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.
The Subregional Office for West Africa is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed-upon strategies and projects for transforming food, agriculture and rural development. It also develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions including Regional Economic Integration Organizations such as ECOWAS, CILSS, UEMOA and Mano River Union. It assists the FAO Country Representations (FAORs) in the sub region with addressing subregional food security, agriculture, and rural development issues at country level. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO’s Regional Office for Africa.
As a pillar of FAO’s strategic framework 2022-31, which focuses on the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood, better environment is a key strategic pillar with the objective to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and combat climate change (reduce, reuse, recycle, residual management) through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. The Programme Priority Area focuses on Climate and agri-food systems; Bioeconomy; Biodiversity and ecosystems.
Livestock is an essential component of the West African rural economy, with a large contribution to agricultural GDP ranging from 5% in coastal countries to 44% in Sahelian countries, according to ECOWAS. Pastoralism is a source of income for 80 million people and plays a fundamental role in the resilience of populations, including in terms of jobs and food security. ECOWAS is developing a transformative project to enhance livestock systems’ resilience to climate change in the region. Climate change poses significant risks to livestock production, affecting food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

FAO as an accredited agency for GCF has received a request from ECOWAS to support the development of a full-fledged project proposal to be submit to the GCF. This project aims to develop innovative adaptation strategies and mitigation measures through data-driven analysis of climate impacts. The consultant shall be hired under the TCP/SFW/3904.

Technical Focus

The International Expert will support a team of experts for the design and preparation of a GCF multi-country full fledge project proposal. The expert will lead the development of technical components related to agro-sylvo-pastoralism and natural resources for the GCF project proposal, ensuring alignment with international standards, regional priorities, and national frameworks of ECOWAS member states. He will contribute to designing innovative and climate-resilient solutions tailored to the socio-ecological and natural resources dynamics of West Africa. He will also provide technical expertise on sustainable management and governance of land, water, and biodiversity resources to support the development of the GCF project proposal. The expert will work closely with the experts recruited under this project to ensure smooth coordination between the outputs. He will work closely with the International Expert in Climate change and the other experts to produce some output.

Reporting Lines

The Expert will be under the overall supervision of the Sub Regional Coordinator SFW, the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Officer at SFW, the technical supervisor of the SFW Animal Health and Production Officer and Project Development Specialist (GCF) in consultation with OCB Teams.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Expert in agro-sylvo-pastoralism for design of multi-country full fledge project proposal will carry out the following tasks:
•    Work closely with the FAO GCF Unit, the FAO technical units, the project development specialist and experts to ensure appropriate quality control, completeness, and timeliness of project proposals.
•    Support the identification and oversee project formulation at their different stages and in close collaboration with the FAO country offices, FAO GCF unit and relevant regional and/or sub-regional technical officers.
•    Develop a comprehensive strategy for integrating agro-sylvo-pastoral systems and natural resources that support livestock production and enhance ecosystemic services into the GCF project framework.
•    Assess the status of natural resources in the ECOWAS region, focusing on their role in agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.
•    Assess drivers of natural resources degradation, natural resources availability and challenges in livestock and pastoral areas within the ECOWAS countries.
•    Help FAO Team for dialog with local stakeholders, including farmers, herders, and community organizations, to promote best practices in agro-sylvo-pastoralism and natural resources management.
•    Provide technical support in the design and implementation of project activities related to natural resources management and sustainable land management practices that enhance animal productivity and resilience.
•    Conduct an in-depth analysis of agro-sylvo-pastoral systems in the ECOWAS region, focusing on climate vulnerabilities and opportunities for resilience.
•    Assess the social and ecological impacts of the proposed interventions.
•    Identify best practices in sustainable land management, reforestation, and livestock integration.
•    Map existing natural resource governance frameworks, policies, and institutional arrangements.
•    Identify priority interventions for sustainable land, water, and biodiversity management in livestock systems.
•    Contribute to the design of nature-based solutions to improve the resilience of agro-pastoral systems.
•    Recommend strategies to integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation into natural resource management practices in agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.
•    Document stakeholder perspectives and ensure their alignment with project objectives and ensure integration of indigenous knowledge and participatory approaches in project design.
•    Develop project concepts and technical components for agro-sylvo-pastoral adaptation and mitigation measures.
•    Prepare feasibility studies for proposed interventions, including cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment.
•    Contribute to organizing meeting and workshops to validate the proposal.
Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree on Agro-Sylvo-Pastoralism & Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, Agronomy focused on environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Forestry, Agroforestry, or related fields
•    Minimum of 5 years of experience in agro-sylvo-pastoral systems, sustainable resources management, climate adaptation
•    Full proficiency/Working knowledge of French

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Proven experience in developing GCF or similar international climate projects.
•    Familiarity with ECOWAS policies, socio-political dynamics, and agro-ecological systems.
•    Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
•    Knowledge of other regional languages is an asset.
•    Strong knowledge of agro-sylvo-pastoral and sustainable natural resource management practices and their role in climate resilience and application in livestock systems.
•    Excellent communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
•    Proven ability to analyse data and develop actionable recommendations.
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with various stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

•    Requirement of such position (diploma & language skills)
•    Professional experience and similar products delivered.
•    Mission-related studies particularly in Africa/focus in West Africa.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements