Local and Indigenous Knowledge Consultant

Job Overview

ADRA Uganda is seeking a Local and Indigenous Knowledge Consultant to support the STRENGTH project, which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA) and implemented across the Acholi and Karamoja regions. The role focuses on documenting traditional knowledge systems that inform anticipatory action and early warning mechanisms for climate-related risks.

The consultant will work closely with district local governments, community elders, and technical teams to map, analyse, and record indigenous practices related to weather forecasting, drought indicators, and flood preparedness. This information will be used to shape contingency plans and district climate action plans (DCAPs) in Kitgum, Lamwo, Kaabong and Karenga districts.

By capturing oral histories, seasonal calendars, and community-based early warning signals, the consultant will help bridge scientific forecasts with local understanding, enhancing the relevance and acceptability of climate adaptation interventions. The assignment contributes to the project’s goal of reducing climate-related loss of livelihoods and natural resources.

The position is based in Uganda with frequent travel to the field sites in Acholi and Karamoja. The consultant will report to the STRENGTH Project Manager at ADRA Uganda and collaborate with partners such as Reproductive Health Uganda and Welthungerhilfe to ensure knowledge products are integrated into broader project activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct participatory mapping sessions with elders and youth to identify indigenous climate indicators and early warning signs in each target district.
• Document seasonal calendars, phenological observations, and traditional forecasting methods through audio recordings, notes, and photographs.
• Facilitate focus group discussions to validate collected knowledge and ensure gender-inclusive representation of perspectives.
• Analyse collected data to develop user-friendly knowledge products such as briefs, posters, and digital repositories for district planners.
• Support the integration of indigenous knowledge into district contingency plans and climate action plans through technical advice and workshop presentations.
• Train local government staff and community volunteers on how to apply traditional indicators alongside scientific forecasts for anticipatory action.
• Prepare a final report summarizing findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for scaling up indigenous knowledge use in climate programs.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should possess a strong background in anthropology, environmental studies, or related fields, combined with practical experience working with rural communities in Uganda. The following sections outline the essential and desirable qualifications for this consultancy.

Essential

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Management, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university.
• Minimum of three years’ experience conducting participatory research or documentation of indigenous knowledge systems in East Africa.
• Proven ability to facilitate community workshops and focus group discussions in local languages such as Acholi, Karimojong, or Luganda.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear reports, policy briefs, and visual knowledge products for non-technical audiences.

Desirable

• Experience working on climate change adaptation, early warning, or anticipatory action projects funded by international donors.
• Familiarity with GIS tools or basic data visualisation software to map knowledge locations and trends.
• Previous collaboration with Ugandan district local governments or NGOs on policy-oriented research assignments.

What the Role Offers

ADRA Uganda offers a competitive consultancy package designed to support professionals working in the field. The role provides opportunities to contribute meaningfully to climate resilience while gaining exposure to multidisciplinary project teams.

• A daily consultancy rate commensurate with experience, in line with ADRA Uganda’s prevailing rates for technical specialists.
• Reimbursement of field travel expenses, including transport, accommodation, and meals during visits to Acholi and Karamoja districts.
• Access to ADRA Uganda’s resource centre, including literature on climate adaptation and indigenous knowledge, to support research activities.
• Opportunity to co-author knowledge products that may be published in project reports, policy briefs, or peer-reviewed outlets.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV, copies of academic certificates, and a brief cover letter outlining relevant experience to the ADRA Uganda recruitment portal. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

About the Company

ADRA Uganda is a humanitarian and development organisation implementing health, food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience programmes across the country. As part of the global ADRA network, it partners with local communities, government agencies, and international donors to deliver sustainable solutions that reduce vulnerability and promote dignity.

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