Senior Environment and Safeguards Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and adequate resources while adhering to international standards of accountability. FAO Pakistan is currently implementing a project funded by the Green Climate Fund aimed at enhancing the capacity of agriculture and pastoral sectors to cope with climate change through improved water management and agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environment and Safeguards Specialist will play a crucial role in the Transforming Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management Project. This position involves ensuring the timely delivery of activities related to Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP). The specialist will coordinate the implementation of FAO and GCF’s ESS standards, manage compliance procedures, and lead capacity-building efforts for stakeholders. The role requires close collaboration with various project teams and stakeholders to ensure that environmental and social considerations are integrated into project planning and execution, ultimately contributing to the project's goal of enhancing resilience to climate change in the agriculture sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the implementation of FAO and GCF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Standards (ESS), ensuring compliance with established procedures and reporting structures.
• Oversee the Grievance Redress Mechanism, advising the Project Management Unit (PMU) and stakeholders on best practices for improving social and environmental aspects of the project.
• Lead capacity-building and training activities for stakeholders, including government and implementing partners.
• Review and update the existing project Environmental and Social Management System.
• Develop and implement a safeguard monitoring and reporting system in line with FAO and GCF standards.
• Conduct field due diligence and advise on findings to enhance project implementation.
• Ensure that ESS requirements are incorporated into agreements with implementing partners.
• Address safety and health concerns during all project phases.
• Monitor and manage the Grievance Redress Mechanism, ensuring its accessibility and effectiveness. 1
• Conduct awareness campaigns regarding the Grievance Redress Mechanism among local communities. 1
• Document grievances and redress progress for reporting purposes. 1
• Develop ESS instruments, including project ESMP and other relevant plans. 1
• Identify training needs and conduct ESS training for project staff and partners. 1
• Provide guidance on compliance and safeguarding requirements to enhance program quality. 1
• Conduct field visits to monitor ESMP implementation and compliance issues. 1
• Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to assess progress against compliance indicators.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Socio-ecological Sciences, or related fields. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in safeguards in a senior role with international agencies or multilateral banks is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of compliance, safeguarding, and due diligence requirements, particularly related to GCF. Proficiency in English and Urdu is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Pakistan.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Socio-ecological Sciences, or related fields is required for this position. The educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional working experience related to environmental and social safeguards in a senior role. Experience with international agencies, multilateral banks, or other reputable institutions is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and implementing safeguard and risk management activities, particularly for development programs or projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of one of the local languages such as Punjabi, Saraiki, or Sindhi can be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local 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 position is based in Pakistan, specifically in Multan and Tandojam, and involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards.