National Safeguard Specialist (SC-10)

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.
•    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