Climate Data Specialist (National Consultant) 168 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 DATA SPECIALIST (NATIONAL CONSULTANT)

Evidence-based adaptation planning and reporting require reliable climate and hydro-meteorological data. This assignment supports strengthening data availability, quality assurance, and usability for national institutions and stakeholders involved in climate risk management.

Activity References
This consultancy supports Activity 3.2.1.1: Develop and deliver training for climate data management and use; Activity 3.2.1.2: Develop National Research Framework on Climate Change; Activity 3.2.1.3: Develop climate information system and data-sharing platforms; and Activity 3.2.1.4: Deliver training on climate information system use.

Objective
Improve management and use of climate-related datasets by establishing practical data workflows and quality controls, producing analysis-ready datasets and visual products, and building capacity of counterpart staff on data handling and dissemination.

Scope of Work / Key Tasks

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

• Assess existing climate datasets, including climate and hydro-meteorological data sources, formats, storage systems, access protocols, and gaps (Activity 3.2.1.2).
• Develop or refine climate data management systems and procedures, including file structures, metadata standards, version control, and backup arrangements (Activities 3.2.1.1–3.2.1.2).
• Design and apply data quality assurance/quality control procedures covering completeness, consistency, outliers, and station checks where applicable (Activity 3.2.1.1).
• Prepare analysis-ready datasets with documented methods and metadata (Activity 3.2.1.1).
• Support data-sharing frameworks, climate information systems, and interoperability arrangements among relevant institutions (Activity 3.2.1.3).
• Produce analytical outputs, including maps, summaries, visualisations, and other products to support climate risk and adaptation planning (Activities 3.2.1–3.2.2).
• Deliver hands-on training and coaching for counterparts on climate data tools, workflows, and climate information system use (Activities 3.2.1.1 and 3.2.1.4).

Deliverables

1. Data Systems Assessment (Deliverable 3.2.1.2) — Direct.
2. QA/QC Protocol (Deliverable 3.2.1.1) — Direct.
3. Analysis-ready Datasets (Deliverable 3.2.1.1) — Direct.
4. Visualization Outputs (Deliverable 3.2.2.) — Supporting.
5. Training Outputs (Deliverable 3.2.1.4) — 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 and works closely with relevant data-owning institutions (e.g., meteorological/hydrological services, sector agencies). Deliverables are subject to UNEP/MECCNAR review and acceptance.

Required Qualifications
University degree in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, geospatial sciences, statistics, computer science, or related field; at least 3–5 years of relevant experience in climate data management and analysis; demonstrated experience with data QA/QC and documentation; proficiency in relevant tools (e.g., Excel, GIS, R/Python or similar); strong communication and training skills; fluency in English and relevant local working language(s).

Duty Station / Travel
In-country, with travel to partner institutions and field locations as required and approved in advance.

Payment Schedule
Payments linked to acceptance of deliverables (e.g., inception; QA/QC protocol; curated dataset(s) and visuals; training and final report) as specified in the contract.

Confidentiality & Ownership
All datasets, scripts, and materials produced under this assignment remain the property of MECCNAR/UNEP and relevant national institutions and may not be shared 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.