Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and other relevant partners are incepting the project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims at building climate resilience in vulnerable watersheds and communities through increasing climate resilience of watershed ecosystems, stabilizing productivity and farmers’ incomes and enhancing enabling environment. Total cost of the project is estimated at USD 53.2 million, which will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO and the Government of Malawi. The project will be implemented in 11 targeted districts in different regions in Malawi over a period of 6 years. Around 575,000 vulnerable people in rural communities will benefit from project interventions and more than 83,000 heIPOres of land will be restored through application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach.

Reporting Lines

The International Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi, the direct supervision of the EbAM International Project Officer (IPO) and will work closely with the EbAM National Project Coordinator, other project team members and implementing partners.

Technical Focus

Development of EbAM Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), detailed ESMP Implementation Plan, and tailored training materials on FAO and GCF environmental and social safeguards policies, EbAM ESMF, ESMP and their implementation. Organization of environmental and social safeguards training activities for the EbAM project team, other relevant FAO Country Office employees and other EbAM Executing Entities.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Validate the relevance of findings and planned actions of the Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of the EbAM project including the stakeholder engagement plan (SEP).
•    Undertake any additional assessment as required, including undertaking the environmental and social impact assessment of the relevant sub-components as may be required.
•    Lead the design, development and implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and any other relevant safeguards instruments as per the ESMP.
•    Provide technical support and advice to the project team and the Country Office on issues related to environmental and social safeguards.
•    Ensure the incorporation of gender as well as SEAH; social inclusion and issues concerning Indigenous Peoples in the project analytical plans, including during the implementation of the baseline and other surveys and evaluations.
•    Work with relevant EbAM international and national specialists to identify capacity gaps and develop training materials and conduct training activities on environmental and social safeguards to build capacity for implementation of the project team and stakeholders.
•    Develop methodologies for differentiated application (according to ecosystem, ecological floor, and products of genetic origin) linked to community and municipal territorial management, as well as land use vocations related to the management of water, soil, forests, and biodiversity resources.
•    Plan and undertake stakeholder engagement activities and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance of project activities with environmental and social safeguards requirements, including for seeking and receiving of the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)
•    Participate in project support and supervision missions to assess compliance with environmental and social safeguards requirements.
•    Prepare reports on the status of environmental and social safeguards implementation for the project for internal and external audiences, which may include section 4 of the Annual Performance Report of the GCF, and their timely submission.
•    Provide recommendations for improving the effectiveness of environmental and social safeguards measures.
•    Develop management indicators associated with environmental and social safeguards, verify their application and follow-up.
•    Design a monitoring and reporting mechanism for effective management of environmental and social safeguards requirements in the project.
•    Ensure that all project activities are compliant with the ESMP, national regulations, and international standards and FAO and GCF policies including the Funded Activities Agreement (FAA) of the EbAM project.
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be required by the IPO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental engineering or similar
•    At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the formulation, review and implementation of environmental and social management frameworks, impact assessments, management plans and reporting frameworks
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent and relevance of experience in ESMF, ESMP, environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).
•    Experience in working with the UN, specifically with FAO on ESMF and ESMP.
•    Prior experience of implementing a free, prior and informed consent process in UN or IFI projects, is desirable.
•    Knowledge of GCF environmental and social safeguards policies and requirements.
•    Capacity in initiating, planning, organizing, and executing effectively.
•    Ability to work under pressure, keep timeline, engage with stakeholders and build partnership