Organizational Setting

FAO is a specialized Agency of the United Nations whose mission is to contribute to eradicating hunger and achieving food security for all. FAO provides high quality technical and policy expertise to its member countries, thus assisting them in their efforts to meet their goals for eradicating hunger, reducing poverty and fostering improvements in agricultural and rural livelihoods in a sustainable manner.

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is implementing 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 in a sustainable manner.
In addition, FAO Myanmar operates a portfolio of development and emergency projects in Myanmar and has offices located in Sittwe, Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon. Programmes cover a broad range of geographical coverage, security situations, agro-ecological zoning, and a diversity of populations, including an array of economic and livelihood backgrounds. FAO Emergency program in Myanmar objectives are: i) Rebuilding agriculture-based livelihoods through supply of agricultural, livestock and aquaculture inputs and cash transfer, training on good agriculture practices, climate smart agriculture, nutrition, provision land preparation harvesting equipment, improving animal health services; ii) Rehabilitating productive infrastructure and contribute to conservation through fishpond renovation and construction through cash-for-work and agricultural land rehabilitation; and iii) Improving disaster Risk Reduction, early warning and anticipatory action systems as well as community based disaster risk management.
The FAO Country Office (CO) is following the guidance of FAO’s latest Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM): Framework for Environmental and Social Management (fao.org) and monitoring environmental and social safeguards in program implementation.

Reporting Lines

The Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FAO Representative in Myanmar and the operational supervision of the Emergency and Rehabilitation Coordinator and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer, in close cooperation with the relevant technical officer(s) and the program team. The Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist will ensure effective delivery of the Country Office Programme by supporting programme implementation and environmental and social safeguards.

Technical Focus

This assignment is to support technically in the preparation of country Environmental Social Assessment (ESA), Environmental Social Management Plan (ESMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The assignment needs to provide technical inputs, data and information for programme and project formulation and operations in the area of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, livestock, rural development, livelihoods, food security and nutrition.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in updating country Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) as per the Environmental & Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) of the donor.
•     Coordinate with the local partners, stakeholders for the consultations to ensure the Environment and Social Safeguard (ESS) is integrated into the project implementing activities. 
•     Conduct the E&S screening to ensure in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental & Social Safeguard Standards. 
•     Develop and implement the Environmental and Social Safeguard tools such as ESMP, ESOP and SOPs as and when requires. 
•     Develop the training materials related to ESS and conduct the trainings for local partners, stakeholders and FAO project staff.
•     Monitor the implementation of the ESMF & SEP and participate in the relevant meetings and provide technical inputs for environmental and social safeguard.
•     Compile ESS implementation and monitoring progress reports from local partners and report to the World Bank on a quarterly basis – through the project team.
•     Where necessary liaise with the Safeguards Taskforce based at the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok, as well as implementing partners and the Donor.
•     Work closely with the Country Office Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Unit for data compiling and reporting
•     Perform any other duties as requested by Supervisors.
•     Integrate the ESS requirements into FAO’s projects to ensure in compliance with Framework for Environmental & Social Management (FESM).
•     Provide technical inputs, data and information for programme and project formulation and operations in the area of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, Livestock, rural development, livelihoods, food security and nutrition.
•     Liaise with programme and project teams for regular update and monitor the country programmes and projects in FAO system in line with FAO Myanmar Country Programming Framework (CPF)
•     Support country office in the formulation and implementation of projects/programmes related to environment and climate change  

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree in forestry, agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, economics, social science or related field;
•     At least seven years of relevant experience in project/program management and coordination of food security, resilience, and rural development programs, or related area. At least five years of experience in environmental and social safeguard;
•     Working knowledge of English;
•     Myanmar Nationality.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Relevant experience in the United Nations system;
•     Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset;
•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;
•     Knowledge of computer programme - Microsoft Office package;

Selection Criteria

•     Expertise in management of food security, forestry, resilience, and rural development projects, or related area;
•     Relevant experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation;
•     Relevant experience in environmental and social safeguard.
•     Relevant experience with internationally funded projects.
•     Extend working experience in a complex, international, geographically dispersed, with inter-disciplinary team environment.
•     Willingness and ability to travel to remote, rural locations, Team player
•     Good communication, analytical and writing skills;
•     Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools;
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION