Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist
Location: Multiple locations
Country: Multiple locations
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a vital part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on addressing the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Established to coordinate efforts across various sectors, OCB plays a crucial role in facilitating responses to these challenges by providing technical guidance and support to FAO members. The office is involved in major multilateral environmental agreements and assists countries in accessing climate and environmental financing. OCB also hosts several important programs and units, including the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and the Environmental and Social Management Unit (ESMU), which is responsible for implementing FAO's Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM).

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will be responsible for supporting the mainstreaming and implementation of FAO's environmental and social safeguards policies and procedures. This role involves conducting technical reviews, providing guidance to teams across FAO headquarters, country offices, and field projects. The Specialist will work closely with the ESM Unit Coordinator and collaborate with FAO representations and regional offices to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards. The position requires a strong focus on integrating environmental and social standards into programming, conducting risk assessments, and managing stakeholder engagement processes. The Specialist will also be involved in developing tools and methodologies to enhance the implementation of the FESM, ensuring that FAO projects align with established environmental and social safeguards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist's duties will include conducting compliance reviews of FAO projects to ensure they align with the FESM, assessing the quality of environmental and social risk management instruments, and providing technical support to project implementation teams. The Specialist will be responsible for providing technical clearance to environmental and social instruments throughout various phases of the project cycle, liaising with FAO technical units to advance the FESM agenda, and developing and delivering webinars on technical aspects of environmental and social management. Additionally, the Specialist will prepare environmental and social risk assessments, frameworks, plans, and reports, assist in the development of FAO environmental and social safeguards, and support content creation for internal reports and communication materials. Participation in project preparation and supervision missions may also be required, along with performing other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in environmental management, social sciences, geography, agriculture, or a related field. They should have relevant experience in environmental and social risk management, with a minimum of two years for CAT C, five years for CAT B, or ten years for CAT A positions. A working knowledge of English is required, and familiarity with environmental and social safeguards from major funding organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate strong multi-cultural communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as environmental management, social sciences, geography, or agriculture is essential for this position. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental and social safeguards, risk management, and related disciplines.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by category: at least two years for CAT C, five years for CAT B, and ten years for CAT A. Candidates should have substantial experience in environmental and social risk management, particularly in applying safeguards to projects and operations. Experience in conducting due diligence or compliance reviews is also necessary, along with any relevant experience in emergency operations or conflict settings being considered an asset.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Limited knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable, while limited knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve working in multiple locations, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates should expect to adhere to FAO's standards and guidelines throughout the application and selection process.