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.
The Subregional Office for West Africa is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed-upon strategies and projects for transforming food, agriculture and rural development. It also develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions including Regional Economic Integration Organizations such as ECOWAS, CILSS, UEMOA and Mano River Union. It assists the FAO Country Representations (FAORs) in the subregion with addressing subregional food security, agriculture, and rural development issues at country level. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAOโs Regional Office for Africa.
As a pillar of FAO's strategic framework 2022-31, which focuses on the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood, better environment is a key strategic pillar with the objective to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and combat climate change (reduce, reuse, recycle, residual management) through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. The Programme Priority Area focuses on Climate and agri-food systems; Bioeconomy; Biodiversity and ecosystems.
Livestock is an essential component of the West African rural economy, with a large contribution to agricultural GDP ranging from 5% in coastal countries to 44% in Sahelian countries, according to ECOWAS. Pastoralism is a source of income for 80 million people and plays a fundamental role in the resilience of populations, including in terms of jobs and food security. ECOWAS is developing a transformative project to enhance livestock systems' resilience to climate change in the region. Climate change poses significant risks to livestock production, affecting food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
FAO as an accredited agency for GCF has received a request from ECOWAS to support the development of a full-fledged project proposal to be submit to the GCF. This project aims to develop innovative adaptation strategies and mitigation measures through data-driven analysis of climate impacts. The consultant shall be hired under the project TCP/SFW/3904.
Reporting Lines
The Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards will be under the overall supervision of the Sub Regional Coordinator SFW, the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Officer at SFW, the technical supervisor of the SFW Animal Health and Production officer and Project Development Specialist (GCF) in consultation with OCB Teams.
Technical Focus
The Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards will support a team of experts for the design and preparation of a GCF multi- country full fledge project proposal. The consultant will ensure that the projectโs design, implementation, and monitoring comply with ย GCF ESS standards, regional and national environmental and social frameworks. The expert will work closely with the expert recruited under this project to ensure smooth coordination between the outputs.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Expert on Social and Environmental Safeguards for design of multi-country full fledge project proposal will carry out the following tasks:
โข ย ย Support the identification and oversee project formulation at their different stages and in close collaboration with the FAO country offices, FAO GCF unit and relevant regional and/or sub-regional technical officers.
โข ย ย Assess potential social and environmental impacts of the proposed GCF project on local communities and ecosystems.
โข ย ย Develop a comprehensive social and environmental safeguards framework that includes risk assessment, mitigation measures, and monitoring protocols.
โข ย ย Collaborate with project teams to integrate safeguards into project design and implementation strategies.
โข ย ย Help FAO Team to conduct environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) for project activities in collaboration with local partners.
โข ย ย Develop Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
โข ย ย Identify potential environmental and social risks and propose mitigation measures.
โข ย ย Establish a grievance redress mechanism for affected communities.
โข ย ย Align project safeguards with ECOWAS policies, GCF standards, and national laws of member states.
โข ย ย Develop tools and indicators to monitor safeguard implementation throughout the project lifecycle.
โข ย ย Work closely with the FAO GCF Unit, the FAO technical units, the project development specialist and experts to ensure appropriate quality control, completeness, and timeliness of project proposals.
โข ย ย Contribute to organizing meeting and workshops to validate the proposal.
โข ย ย Performs other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
โข ย ย At least 5 years of relevant experience in experience in environmental and social safeguard management, particularly in natural resources management, climate change or agriculture-related projects.
โข ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of French.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Demonstrated expertise in GCF, World Bank, FAO or similar safeguard standards.
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work in ECOWAS countries
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in GCF or other Climate Funds (GEFโฆ) and framework
โข ย ย Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and international organizations.
โข ย ย Experience working in West Africa or on ECOWAS projects is highly desirable.
โข ย ย Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
โข ย ย Strong interpersonal and excellent communication skills for engaging with various stakeholders.
โข ย ย Proven ability to analyse complex data and provide actionable recommendations.
Selection Criteria
โข ย ย Requirement of such position (diploma & language skills)
โข ย ย Professional experience and similar products delivered.
โข ย ย Mission-related studies particularly in Africa/focus in West Africa.