National Safeguard Specialist (SC-10)

Job Posting: 23/Jan/2025

Closure Date: 06/Feb/2025, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : FRSOM – FAO Representation in Somalia

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level : N/A

Primary Location: Somalia-Mogadiscio

Duration : Up to 6 months, with possibility of extension

Post Number : N/A

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries. This position’s grade level is SC-10

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Somalia, and the direct supervision of the Sector NRM Sector Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will implement the project Environmental and Social Safeguards Management Plan (ESMP) for the Ugbaad Project, ensuring compliance with the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). Responsibilities include identifying, mitigating, and managing potential environmental and social impacts, promoting inclusivity and equity, and enhancing climate resilience and sustainable resource management.

Tasks and responsibilities

Coordinate with the international safeguard’s specialist and other team members to ensure consistency and effectiveness in safeguards implementation.
The National Specialist will lead the mainstreaming and implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), as well as stakeholder engagement, disclosure and grievance redress at the Ugbaad project level.
Support the International E&S Specialist in the review process of ESMF and the preparation of Ugbaad project
Prepare comprehensive ESMPs for project activities identified as medium-risk, detailing mitigation measures and monitoring plans
Collate and analyze the existing grievance and communication mechanisms (Ugbaad and other FAO initiatives) in the project districts towards complimenting ESMF/Ugbaad project E&S implementation plan
Preparation of environmental and social risk assessment and management plans.
Monitor relevant project activities placing special emphasis on the identified Environmental & Social (E&S) risks and take immediate remedial measures to ensure compliance.
Conduct initial and refresher training sessions on environmental and social safeguards for project staff, implementing partners, and stakeholders.
Perform environmental and social risk screenings for all sub-activities using Ugbaad screening templates.
Monitor the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the ESMPs and conduct regular site inspections.
Lead meaningful and culturally sensitive stakeholder consultations, including with women, minority groups, and indigenous populations.
In close coordination with FPIC specialist, facilitate the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process
Work closely with government entities, executing partners, and regional/district-level offices to ensure compliance with national and international E&S safeguards.
Ensure project activities adhere to Somalia’s legal frameworks and FAO/GCF environmental and social policies.
Oversee the establishment and functioning of the GRM, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness for addressing community grievances.
Compile and submit semi-annual and annual progress reports on safeguards performance and stakeholder engagement.
Maintain documentation of all ESMP-related activities, including grievances and their resolutions.
Advise on integrating safeguards-related considerations into project decision-making processes.
Participate in site assessments and screening and ensure safeguards criteria are applied.
Apply all necessary E&S instruments for the respective works in Ugbaad project
Oversee compliance with all E&S safeguard requirements by Contractors and their Sub-Contractors.
Engage with Project Implementation Unit on safeguarding during design and implementation phases.
Identify key environmentally sensitive areas to be mapped by the international E&S Specialist as protected areas for future Ugbaad operations.
Carry out internal monitoring of ESS by providing relevant report to be shared with implementation partners.
Working with the various technical teams under the three Ugbaad component to ensure all ongoing activities are in line with ESS standards.
Facilitate external audits with development partners and service providers.
Establish close linkages and work closely with Government ESS officers at Federal and FMS level as well as other non-state implementing partners to ensure follow up on their obligations to adhere to set ESS standards and reporting requirement. ektLcXT BoMgNU
Review implementing partner ESS records to ensure quality and conformity to set ESS and recommend any required remedial methods.
Travel to project sites (security permitting) to monitor and supervise safeguard compliance works.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements

University degree in Environmental Management or a related field.
Five years of relevant experience in field evaluation of Environmental & Social Safeguards.
Working knowledge (level C) of English.
National of Somalia. FAO Core Competencies
Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills
EIA/EA practicing license from a recognized National Environmental Authority is highly desirable
Experience working with diverse sets of stakeholders.
Experience in WB procedures of ESS is an added advantage.
Experience in climate resilient and integrated landscape management is an added advantage.
Track record of supporting EHS compliance in a similar setting.
Excellent communication, writing, and reporting skills
Familiar with Project Cycle Management.
Should be able to follow up with contractors, implementing partners and other units in the office.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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