Environmental and Social Impact Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. Conducting Feasibility studies for irrigation system is a paramount and essential activity that seeks to determine if a proposed irrigation project is viable and economically beneficiary within a destined locality. It takes into account areas where surface water seems scarce in sustaining crop water demand (all season) and assesses ground water potential for alternative use during dry days. These studies usually consider various aspects such as the purpose of the project, its adaptability to local context, needs, best locations, costs, legal requirements, and potential environmental impacts/risks. The goal is to provide planners or engineers with the requisite data to develop technically responsive solutions, ensuring that the irrigation system works well, be affordable, sustainable and help farmers and communities increase production.
In view of the above, this document presents a feasibility study proposal intended to provide technical assistance to the government of Liberia, in its quest to evaluate the viability and funding needs of a proposed irrigation project, which aimed at rehabilitating dams in Foya, Lofa County for irrigation support to rice farming. The project seeks to buttress and improve the efforts of local rice farmers, with the aim of increasing production of the country’s stable food (rice), as an exertion to complement government’s food security strategy.

The proposed irrigation project aligns with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), specifically captured in Pillar 2: Economy and Jobs: Development Outcome 2: focusing on increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing food security and income generation.

As an accomplishment, the proposed system will contribute to the achievability of the following SDGs:
•     Goal 1: Ending Poverty
•     Goal 2: Zero Hunger
•     Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
•     Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
•     Goal 13: Climate Action

FAO involvement in the conduct of the proposed studies seeks to provide technical support to the government of Liberia, aligning directly with FAO’s strategic framework, particularly highlighted in the following goals:
•     Better Production: Innovation for sustainable agricultural practices.
•     Better Nutrition: Improved nutrition for vulnerable populations
•     Better Environment: Climate-adapted Agriculture systems
•     Better Life: Inclusive rural transformation and gender equality.

It is expected that the result from the study will put government in an informed position for rational decision taking on the proposed project in term of budget, viability, sustainability, environmental impacts and intended outcomes. 
 

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia, the Environmental and Social Impact Specialist will report to the Head of Program.

Technical Focus

The Environmental and Social Impact Specialist will be responsible to lead an organized assessment of all potential environmental consequences that may affect the environment or social status of host communities and proposes mitigations modalities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•     Lead the assessments for activities that may potentially impact the environment negatively and affect the social life of the beneficiary communities.
•     Carry out onsite risk assessment by gathering environmental data relating to marine habitat, water resources, air quality, wildlife habitats, landform and soil condition as well as social activities within the proposed community.  
•     Identify potential health hazards and other risks factors as consequences of the proposed project 
•     Propose or recommend mitigation measures on adverse environmental impacts
•     Make sure that the system is constructed with minimum negative impacts and promote social responsibility

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Sociology or a related field of studies from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     For PSAs: University degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Sociology or a related field of studies from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO.
•     At least five years of experience in the field of Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or Environmental Engineering.
•     Working knowledge of English (level C).
     

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Ability to conduct on-site inspections and irrigation water assessments 
•     Knowledgeable of calculating irrigation water requirements, seasonal demand, crop water needs, and irrigation scheduling.
•     Understanding of sustainable use of groundwater with a potential to do water cycle and recharge analyses. 
•     Must be able to collect technical data, analyse them and prepare a detail technical report.
•     Ability to conduct a joint/team field assessment and do collective reporting

Selection Criteria

•     Participation in a major feasibility study of a similar nature