VCCRP Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Technical Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and ensuring their rights are upheld. Established in 1919, Save the Children operates in over 100 countries, focusing on health, education, protection, and emergency response. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with local partners to deliver impactful programs. Save the Children Vanuatu works specifically on initiatives that address climate change and its effects on vulnerable communities, particularly children.

Job Overview:
The VCCRP Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Technical Specialist will play a crucial role in the Vanuatu Community-based Climate Resilience Project (VCCRP), which is the largest locally-led adaptation project in the Pacific. This consultancy assignment, lasting up to 80 days, will commence on August 1, 2025, and conclude on July 31, 202

• The specialist will provide technical leadership and oversight to ensure that all project activities comply with environmental and social safeguards. This includes promoting equitable access to benefits while mitigating risks to people and the environment. The role requires a proactive approach to integrating environmental and social considerations into project planning and implementation, ensuring alignment with national laws and Green Climate Fund (GCF) requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the ESS Technical Specialist include leading the application of environmental and social safeguards across all project activities, managing the RRMP, and overseeing its integration into procurement, planning, implementation, and monitoring processes. The specialist will support the implementation of the GRM and provide training to implementing partners on its use. Conducting environmental and social risk screenings and facilitating environmental impact assessments (EIAs) will also be part of the role. Additionally, the specialist will build the capacity of project staff and partners through training and technical support on ESS principles and practices, promote gender equity, disability inclusion, and social accountability across all project components, and collaborate with government and other stakeholders to ensure best practices are followed and documented.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have 3-5 years of experience in an ESS Technical Specialist or similar role, with proven expertise in environmental and social safeguards, including risk screening and mitigation planning. A strong knowledge of international environmental regulations and best practices is essential, and familiarity with Vanuatu’s environmental regulations is desirable. The ability to develop tools and practical approaches for use at various levels, along with experience in leading training and capacity-building initiatives, is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and coordination skills, effective communication skills in English, and the ability to work in cross-cultural, multi-stakeholder environments, particularly in the Pacific region.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental science, social sciences, or a related discipline that supports the responsibilities of the ESS Technical Specialist.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 3-5 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguards, demonstrating a proven track record in similar roles. Experience in developing and implementing environmental and social risk management strategies is crucial, as is the ability to work effectively in diverse and multi-stakeholder environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with effective communication skills being essential. Proficiency in Bislama is desirable, as it will facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a short-term consultancy assignment with a maximum duration of 80 days, commencing on August 1, 2025, and concluding on July 31, 202

• The position is based in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Consultants are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check where necessary, and must sign the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct of Save the Children Australia. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, a CV, contact details for at least two referees, and their daily rate by the application deadline of Sunday, July 13, 2025.