Adaptation Policy Specialist (National Consultant) 294 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.

ADAPTATION POLICY SPECIALIST (NATIONAL CONSULTANT)

Activity References

This consultancy supports the institutional, policy, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring functions of the NAP formulation process. It contributes to Activity 3.1.1 and related sub-activities on establishing and strengthening coordination structures, including the PMU, Climate Change Secretariat, thematic task forces, and institutional capacity-building; Activity 3.1.2.1–3.1.2.3 on stakeholder consultations, development of key guiding documents such as the NAP Road Map and related strategies, and validation of the adaptation planning framework; and Activity 3.1.4.1–3.1.4.5 on the development, validation, and application of the NAP Monitoring and Reporting System, including sectoral targets, performance indicators, reporting frameworks, stakeholder workshops, and capacity-building.

Objective
Provide technical support to review and strengthen climate-related policies and regulatory instruments by conducting gap analyses, drafting policy options and text, facilitating consultations, and producing policy briefs for decision-makers.

Scope of Work / Key Tasks

• Undertake desk review of relevant policies, strategies, laws, and institutional mandates related to climate change/adaptation and priority sectors.
• Conduct policy and legislative gap analysis against national commitments and good practice principles; identify implementation bottlenecks.
• Draft policy options and recommendations, including institutional arrangements, financing considerations, and enforcement mechanisms where applicable.
• Prepare draft policy and/or regulatory text (as agreed) and supporting explanatory notes.
• Plan and facilitate stakeholder consultations and technical working sessions; compile feedback and revise drafts accordingly.
• Prepare concise policy briefs and presentations for senior decision-makers.
• Support integration of approved policy outputs into programme reporting and knowledge products.

Deliverables

1. Inception Report with detailed workplan, methodology, stakeholder engagement approach, and coordination arrangements for supporting the NAP formulation process — Direct.
2. Institutional Coordination and Capacity Needs Assessment covering the PMU, Climate Change Secretariat, thematic task forces, and relevant institutions involved in adaptation planning (Activity 3.1.1 and related sub-activities) — Direct.
3. Recommendations for strengthening NAP governance and coordination structures, including roles, responsibilities, coordination mechanisms, and capacity-building priorities for the PMU, Climate Change Secretariat, and thematic task forces (Activities 3.1.1.2–3.1.1.4) — Direct.
4. Stakeholder Consultation Reports documenting meetings, technical discussions, feedback received, and how stakeholder inputs were incorporated into the adaptation planning process (Activities 3.1.2.1 and 3.1.2.3) — Direct.
5. Technical inputs to key NAP guiding documents, including the NAP Road Map and related strategies such as gender, communication, and stakeholder engagement approaches (Activity 3.1.2.2) — Supporting.
6. Validation support package for the adaptation planning framework and associated documents, including agendas, presentations, meeting notes, and revised inputs following validation consultations (Activity 3.1.2.3) — Supporting.
7. Inputs to the NAP Monitoring and Reporting System, including sectoral targets, proposed performance indicators, reporting arrangements, and policy-relevant monitoring recommendations (Activities 3.1.4.1 and 3.1.4.5) — Supporting.
8. Workshop and training reports for capacity-building activities related to institutional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the use of the NAP Monitoring and Reporting System (Activities 3.1.1.4, 3.1.4.2 and 3.1.4.4) — Supporting.
9. Final Technical Report summarizing work completed, key findings, recommendations, lessons learned, and next steps for institutionalizing adaptation planning and monitoring processes — Direct.

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 relevant ministries, legal drafting units, and technical working groups.

Required Qualifications
Advanced degree in public policy, law, environmental governance, climate change, or related field; at least 5 years of experience in policy analysis and drafting; knowledge of national policy/legislative processes; strong facilitation and writing skills; ability to synthesize technical evidence into actionable policy recommendations; fluency in English and relevant local working language(s).

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

Payment Schedule
Payments upon acceptance of deliverables (e.g., gap analysis; draft package; final package and briefs; final report) as specified in the contract.

Confidentiality & Ownership
All drafts and final policy products prepared under this assignment remain the property of MECCNAR/UNEP and may not be shared externally without prior 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.