Safeguards Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead active and healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization provides policy advice and technical support to countries in its mandated areas, working through partnerships and resource mobilization to deliver technical assistance and strengthen national capacities. FAO's work is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, while addressing challenges such as biodiversity loss, forest degradation, and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Safeguards Expert will play a crucial role in supporting FAO Papua New Guinea’s GEF-funded projects aimed at addressing biodiversity loss, forest degradation, and climate change. This position requires the effective application of environmental and social safeguards across project interventions, ensuring inclusive stakeholder engagement, and integrating gender and social inclusion considerations. The incumbent will provide technical leadership on environmental and social safeguards, socio-economic and gender integration, and community engagement within FAO-supported projects. The role involves developing, validating, and implementing safeguards instruments, facilitating Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and strengthening inclusive land-use governance. The Safeguards Expert will also support socio-economic assessments, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building of protected area management structures, ensuring compliance with safeguards policies and standards of FAO and resource partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safeguards Expert will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: developing the capacity of Protected Area (PA) and Community Conservation Area (CCA) management boards in key skill areas; conducting rapid assessments of project PAs regarding social and participation issues; vetting management priorities established in Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools (METTs); identifying and addressing potential conflicts between PA/CCA stakeholders; overseeing socio-economic activities including assessments and analyses; supporting monitoring and evaluation (M&E) officers in data collection; facilitating FPIC in target landscapes; validating and developing the Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and related plans; preparing and delivering workshops focused on safeguards; establishing a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM); and ensuring compliance with FAO protocols regarding Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in social sciences, environmental management, natural resource management, development studies, gender studies, or a related field. Additionally, at least 5 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguards, socio-economic assessments, gender and social inclusion, or community-based natural resource management is required. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Papua New Guinea.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, environmental management, natural resource management, development studies, or gender studies. Candidates must ensure that their qualifications are recognized and accredited by institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in areas such as environmental and social safeguards, socio-economic assessments, gender and social inclusion, or community-based natural resource management. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government, communities, and development partners, is highly valued. Additionally, demonstrated experience in facilitating FPIC processes and community consultations, particularly with indigenous communities, is essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the official language of Papua New Guinea would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The appointment is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.