Safeguards, Accountability and Grievance Specialist

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. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices and rural development. The FAO office in Lebanon focuses on addressing food, agriculture, and rural development priorities in the country, collaborating closely with local ministries and stakeholders to implement effective strategies and programs.

Job Overview:
The Safeguards, Accountability and Grievance Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting FAO Lebanon in ensuring robust environmental and social safeguards, accountability to affected populations, and functioning grievance and protection systems. This position requires close collaboration with various program leaders, technical coordinators, and implementing partners to ensure that FAO's standards and frameworks are effectively integrated into project designs and implementations. The Specialist will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on safeguards, facilitating capacity-building initiatives, and ensuring that the voices of affected and vulnerable groups are included in project planning and execution. The role also involves liaising with regional and headquarters focal points to align local efforts with broader organizational goals, particularly in the areas of conflict sensitivity and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Safeguards, Accountability and Grievance Specialist include: A. Safeguards: Supporting the ICQ and Country Annual Report safeguards sections, monitoring Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and providing onboarding and capacity-building for staff and partners on safeguards and risk management. Ensuring that FAO safeguards are integrated into project design from the outset and participating in Safeguards networks. B. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP): Ensuring inclusive engagement of affected and vulnerable groups, mainstreaming AAP into project design and implementation, and supporting awareness and capacity-building on FAO AAP standards. C. Conflict-Sensitivity and Peace Nexus: Coordinating with the FAO Regional Conflict-Sensitive Programming Specialist to ensure integration of conflict sensitivity across the project cycle and contributing to reporting on conflict-sensitive programming. D. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and PSEA: Overseeing and maintaining accessible GRM channels, ensuring safe handling of complaints related to sexual exploitation and abuse, and managing communications as the Ombudsperson focal point.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in political science, social sciences, management, international development, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in safeguards, accountability, grievance systems, or similar roles is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English and Arabic at level C, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Suite is essential, along with proven experience in partnership development and capacity building. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for effective collaboration in multicultural teams.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in political science, social sciences, management, international development, or a related field. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in safeguards, accountability, grievance systems, or similar roles. Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable, along with a strong understanding of agricultural production systems, value chains, and rural development dynamics. Proven skills in managing sensitive complaints, particularly those related to PSEA, using a survivor-centered approach are also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory, with a working knowledge at level C. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, and familiarity with other relevant languages is advantageous.

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 position may involve working in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, and candidates should be prepared for potential challenges in this context. The role is likely to be full-time, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances.