Organizational Setting

The Government of Suriname is undertaking its readiness activities for accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources for addressing climate change. In February 2022, the Government of Suriname was awarded the grant SUR-RS-003 “Strengthening of climate change finance planning processes to enable implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate actions in Suriname”, with FAO as Delivery Partner. The project focuses on strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM) of the Government of Suriname and other key stakeholders to incorporate climate change actions in national plans and strategies, in particular to close data gaps and strengthening capacities of institutions to be able to access climate finance. This GCF readiness project has a strong component on climate funding from Suriname’s forests (Climate and Forests) and will support Suriname to access relevant climate finance that aligns to its REDD strategy. The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Forestry Service SBB and a whole range of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

Reporting Lines

The National Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist will report to the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO). The specialist will provide technical support to the project team in its engagement with the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM) and other relevant stakeholders. The specialist will work in close coordination with the project’s National Knowledge Management Specialist and the country office Communications Support.

Technical Focus

The specialist will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive gender and equity assessment focused on Suriname's REDD Results-Based Payments (RBP) proposal, including an analysis of risks related to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEA/SH). Based on this assessment, the specialist will develop a detailed Gender Action Plan (GAP) for the REDD RBP proposal. Furthermore, the specialist will provide direct technical input into the project's Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) to ensure gender and social inclusion are fully integrated. A key part of the role is to provide gender-specific input for the project's communication plan to ensure materials related to REDD are accessible, gender-responsive, and socially inclusive for diverse stakeholders including women, youth, and rural and Indigenous communities.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Conduct a gender and equity assessment focused on REDD Results-Based Payments (RBP), to identify gender-specific challenges, opportunities, and gaps, including an analysis of risks related to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEA/SH) and recommended mitigation actions.
•     Develop a comprehensive Gender Action Plan (GAP) specifically for the REDD RBP proposal, with actionable recommendations to promote gender equality, mitigate risks of SEA/SH, and integrate gender into the project’s indicators, targets, and budget. Provide gender-specific input for the project's communication plan to ensure materials related to REDD Results-Based Payments are gender-responsive and socially inclusive.
•     Support the organization and implementation of national outreach and awareness-raising activities. 
•     Ensure that communication materials are tailored to specific groups (women, tribal groups, youth and others) and are available in appropriate languages. 
•     Work in close collaboration with the National Knowledge Management Specialist to ensure the communication plan is implemented effectively. 
•     Ensure all gender-related activities align with FAO's Gender Policy, the GCF's Gender Policy, and relevant national policies of Suriname.
•     Provide gender-related technical inputs for the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•     Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
•     All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en   
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en  
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en  
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm  
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en      
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
•     Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University degree in Communications, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or a related field.
•     A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and gender analysis.
Working knowledge of English and full proficiency in Dutch.
•     National of Suriname or resident of the country with valid work permit.

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 is desirable.
•     Demonstrated expertise in conducting gender and social inclusion assessments, particularly in the context of climate change or forestry projects.
•     Proven experience in developing and implementing Gender Action Plans (GAPs), including risk analysis related to SEA/SH.
•     Proven ability to contribute to the design of, and support the facilitation of, multi-stakeholder consultations with diverse and vulnerable groups In-depth knowledge of Suriname's social, political, and cultural context, particularly concerning Indigenous Peoples, Maroons, and rural women.
•     Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills.
•     Strong analytical and report writing skills in both English and Dutch.

Selection Criteria

•     Knowledge of international climate finance, specifically the Green Climate Fund (GCF) architecture and/or the REDD mechanism is considered a strong asset. 
•     Demonstrate ability to integrate gender considerations into climate change, forestry, or environmental projects.
•     Proven experience in facilitating inclusive processes with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and women.
•     Strong understanding of environmental and social safeguards, with experience applying safeguard policies of international organizations (e.g., FAO, GCF, World Bank), and contributing to instruments such as ESMF or SESA is considered a strong asset.
•     In-depth understanding of the social, political, and cultural context of Suriname.
•     Prior experience working on projects with international organizations (e.g., UN, development banks) is desirable.