Social & Environment Safeguards Expert Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance, advocating for sustainable practices and policies worldwide. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP is currently involved in various projects, including the F218 project aimed at building resilience in the landscapes of the Kigoma region in Tanzania, which has a total budget of $23.6 million and aims to deliver direct adaptation benefits to over 570,000 people.

Job Overview:
The Social & Environment Safeguards Expert Consultant will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the F218 project complies with applicable social and environmental safeguard policies. This position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of two years. The consultant will provide technical guidance, capacity building, and direct support to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and implementing partners. The consultant will work closely with the national gender and safeguards officer to oversee the implementation and management of the project's safeguards instruments and gender action plan (GAP). The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and managing environmental and social risks associated with the project, ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). The consultant will also be responsible for developing monitoring plans, site-specific management plans, and training materials to facilitate compliance with the ESMS and other relevant policies. Regular project visits to Kigoma will be necessary to monitor adherence to safeguards and provide training to project personnel and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include providing guidance and support to the national Gender and Safeguards Officer and Project Manager, updating the ESMS with findings from conflict sensitivity assessments, developing an ESS Monitoring Plan, coordinating the development of site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans, and supporting the operationalization of a project-specific Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The consultant will conduct annual project visits to Kigoma to oversee adherence to the approved ESMS, screen project activities for potential risks, monitor the implementation of safeguards, and provide training on environmental and social safeguards monitoring. Additionally, the consultant will report findings from annual safeguards missions, review semi-annual reports on environmental and social safeguards, and contribute to addressing queries from the Government, UNEP, and GCF regarding safeguards.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university education (MSc or PhD) in natural resource management, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, ecosystem management, or a related discipline such as disaster risk reduction, environmental science, agriculture, or water resources management. A minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior technical position involved in institutional strengthening and capacity building, as well as providing technical support to climate change adaptation and/or environmental projects, is required. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience managing environmental and social safeguards, particularly in ecosystem rehabilitation and/or climate change adaptation, is essential. Proven experience in developing social and environmental safeguard instruments is required, and experience with donor-funded projects such as those from the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, or Adaptation Fund is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree, either a Master's or Doctorate, in fields related to natural resource management, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, ecosystem management, or similar disciplines. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental and social safeguards and for effectively contributing to the project's objectives.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior technical role, specifically in institutional strengthening and capacity building related to climate change adaptation and environmental projects. Additionally, at least 5 years of experience managing environmental and social safeguards is required, with a focus on ecosystem rehabilitation and climate change adaptation. Experience in developing safeguard instruments and familiarity with donor-funded projects is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Tigrinya. Knowledge of Swahili is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the project environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and home-based, with an expected duration of two years. The consultant will report to the UNEP Climate Change Adaptation Unit Task Manager and the Project Manager of the Project Management Unit. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to recruitment.