculture Organization, UN agencies, or development partners) on similar assignments.
• Experience working in west Africa and/or developing countries is highly desirable.
• Strong expertise in climate risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and adaptation planning, particularly in fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
• In-depth knowledge of policy development, including mainstreaming climate resilience into sectoral policies and strategies.
• Knowledge of cross-cutting issues, including gender equality, social inclusion, environmental safeguards, and disaster risk reduction.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills in English, with the ability to produce high-quality technical reports and policy briefs.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including conducting consultations and leading validation workshops.
• Familiarity with The Gambia’s environmental, fisheries, and climate policy landscape is desirable.

Skills

• Climate Change Adaptation
• Environmental Management
• Fisheries Management
• Coastal and Marine Resources Management
• Policy Development
• Climate-Risk Impact Assessment
• Vulnerability Analysis
• Adaptation Planning
• Gender Equality
• Social Inclusion
• Environmental Safeguards Policy
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Report Writing
• Technical Report Preparation
• Policy Brief Writing
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Facilitation Skills
• Consultative Meeting Facilitation
• Validation Workshops
• Institutional Capacity Assessment

Languages

English