Social & Environment Safeguards Expert Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

Job Overview:
The Social & Environment Safeguards Expert Consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the GCF-funded project F218, aimed at building resilience in the landscapes of the Kigoma region in Tanzania, complies with applicable environmental and social safeguard policies. This position requires a part-time commitment over a two-year period, with a total of 4.5 months of work. The consultant will provide technical assistance to the Vice President's Office of Tanzania and the UNHCR, focusing on capacity building and direct support to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and implementing partners. The consultant will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the project's safeguards instruments and gender action plan, ensuring that all project activities align with the environmental and social management system (ESMS). The role also involves developing monitoring plans, conducting annual project visits, and providing training on safeguards monitoring and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Providing guidance and support to the national Gender and Safeguards Officer and Project Manager in managing the project's safeguards instruments and gender action plan.
• Updating the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) based on findings from conflict sensitivity assessments and safeguards risk screenings.
• Developing an ESS Monitoring Plan to track compliance with the ESMS by all project stakeholders.
• Coordinating the development of site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans and ensuring that safeguards and mitigation measures are implemented and monitored.
• Creating project guidance materials to comply with the ESMS and ESMPs.
• Supporting the operationalization of a project-specific Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and the SEAH Protocol, including training and guidance.
• Conducting annual project visits to monitor adherence to the approved ESMS and identify new social and environmental risks.
• Reporting findings from annual safeguards missions and proposing adjustments to the ESMS and site-specific ESMP as needed.
• Reviewing semi-annual reports on environmental and social safeguards prepared by the national Gender and Safeguards Officer and providing inputs to annual performance reports.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university education (MSc or PhD) in natural resource management, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, ecosystem management, or a related discipline. A Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. The consultant must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior technical position, specifically in institutional strengthening and capacity building related to climate change adaptation and environmental projects. Within this experience, at least 5 years must be focused on managing environmental and social safeguards, particularly in ecosystem rehabilitation and climate change adaptation. Proven experience in developing social and environmental safeguard instruments is essential, and experience with donor-funded projects such as those from the Green Climate Fund or Global Environment Facility is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in relevant fields such as natural resource management, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, ecosystem management, disaster risk reduction, environmental science, agriculture, or water resources management. A Bachelor's degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience, specifically two additional years of qualifying experience.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in a senior technical role, with a strong focus on institutional strengthening and capacity building in climate change adaptation and environmental projects. At least 5 years of this experience should be specifically related to managing environmental and social safeguards, with a proven track record in ecosystem rehabilitation and climate change adaptation initiatives. Experience in developing social and environmental safeguard instruments is a must, and familiarity with donor-funded projects, particularly those associated with the Green Climate Fund, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Swahili is considered an asset and is desirable for effective communication within the local context.

Additional Notes:
The expected contract duration for this consultancy is 2 years, with part-time work totaling 4.5 months over this period. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will be required to adhere to the United Nations' policies on anti-fraud, anti-corruption, and compliance with environmental and social safeguards. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.