National Environmental and Social Safeguarding Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources sustainably. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars: (i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition; (ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crisis; (iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection. 

The ZEFPP is part of the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF) initiated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to address food crises exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and climate change. The project aims to enhance short-term food production while building long-term resilience, focusing on increasing cereal and oilseed production, improving fertilizer distribution, and providing policy support. In line with the project objectives and requirements, FAO intends to recruit a National Environmental and Social Safeguarding Specialist. This specialist will integrate environmental and social safeguarding effectively, ensuring alignment with AfDB and Country Office ESS guidelines and requirements, while also reviewing and updating the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The incumbent will support the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project, ZEFPP (UTF/ZIM/038/ZIM) project.

Reporting Lines

The National Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist will operate under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, with direct supervision from the Assistant FAO Representative-Programme and the ESM Unit at headquarters. Additionally, the Social and Environmental Specialist will receive overall guidance from the Project Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist will provide strategic direction and technical support for the Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) within the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP). The specialist will ensure compliance with ESS standards as per donor and FAO requirements, supporting the integration of safeguarding aspects into project design, proposal development, and management implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide technical support to project implementation teams to ensure compliance with FAO's and AfDB’s ESS policies and collaborate with the FAO ESM Unit as necessary. 
•    Identify and assess potential environmental and social risks associated with the project, developing a list of activities that are inadvisable for support due to poor environmental or social performance.
•    Participate in project preparation and supervision missions, providing inputs on ESS safeguards and preparing terms of reference for environmental and social impact assessments.
•    Review progress and monitoring reports on ESS safeguards during project implementation under ZEFPP. 
•    Monitor relevant program components, with an emphasis on identified ESS risks, is crucial, and immediate corrective actions will be taken to ensure compliance. 
•    Facilitate training for FAO and partner staff on safeguarding assessments, design recommendations, and implementation of action plans. 
•    Develop an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) plan for the ZEFPP project and define Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to minimize impacts on human health and the environment.
•    Establish a clear understanding of institutional requirements, roles, and responsibilities for implementing the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is also essential. 
•    Define the requirements for technical assistance needed by FAO and its partners to implement and manage the ESMP. 
•    Develop a Grievance Redress Mechanism, including communication channels for complaints, stakeholder sensitization activities, and training for PTC members on grievance handling. 
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
    
•    Advanced university degree in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or similar. 
•    At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the formulation, review, and implementation of environmental and social management frameworks, impact assessments, management plans, and reporting frameworks.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English.
•    National of Zimbabwe. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of experience in ESMF, ESMP, environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA). 
•    Experience in working with the UN, specifically with FAO on ESMF and ESMP. 
•    Knowledge of environmental and social safeguards policies and requirements. 
•    Familiarity with the AfDB safeguards policy is an asset.
•    Capacity in initiating, planning, organizing, and executing effectively.
•    Ability to work under pressure, keep timeline, engage with stakeholders, and build partnerships. 
•    A systematic, well-structured, and efficient approach to work assignments. 
•    The incumbent must possess a cooperative spirit, flexibility, and openness to work in an international environment, including tact and courtesy, and a strong capacity for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. 
•    Working knowledge of  local languages (Shona and Ndebele) is an asset 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION