Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda and the direct technical supervision of the Team Leader, Forestry FAO Uganda, and the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer, the social and environmental safeguards specialist will work with other programme specialists, and analysts in the implementation of the project

Technical Focus

The main role of the Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist is ensuring social inclusion through optimal involvement of women, youth, indigenous people and other vulnerable groups. She/he will ensure that safeguards requirements are respected, including periodic reporting on how the safeguards are monitored and addressed in the project implementation.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead the design of activities related to Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) to be held during the Project Inception Phase.
• Lead the development and implementation of the FAO Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and complementary ESS plans.
• Lead the development and monitor the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Lead the development of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)
• Ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is applied in community activities where relevant.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations.
• Support the Project Gender Specialist and provide input into the Project Gender Action Plan.
• Coordinate the implementation and strengthen Uganda’s Safeguards Information System (SIS) and Framework.
• Work closely with the Climate Change Department (CCD) of the Ministry of Water and Environment and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on the development of Safeguards Summary of Information for the UNFCCC and other safeguards reports.
• Support the development and operationalization of the Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP)
• Build project and local (district) capacities to ensure the application of the safeguards during the project implementation.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in social sciences, environmental studies, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in safeguards, FPIC, BSP and GRM.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• Uganda national.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with intergovernmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships, including government institutions and agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical and policy documents, guidelines and manuals, in English.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex topics to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with FAO Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM), GCF Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) and related policies, and UNFCCC Cancun Safeguards is an advantage.
• Experience working with customary landowners and communities.
• Strong facilitation and reporting skills.

How to Apply

All suitably qualified and Interested applicants should apply online at the link below.