Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Green Cities Initiative (GCI), is partnering with the Maseru City Council (MCC) to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development. The initiative focuses on transforming Maseru into a greener, healthier, and more resilient city by integrating urban agriculture, green space revitalization, climate-smart practices, and sustainable waste management into urban policies and practices.

Environmental sustainability is a foundational pillar of the Green Cities Initiative. To achieve this, the project requires strong technical leadership in environmental management, climate adaptation, policy alignment, and monitoring of safeguards. FAO seeks the services of a National Environmental Specialist to support the delivery of environmentally sound interventions aligned with national and international standards.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Lesotho, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for program, technical supervision in SFS and  HQ  and in collaboration with The National Project Coordinator and other relevant technical departments of the Maseru City Council (MCC) , the incumbent will undertake the following task:

Technical Focus

To strengthen the technical capacities of MCC for implementing the environmental aspects of the Green Cities Initiative

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall leadership of the FAO Representative, technical supervision of the relevant FAO technical officers in SFS and HQ, and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator and other relevant technical departments of the MCC, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:
•     Review relevant environmental policies, legal frameworks, and safeguards, and recommend improvements to integrate with the Green Cities Initiative
•     Conduct environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) for piloting organic waste management (composting, generation of bioenergy, etc.) and establishment of green spaces.
•     Support the development of  guidelines and technical notes on sustainable waste management, environmental safeguards, and urban ecosystem management.
•     Support MCC in the design and management of green spaces and eco-friendly urban interventions.
•     Support the development of  environmental management and monitoring frameworks for pilot sites
•     Build the capacity of MCC staff and community groups in environmental management, green space planning, and climate resilience.
•     Participate in awareness raising  and sensitization workshops for MCC and stakeholders on context-specific ways that can be employed to make Maseru city healthier, greener, and sustainable
•     Support awareness campaigns on waste segregation, recycling, biodiversity, and environmental health. 
•     Establish environmental monitoring indicators and tools to measure project impact.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, or related field.
•     5 years of relevant experience in: professional experience in environmental management, waste management, or urban sustainability.
•     Working knowledge of English (C level)
•     National of the Kingdom of Lesotho or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience with environmental assessments, policy analysis, and safeguards- Proven track record in capacity building, training, and community-based environmental projects.
•     Familiarity with Lesotho’s environmental policies and urban development challenges.
•     Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.