The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of National Data Systems Expert in Sierra Leone. The opportunity is based in Freetown and focuses on climate data management, environmental information systems, geospatial technologies, and climate change adaptation.
The position supports efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s climate resilience through improved environmental data collection, validation, storage, and dissemination. Interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and application deadline before submitting their applications.
Job Title: National Data Systems Expert
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Duty Station: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Job Reference: 2602128
Contract Type: Personal Services Agreement (PSA)
Duration: 100 working days over seven months
Job Posting Date: 14 October 2026
Application Deadline: 29 October 2026, at 12:59 a.m., as displayed in the recruitment notice
FAO National Data Systems Expert Job Overview
The National Data Systems Expert position is part of FAO’s efforts to strengthen climate change adaptation planning and environmental data management in Sierra Leone.
The assignment supports the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) readiness project, titled Accelerating Action Towards Effective Climate Risk Management in Key Sectors in Sierra Leone. The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by FAO in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL).
The project aims to improve climate risk management by addressing gaps in climate information, vulnerability assessments, institutional capacity, and coordination among stakeholders.
The successful candidate will support the Centre for Environmental Data and Statistics (CEDAS) in managing climate and environmental information. This includes improving data quality, facilitating information sharing, and supporting the integration of reliable climate datasets into the national data system.
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For professionals with experience in environmental data science, information technology, geographic information systems, or climate adaptation, this opportunity offers a chance to contribute to national climate resilience initiatives.
Key Responsibilities of the National Data Systems Expert
The selected National Data Systems Expert will provide technical support for climate data management and the effective operation of the CEDAS platform.
1. Climate Data Collection and Management
The expert will identify existing climate data sources, assess information gaps, and support the collection of relevant environmental datasets. The assignment also involves reviewing data needs at policy, institutional, and technical levels.
Collected information will be prepared and uploaded into CEDAS according to approved procedures and applicable standards.
2. Data Validation and Quality Assurance
Maintaining accurate and reliable climate information will be a central responsibility. The expert will conduct assigned data quality checks, identify inconsistencies, document corrections, and report outstanding issues.
The successful candidate will also compile routine data management reports covering data entry progress, completeness, validation results, and unresolved technical concerns.
3. Geospatial Software and Equipment Support
The National Data Systems Expert will assist with installing and configuring geospatial software and equipment by following approved instructions.
Responsibilities include testing software, equipment, and data connections, as well as helping ensure that climate information is formatted and mapped appropriately before integration into the CEDAS platform.
4. Training and Technical Assistance
The expert will support training sessions for relevant stakeholders, including EPA-SL personnel and the CEDAS team.
Tasks include maintaining attendance records, documenting training materials, collecting participant feedback, and recording training outcomes. The expert will also assist with demonstrations of the CEDAS platform using validated datasets.
5. System Documentation and Reporting
The position requires systematic documentation of data management activities, system errors, and technical issues.
The expert will record observed problems, document actions taken, and refer issues requiring further decisions to the relevant supervisor. These activities will help strengthen the reliability and usability of Sierra Leone’s climate information systems.
Minimum Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications established by FAO for the National Data Systems Expert position.
Educational qualification: A master’s degree in information technology, environmental data science, geographic information systems (GIS), statistics, data management, software engineering, or a related field.
Professional experience: At least five years of experience in environmental assessments, climate data collection, and related capacity-building activities using geospatial tools.
Language requirement: Working knowledge of English at Level C.
Nationality requirement: Applicants must be nationals of Sierra Leone.
Candidates should ensure that their qualifications meet FAO’s requirements. Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database, subject to the applicable recruitment rules.
Technical Skills Required for the FAO Job
The ideal candidate should demonstrate practical knowledge of climate data systems, geospatial analysis, and environmental information management.
Important technical and professional skills include:
- Experience with data entry, validation, and management in centralized or cloud-based systems.
- Familiarity with databases, data collection tools, and data integration platforms.
- Knowledge of data standards, formats, and validation techniques.
- Experience supporting system configuration, user training, and technical documentation.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills.
- Experience organizing national or regional workshops and training sessions.
- Knowledge of climate change adaptation, National Adaptation Plan formulation, and project implementation.
- Understanding of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) policies and guidelines.
- Familiarity with Green Climate Fund processes and environmental carbon markets.
- Experience in capacity development and stakeholder engagement.
Knowledge of local languages is an additional asset. Experience with similar climate adaptation projects, particularly GCF-funded NAP readiness initiatives, may also strengthen an applicant’s suitability under the selection criteria.
FAO Core Competencies
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies throughout the recruitment process and assignment.
These competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
The organization also emphasizes integrity, transparency, respect for all, and commitment to FAO’s objectives. Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
How to Apply for the FAO National Data Systems Expert Position
Interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Application steps:
- Visit the official FAO Jobs recruitment portal.
- Create an online profile or sign in to an existing account.
- Complete the profile with accurate employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
- Review the information provided to ensure the application is complete.
- Submit the application through the official recruitment system before the deadline.
FAO will assess applications using the information provided in applicants’ online profiles. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and applications submitted outside the official recruitment portal will not be accepted.
Applicants should submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.
Important: FAO does not charge application, interview, processing, or recruitment fees at any stage of its hiring process. Candidates should remain alert to recruitment scams requesting payment.
Application Deadline and Final Advice
The deadline for the National Data Systems Expert vacancy is 29 October 2026, at 12:59 a.m., according to the time displayed in the recruitment notice. Applicants should check the official vacancy page carefully to confirm the applicable deadline and time zone before submitting their applications.
This FAO opportunity is particularly relevant to Sierra Leonean professionals with advanced qualifications and substantial experience in climate data management, environmental assessment, GIS, and institutional capacity development.
Candidates should highlight relevant technical achievements, experience with environmental databases, geospatial tools, climate adaptation projects, and training activities in their applications.
By strengthening climate information systems and supporting evidence-based adaptation planning, the successful expert will contribute to improving Sierra Leone’s capacity to understand climate risks and plan effective responses.
Apply through the official portal: FAO National Data Systems Expert vacancy and recruitment website.
