Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization

Tasks and responsibilities

Implementation and Monitoring of Safeguard and Indigenous Peoples Plans:

• Support the implementation of the project's Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP).
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor project activities and identify potential environmental, social, and cultural risks, with specific attention to impacts on Indigenous Peoples.
• Work with project teams to develop and implement mitigation measures for identified risks, ensuring that the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples are respected.
• Ensure that project activities comply with relevant national environmental and social regulations, GCF safeguard standards, and international conventions related to Indigenous Peoples' rights. 
• Support the collection and analysis of data related to environmental and social impacts and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation:

• Facilitate free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) processes with Indigenous Peoples to ensure their participation in project planning and implementation.
• Engage with Indigenous Peoples' representatives and organizations to understand their perspectives and concerns.
• Support the establishment and operation of community-based monitoring mechanisms, including Indigenous-led monitoring initiatives.
• Work with local leaders and community organizations to address any concerns or grievances related to project activities, with specific attention to the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide training and technical assistance to project staff, community members, and local partners on environmental and social safeguards and Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate awareness materials on relevant topics.

Grievance Redress Mechanism:

• Support the establishment and operation of a culturally appropriate grievance redress mechanism (GRM) to address complaints related to environmental, social, and cultural impacts, with specific attention to the needs and concerns of Indigenous Peoples.
• Ensure that all grievances are promptly and effectively addressed in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Maintain a record of all grievances and their resolution.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on the implementation of safeguard and Indigenous Peoples plans.
• Document good practices and lessons learned related to environmental and social management and the engagement of Indigenous Peoples.
• Contribute to project progress reports and other project documentation.
• CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

• Advanced university degree in environmental science, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in experience in environmental and social safeguards and/or Indigenous Peoples' rights in development projects. 
• Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili.
• National of Kenya.