Overview
The Environmental and Social Safeguards/Grievance Redress Mechanism (ESS/GRM) Specialist will support the implementation of the "Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)" project by identifying and managing environmental and social risks and impacts.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify potential environmental and social risks and impacts associated with project activities, including gender equality and social inclusion considerations.
- Support disclosure of the ESMP as per requirements of the FAO and GCF.
- Establish and maintain feedback mechanisms within the GRM to inform stakeholders about grievance progress and resolution.
- Ensure integration of GRM procedures within project communication, monitoring, and reporting systems.
- Ensure ESMP implementation and produce Sub-projects of the ESMP for pilot territories.
- Maintain responsibility for recording, processing, referring, and monitoring grievances through appropriate confidential channels, including anonymous reporting where applicable, while ensuring confidentiality and effective implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
- Provide a series of training courses to establish a clear understanding of the institutional requirements, roles and responsibilities for adopting and implementing ESMF, including a thorough review of the authority and capability of institutions at different levels (e.g. local, district, governorate and national) and their capacity to manage and monitor ESMF implementation.
- Facilitate regular public consultations on environmental and social protection measures of project activities, including disseminating the available channels of the GRM at both the project and field levels.
- Support organization of the explanatory work among the pilot forestries, local communities and institutions, stakeholders in the implementation of project activities on the ground, as well as in case of conflict situations on environmental and social issues; to reach both women and men, including vulnerable groups (such as female-headed households, low-income families, unemployed).
- Facilitate the definition of technical assistance requirements for FAO, civil society organizations, service providers, and public institutions involved in ESMF implementation and supervision.
- Regularly monitor and ensure compliance with the requirements of safety and labor protection in the process of implementing project activities;
- Supports the development and improvement of Integrated Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilience Plans (INRMCRP) from the Environmental and Social Safeguards perspective and its further implementation in pilot target areas;
- Guide the work of consultants and subcontractors and oversee compliance with agreed work plans in the field of Environmental and Social Safeguards.
- Coordinate all Environmental and Social Safeguards activities to ensure that project results are in accordance with the Project Document and FAO/GCF rules and procedures.
- Facilitate the screening of the developed feasibility materials and business-plans under Component 3 and ensure compliance according to the FAO/GCF/RKDF Environmental and Social Management Frameworks.
- Support the development of the project workplan, project progress reports, and any relevant documents, reports, plans under the project.
- Based on a detailed description of the project, develop and provide guidance on environmental and social criteria to be used during the identification and selection of priority activities. Develop a list of activities that are not recommended for support due to poor environmental or social performance.
- Provide regular monthly progress reports on Environmental and Social Safeguards implementation.
- Prepare, update, and/or coordinate the preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and other required environmental and social safeguard instruments for newly developed project activities and sub-projects, in accordance with FAO, GCF, GEF, and national environmental and social safeguard requirements.
- Undertake any other project-related duties assigned by the PIU, FAO, or the National Project Coordinator.
Required Experience
- At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, implementation, and review of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs/ESAs), environmental and social management plans, and reporting frameworks.
- At least 5 years of experience with national, regional or international projects.
Qualifications
An advanced university degree in agriculture, forestry natural resource management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related fields required;
