Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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. Its 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. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards will play a pivotal role in the design and preparation of a multi-country project proposal aimed at enhancing the resilience of livestock systems to climate change in West Africa. This position requires a deep understanding of environmental and social safeguards, particularly in the context of climate change and agriculture. The expert will ensure that the project adheres to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) and integrates these safeguards into all phases of project design, implementation, and monitoring. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including FAO country offices, local communities, and regional technical officers, to assess potential impacts and develop comprehensive frameworks for risk assessment and mitigation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: supporting the identification and formulation of the project in collaboration with FAO country offices and relevant technical officers; assessing potential social and environmental impacts of the proposed GCF project; developing a comprehensive social and environmental safeguards framework; collaborating with project teams to integrate safeguards into project design; conducting environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs); developing Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and Plans (ESMP); identifying environmental and social risks and proposing mitigation measures; establishing grievance redress mechanisms; aligning project safeguards with ECOWAS policies and national laws; developing monitoring tools and indicators; ensuring quality control of project proposals; and organizing meetings and workshops for proposal validation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguard management, particularly in natural resources management, climate change, or agriculture-related projects. Full proficiency in French is also required, along with demonstrated expertise in GCF, World Bank, or similar safeguard standards. Experience working in multiple locations within ECOWAS countries is highly desirable, as is the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including governments and local communities.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or Natural Resource Management is essential for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of environmental and social safeguards in the context of climate change and agriculture.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguard management. This experience should include work on projects related to natural resources management, climate change, or agriculture, with a focus on assessing and mitigating social and environmental impacts. Experience working in West Africa or on ECOWAS projects is particularly valuable and will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the regional context effectively.

Languages:
Full proficiency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with stakeholders in the region. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly English or Portuguese, would be considered an asset and beneficial for engaging with a broader range of partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the hiring process, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and experience in relation to the selection criteria outlined.