National Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 supports the Government of Jamaica through the FAO Jamaica Country Office (FAOJM) in advancing climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable rural communities and smallholder farmers to climate change and climate-related shocks.

Following the approval of the Funding Proposal (FP299) by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO together with Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) will implement the project “ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica” in response to a request from the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change (MWECC), acting as National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF. Implementation will be carried out in partnership with national institutions, and in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and applicable donor requirements.

The project is organized around four interrelated components:
• Building capacity in climate-resilient agricultural production and post-harvest systems,
• Accelerating climate adaptation of vulnerable smallholder farmers,
• strengthening climate information services and early warning systems for agriculture, and
• mobilizing finance, policy and business support for agricultural resilience.

For more information about the project, please review: FP299: ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica | Green Climate Fund

Reporting Lines

The National Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESS) Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO technical officer designated as Project Manager, and under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Jamaica and the Assistant FAO Representative Programme (AFAOR Programme).

Technical Focus

Providing operational support to the ongoing implementation and operationalization of the FAO Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), ensuring that Environmental and Social safeguards are integrated into the full life-cycle of the project and that appropriate screening, monitoring, participation and grievance redress mechanisms are maintained.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct environmental and social risk screening for all project interventions using the FAO’s ESS Risk Screening Checklist.
• Ensure that all future interventions, particularly those involving smallholder support, installation of irrigation and water management infrastructure, introduction of new crop varieties, and training or extension activities are systematically assessed for potential risks and equipped with appropriate mitigation measures prior to implementation.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of screening outcomes and flag projects requiring technical analysis.
• Conduct routine field visits and monitoring activities to verify the implementation of mitigation measures approved in ESMPs and additional safeguard plans, to detect residual impacts and to recommend adaptive action.
• Collect primary environmental and social data on a periodic basis in coordination with beneficiaries and local stakeholders, to update the baseline and to inform the Project Management Unit (PMU).
• Act as the permanent liaison between the PMU, JSIF, local communities, national authorities (NEPA, ministries, parish councils), facilitating communications, scheduling consultations and disseminating results.
• Support and document stakeholder engagement activities (workshops, focus groups, interviews) and ensure their timely incorporation into project records; maintain the consultation register.
• Prepare periodic operational monitoring reports, including summaries of field activities, screening results, GRM status, stakeholder feedback and any emerging concerns.
• Provide logistical support, field data and documentation to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) as required; assemble input materials (baseline data files, screening matrices, notes of consultations) for the drafting of technical documents.
• Support capacity building of PMU staff, JSIF partners and beneficiaries on safeguard implementation, including by organizing training and circulating guidance materials.
• Monitor compliance with mitigation measures and national legislation as outlined in the ESMF.
• Maintain updated ESS risk registers and contribute to the project risk management process.
• Support establishment and Operate the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), including management of the registry and follow-up actions with responsible parties, report on status and help find solutions.
• Support the implementation and adjustments of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and other safeguard instruments as required.
• Coordinate closely with the Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist to ensure gender-sensitive approaches are integrated into all safeguard activities.
• Present and explain the ESMF and GRM to stakeholders during consultations and incorporate feedback into the Annual Work Plan and Budget.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of mitigation measures and contribute to the project's M&E framework. Provide inputs to project M&E in relation to safeguard indicators, aligning with the M&E Plan.
• Prepare periodic safeguard monitoring reports aligned with the M&E requirements; gather and interpret data, contributing to mid-term and final evaluations.
• Prepare quarterly and annual ESS progress reports summarizing screening results, key risks, mitigation status, and lessons learned.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of all complaints and facilitate linkages to support services.
• Collaborate with the National Stakeholder Engagement Consultant to maintain ongoing stakeholder engagement and update the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Support the procurement team with the incorporation of safeguards requirements into bidding processes when contracting service providers.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• University degree in environmental sciences, social sciences, natural resource management, rural development or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in applying Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) frameworks and screening tools, or related.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• National of Jamaica

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of relevant national environmental and social legislation.
• Relevant experience applying ESMF frameworks and screening tools in Jamaica or the Caribbean is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct field monitoring and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent coordination, communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT