Organizational Setting
FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.
Since 2014 FAO has been supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in promoting a land reform process, inspired and guided by the principles of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the context of national food security (VGGT) through legal and policy advice, institutional development, capacity development and support to the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Land.
The passage of the National Land Policy in 2015 and the Customary Land Act as well as the National Land Commission Act (NLCA) in 2022 represent significant land sector reforms towards decentralization, strengthening of women's land rights, and protecting customary land. The Customary Land Rights Act seeks to secure customary land tenure and provides guidance for customary land registration, which is a new process in Sierra Leone. The National Land Commission Act seeks to reform the institutional structures responsible for land administration by merging several land administration functions in one entity. Further, the new land acts call for the decentralization of land administration structures to the district, chiefdom, and village levels. Both acts emphasize the strengthening of women's land rights and women's decision making power related to land.
Based on the above background, FAO has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Land, Housing and Country Planning (MLHCP) to provide technical assistance for the implementation of the project titled Innovative Solutions for Land Dispute Resolution in Sierra Leone (UTF/SIL/059/SIL), to pilot innovative approaches for land dispute resolution and capacity building of women, youth and other disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in the context of land sector reforms in Sierra Leone, as provided for in the National Land Policy 2015, Customary land Rights Act 2022, National Land Commission Act 2022 and other applicable land and gender laws.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the gender expert will report directly to the Project Manager, ensuring close coordination with the International Gender Consultant, the Gender Team in FAO Headquarters and relevant project stakeholders.
Technical Focus
The National Gender Expert will support the effective implementation of the Gender Action Plan and related capacity development and communication activities, ensuring gender considerations are effectively integrated into project activities and coordination with local stakeholders.
The National Gender Expert will liaise with the LTO on all aspects of project coordination and implementation including but not limited to:
Tasks and responsibilities
• Lead the implementation of the project's Gender Action Plan.
• Coordinate and conduct capacity development and awareness-raising activities with local stakeholders, including national implementing partners, local entities, and NGOs.
• Provide technical inputs to the development and dissemination of the communication strategy, particularly the creation of Talking Book messages.
• Support the organization, logistics, and facilitation of workshops, training sessions, and awareness events.
• Regularly document and report on gender-related project activities, achievements, and lessons learned
• Provide inputs as required to other project components to ensure synergetic and coordinated implementation.
• Contribute to the Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) plan and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities to ensure alignment with gender-transformative objectives.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Master’s degree in social sciences, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or related fields.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in gender analysis, strategy development, and the implementation of gender-transformative programmes.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Sierra Leone
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/ Functional Skills
• Ability to supervise, manage and support to field activities of the project.
• Ability to manage trainings and capacity building programme of the project.
• Relevant experience/ exposure, skills and knowledge in results-based approach/management.
• Ability to communicate with different stakeholders.
• Different types of report writing skills.
• Computer skill (Microsoft office, Photoshop).
• Good report writing skills.
• Experience with the UN agencies in similar position is added advantage.
Selection Criteria
• Previous experience in projects addressing land rights or natural resource management.
• Strong familiarity with Sierra Leone’s local civil society, NGOs, and community dynamics.
• Extent and relevance of experience in gender analysis, strategy development, and implementing gender-transformative programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and conducting capacity development and awareness-raising activities.
• Familiarity with environmental and social safeguards in gender-sensitive programming.
• Experience working with local civil society, community organizations, NGOs, and governmental agencies in Sierra Leone.
• Previous work experience with UN agencies or international organizations is considered an advantage.
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 additional employment opportunities 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.