Environmental and Social Safeguards Consultant

Result of ServiceThis consultancy aims to supplement the GSU workload on project review of safeguard risks and improve efficiency, quality, and relevance. It subsequently helps UNEP projects to incorporate safeguard issues adequately especially at the project development phase. Work LocationNairobi Expected duration180 Days Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The UNEP Programme and Policy Division (PPD) assumes a pivotal role in ensuring coherence and maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance across UNEP projects and programmes, in alignment with the strategic frameworks of the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), Programme of Work (PoW), and UNEP’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Framework (ESSF). PPD takes charge of UNEP's strategic planning, safeguards, gender equality integration, reporting, and overall subprogramme coordination. The PPD, through its Gender and Safeguards Unit (GSU), works towards integrating gender-responsive approaches and safeguards into the design and implementation of UNEP programmes and policies, guided mainly by the UNEP’s ESSF and Policy and Strategy for Gender Equality and the Environment (GPS). It provides guidelines and support to ensure all UNEP interventions meet the highest standards of environmental integrity and social responsibility. This includes performing screenings and assessments on two dimensions: (1) identifying, understanding, and managing potential environmental and social risks and impacts associated with UNEP's programmes and projects, and (2) assessing the extent of gender mainstreaming within the context, implementation, outcomes, and budget portions of the project documentation. To strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the safeguards screening function, the GSU is seeking to engage qualified consultant(s) with specific safeguards expertise in various areas including biodiversity, chemicals and waste, climate change. The consultant(s) will bring valuable expertise and perspectives to support the rigorous project screening, including those related to Global Environment Facility (GEF) concepts and projects. Their involvement will strengthen GSU’s capacity to undertake thorough screening within defined time windows, ensuring adherence to established criteria and standards. This consultancy is based in the Gender and Safeguards Unit of the Policy and Programme Division at the Nairobi Duty Station. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Gender and Safeguards Unit, and in close collaboration with GEF Coordination Office and Task Managers, the Environmental and Social Safeguards Consultant will carry out the following tasks: 1. Support Initial Safeguards Screening of Concepts: By conducting thorough reviews and analyses of concept notes, the consultant(s) will provide insights, recommendations, and an overall risk rating. Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring that concept notes align with required environmental sustainability and social and human rights standards are on the correct path for successful donor consideration and sound project preparation. 2. Support Project Safeguards Screening at Advanced Design Stages: The consultant(s) will carry out a comprehensive review of advanced project documents, including supplementary Gender marker, Gender Action Plans, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Management Plans, and other safeguard related risk assessments and/or management plans/framework depending on the submissions. The consultant(s) will analyse the safeguards dimension in-depth and propose further necessary advice and recommendations to ensure compliance with the ESSF during project implementation. 3. Provide Technical Support to Project Development Teams: The consultant(s) will provide targeted advice to project development teams needing assistance in strengthening the safeguards consideration of their interventions at both concept and project design stages. This includes advising on adherence to the guiding principles of the ESSF or its standards. The consultant(s) will also be available to liaise with project proponents, offering clarifications and guidance in addressing review comments and enhancing the project's safeguard-design considerations. • The consultant can guide reasonable budget and activities for assessing, avoiding, minimizing, mitigating and possibly offsetting safeguard risks. The consultant(s) will be responsible for ensuring timely and comprehensive reviews of continuously submitted concepts, projects, and their Safeguard Risk Identification Form (SRIF). This will require active engagement in conducting reviews and providing technical support during peak periods, usually from October through November and February through June. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Economics, Sociology, anthropology, Environmental Studies, Climate Change Studies or related is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of ten (10) years of working experience in the field of the operationalization of safeguard policies, and safeguard risk screening, impact assessment and risk management planning is required. A proven track record of conducting successful safeguards project screening in various contexts would be highly desirable. Demonstrated technical knowledge in some of the following fields: chemicals and waste, circular economy, climate change, biodiversity, rights of indigenous people, cultural heritage, labour and working conditions, human rights and gender equality, health, safety, and security is required. Familiarity with global environment funds such as GEF or GCF is desirable. Familiarity of safeguard policies and trends of international organizations and vertical funds is required. Ability to listen to and synthesize diverse views, and draw practical, relevant, and value-adding recommendations that can be integrated in projects is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.