Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
•    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.   

The \"Transforming Livelihoods through Climate-Resilient, Low-Carbon Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc\" project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aims to enhance the resilience of agricultural communities in the Lake Region Economic Bloc to climate change impacts while promoting sustainable, low-carbon agricultural practices. The project focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving access to climate information, and empowering vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.

The grade of the position is SC8.

Reporting Lines

The ESS Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator of the project and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officers from the Sub-regional office of Eastern Africa.

Technical Focus

The Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Expert will play a critical role in ensuring that the project is implemented in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to both national regulations and GCF safeguard standards. This position will support the integration of gender equality, social inclusion, and Indigenous Peoples considerations into all project activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

Implementation and Monitoring of Safeguard and Indigenous Peoples Plans:

•    Support the implementation of the project's Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP).
•    Conduct regular site visits to monitor project activities and identify potential environmental, social, and cultural risks, with specific attention to impacts on Indigenous Peoples.
•    Work with project teams to develop and implement mitigation measures for identified risks, ensuring that the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples are respected.
•    Ensure that project activities comply with relevant national environmental and social regulations, GCF safeguard standards, and international conventions related to Indigenous Peoples' rights. 
•    Support the collection and analysis of data related to environmental and social impacts and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation:

•    Facilitate free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) processes with Indigenous Peoples to ensure their participation in project planning and implementation.
•    Engage with Indigenous Peoples' representatives and organizations to understand their perspectives and concerns.
•    Support the establishment and operation of community-based monitoring mechanisms, including Indigenous-led monitoring initiatives.
•    Work with local leaders and community organizations to address any concerns or grievances related to project activities, with specific attention to the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.

Capacity Building and Training:

•    Provide training and technical assistance to project staff, community members, and local partners on environmental and social safeguards and Indigenous Peoples' rights.
•    Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate awareness materials on relevant topics.

Grievance Redress Mechanism:

•    Support the establishment and operation of a culturally appropriate grievance redress mechanism (GRM) to address complaints related to environmental, social, and cultural impacts, with specific attention to the needs and concerns of Indigenous Peoples.
•    Ensure that all grievances are promptly and effectively addressed in a culturally sensitive manner.
•    Maintain a record of all grievances and their resolution.

Reporting and Documentation:

•    Prepare regular reports on the implementation of safeguard and Indigenous Peoples plans.
•    Document good practices and lessons learned related to environmental and social management and the engagement of Indigenous Peoples.
•    Contribute to project progress reports and other project documentation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in environmental science, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. 
•    Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in experience in environmental and social safeguards and/or Indigenous Peoples' rights in development projects. 
•    Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili.
•    National of Kenya.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•    Extent and relevance of experience in working with Indigenous communities and government agencies.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in
•    Familiarity with Kenyan environmental and social regulations. Knowledge on GCF safeguard standards, and international conventions related to Indigenous Peoples' rights (e.g., ILO Convention 169, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) is an added advantage.
•    Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills. 
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
•    Knowledge of local languages spoken within the Lake Region Economic Bloc is an asset. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION