Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Advisor

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, employing thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide support and services to children in need. The organization focuses on various areas including education, health, protection, and emergency response, striving to create a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. Save the Children values diversity and inclusion, fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and connected to their mission.

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Advisor 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 position involves providing technical guidance and oversight to ensure that all project activities comply with environmental and social safeguards. The ESS Advisor will work closely with the Program Management Unit (PMU) within the Department of Climate Change, ensuring that the project promotes equitable access to benefits while effectively mitigating risks to both people and the environment. The role requires a proactive approach to capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of gender equity and social accountability into project components.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the application of environmental and social safeguards across all project activities, aligning with national laws and Green Climate Fund (GCF) requirements.
• Provide technical assistance in reviewing and implementing the Environmental and Social Assessment and Residual Risk Management Plan (ESARRMP), integrating it into procurement, planning, implementation, and monitoring processes.
• Review and implement the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), training implementing partners on its effective use.
• Conduct environmental and social risk screenings and facilitate environmental impact assessments (EIAs) as necessary.
• 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.
• Collaborate with government and other stakeholders to ensure best practices are followed and documented.

Required Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of experience in an ESS Advisor or similar role, with proven expertise in environmental and social safeguards, including risk screening and mitigation planning.
• Strong knowledge of international environmental regulations and best practices, with a preference for familiarity with Vanuatu’s environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated experience working with donor ESS compliance requirements on large-scale climate change and disaster risk reduction projects, including the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into strategies.
• Proven ability to develop tools and practical approaches for use at national, subnational, and community levels, along with experience leading training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Highly organized with strong planning and coordination skills, capable of managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Effective communication skills in English, with fluency in Bislama and French considered an asset.
• Proven 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, with a Master’s Degree being highly desirable. The educational background should ideally include studies related to environmental science, social sciences, or a related discipline that equips the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the responsibilities of the ESS Advisor role.

Experience:
Candidates should possess 3–5 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguards, particularly in roles that involve risk screening and mitigation planning. Experience in working with donor compliance requirements on large-scale projects, especially in the context of climate change and disaster risk reduction, is essential. Familiarity with the Green Climate Fund and its operational guidelines is also highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration and reporting. Additionally, proficiency in Bislama and French is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a short-term consultancy assignment, lasting up to a maximum of 80 days, commencing on 1 February 2026 and concluding on 31 December 202

• The position is based in Port Vila, Vanuatu, but may also allow for home-based work with specific in-country missions. The consultancy is open to both national and international candidates. Interested applicants are required to submit a letter of interest, a CV, contact details for at least two referees, and their daily rate. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of Monday 5th January at 17:00 (UTC+11), 202
• Save the Children Australia is committed to child safety, and all consultants must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check where necessary, as well as sign the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.