Climate Risk Specialist (National Consultant) 200 views

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Background
The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, has received a grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a project to build capacity to advance National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process in The Gambia.  UN Environment as the Delivery Partner for the project, with the role of supporting and overseeing the project implementation. The project entitled “Enabling the National Adaptation Plan Formulation and Implementation process and other adaptation planning processes in The Gambia” will strengthen the capacity of Government of Gambia at all levels to advance the NAP process and ensure a climate-resilient development pathway. MECCNAR therefore intends to engage the services of experienced experts for the following consultancy services.

CLIMATE RISK SPECIALIST (NATIONAL CONSULTANT)

Integrating climate risk considerations into investments and programme implementation is essential to safeguard results and enhance resilience. This assignment supports development and application of practical climate risk screening, assessment, and risk management tools for priority initiatives.

Activity References
This consultancy supports Activity 3.2.2.1: Compile climate information and develop projections; and Activity 3.2.2.2: Conduct climate risk and vulnerability assessments in priority regions.

Objective
Mainstream climate risk management into project and programme design by developing and applying screening and assessment tools, recommending risk reduction measures, and strengthening institutional processes for risk-informed decision-making.

Scope of Work / Key Tasks

Working closely with a team of international consultants (CRVA experts), MECCNAR and other national consultants the national consultant will perform the following key tasks 

• Support the international consultants in field data gathering at the national level 
• Support the international consultants to develop or adapt climate risk screening tools and guidance appropriate to the national context and programme needs (Activity 3.2.1.3).
• Support the international consultants to conduct climate risk and vulnerability assessments for selected initiatives and priority regions, including hazards, exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity (Activity 3.2.2.2).
• Apply screening to the agreed project pipeline and classify risk levels (Activity 3.2.3.2).
• Recommend feasible risk reduction and resilience measures and support their integration into planning outputs (Activity 3.2.2.2).

Deliverables

1. Risk Screening Tool (Deliverable 3.2.1.3) — Direct.
2. Climate Risk Assessments (Deliverable 3.2.2.2) — Direct.
3. Inputs to Planning Outputs (Deliverable 3.2.4–3.2.5) — Supporting.

Duration / Level of Effort
As per contract (aligned to the project year(s) indicated in the budget table). Deliverable-based with agreed milestones.

Reporting & Coordination
Reports to the MECCNAR Project Coordinator/Task Manager with technical oversight by UNEP as applicable. Coordinates with sector ministries, implementing partners, and technical agencies to ensure risk screening is embedded in relevant processes.

Required Qualifications
Advanced degree in climate change, environmental science, engineering, disaster risk management, or related field; at least 5 years of relevant experience in climate risk assessment and resilience planning; familiarity with risk screening methodologies and safeguards; strong facilitation and technical writing skills; ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations; fluency in English and relevant local working language(s).

Duty Station / Travel
In-country, with travel to target sites for assessments and consultations as required and approved in advance.

Payment Schedule
Payments in instalments upon acceptance of deliverables (e.g., screening tool; screening report; detailed assessment note(s); final report) as specified in the contract.

Confidentiality & Ownership
All outputs produced under this assignment are confidential and remain the property of MECCNAR/UNEP. The consultant may not share tools or reports externally without written authorization.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit an application package to MECCNAR head office in Abuko addressed to the Permanent Secretary and soft copies sent to kintehsambou9@gmail.com copy ebrima1999@yahoo.co.uk ; salimjaiteh@gmail.com. The application should include, at minimum, a curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, and any additional documentation requested in the vacancy announcement.

Expression of interest must be delivered on or before the 12th August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.