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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 Headquarters (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.

Technical Focus

The 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.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Gender Expert will:

•    Undertake participatory gender and intersectional analyses to assess women's land rights, social norms, customary laws, and practices affecting women's land tenure, and their participation in leadership and decision-making.
•    Perform stakeholder and institutional mapping and document existing initiatives promoting women’s land rights.
•    Conduct a comprehensive social norms diagnosis to ensure inclusive and grounded insights.

•    Analyze the interactions and effectiveness of recent legal instruments such as the Customary Land Rights Act (CLRA), Land Commission Act (LCA), National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, Gender Empowerment Act, and their alignment with existing frameworks including the Local Courts Act (2011) and Legal Aid Act (2012).
•    Identify barriers and opportunities for enhancing gender-equitable implementation of these laws.

•    Formulate a Theory of Change clearly illustrating pathways for transformative outcomes.
•    Create a detailed, actionable Gender Strategy and Action Plan informed by research findings, including specific objectives, interventions, monitoring indicators, and reporting mechanisms.

•    Develop a targeted and practical Capacity Development Programme based on identified stakeholder needs and strategic entry points.
•    Ensure the programme emphasizes gender-transformative approaches to strengthen women's leadership and meaningful participation in land-related decision-making processes.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

•    Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or related fields.
•    Minimum ten years of experience in gender analysis, strategy formulation, and implementation of gender-transformative programmes.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English.

•    Proven experience working with international organizations in the context of land rights, natural resource management, or rural development.
•    Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing participatory approaches.
•    Excellent analytical, writing, communication, and facilitation skills.
•    Knowledge of local languages considered an asset