National Conflict-Sensitive Resource Management Specialist

The National Conflict-Sensitive Resource Management Specialist will conduct a comprehensive conflict and context analysis of access to and use of natural resources in the Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The role supports peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource governance between communities and transhumance pastoralists through analysis, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, data collection tools, stakeholder engagement strategy, and timeline for the assignment.
• Conduct a comprehensive desk review and analysis of all relevant studies, policies, reports and other available documentation related to cross-border transhumance, conflict/context analysis and access to natural resources in Ghana and the West African sub-region.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of cross-border transhumance systems, migration routes, grazing patterns, and access to renewable natural resources in the target area.
• Support senior colleagues identifying and analyzing the key drivers, dynamics, and impacts of conflicts between pastoralists and host communities in the target area.
• Assess the socio-economic, environmental, institutional, and governance factors contributing to resource-based conflicts.
• Map conflict hotspots, resource-use patterns, and vulnerable communities within the target areas.
• Assess existing conflict prevention and management interventions and identify areas requiring further investment.
• Recommend priority investment areas for strengthening peaceful coexistence, sustainable resource governance, and conflict prevention.
• Support senior colleagues in preparing a national policy brief outlining key findings, policy implications, and recommendations for improving the governance of cross-border transhumance.
• Support development of practical recommendations for strengthening community dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Propose strategies for improving access to and sustainable management of land, water, and grazing resources.
• Organize and facilitate a multi-stakeholder validation workshop to present and validate the study findings.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Sociology, Natural Resource Management, Peace and Conflict Studies, Public Policy, or other relevant disciplines.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in developing and implementing pastoralism and transhumance issues and governance, farmer-herder conflict management, community development, livestock sector development, policy and institutional analysis and participatory rural development.
• Working knowledge of English both written and spoken.
• National of Ghana or resident of the country with valid work permit.
• Proven expertise in pastoralism, livestock systems, or transhumance management.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol, livestock mobility systems in West Africa, natural resource governance and One Health approaches is desirable.
• Clear understanding of conflict/context analysis over the access to renewable natural resources at national and ECOWAS levels.
• Experience in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, particularly in rural/agricultural settings.
• Strong quantitative, statistical and analytical skills.
• Proven track record in conducting socioeconomic studies.
• Familiarity with the use of priority setting/ranking methods.
• Advanced knowledge of use of land and water management.
• Advanced knowledge in animal mobility and herder-farmer conflicts.
• Ability to engage government, traditional authorities, pastoralists, and community groups.
• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency is an asset.
• Prior experience working with the government and other relevant institutions in Ghana is an asset.
• Expert knowledge in English and local language (Twi) is essential.

Skills

• Pastoralism Management
• Transhumance Management
• Farmer-Herder Conflict Management
• Community Development
• Livestock Sector Development
• Policy Analysis
• Institutional and Organizational Analysis
• Participatory Rural Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Peacebuilding Processes
• Socioeconomic Studies
• Quantitative Analysis
• Statistical Analysis
• Priority Setting Methods
• Land Management
• Water Management Projects
• Animal Mobility Management
• Natural Resource Governance
• Conflict Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement

Languages

English