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 into 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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

The project GCP/UGA/077/GCF on “Uganda REDD-plus RBP for results period 2016-2017” funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) aims at addressing the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Uganda, through reduction of emissions while laying the foundation for sustainable development in the country´s land use and forestry sector. It builds on over a decade of national commitment and international collaboration and aims at promoting sustainable forest management through climate-smart agriculture, improved management of forest resources, and forest restoration. These efforts will strengthen community resilience and will contribute to Uganda`s commitments such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP). FAO supports Uganda to (i) design and adopt national contributions to the mitigation of climate change through REDD , including the provision of additional social and environmental benefits, and in conformity with the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC)´s REDD safeguards; (ii) implement national contributions to the mitigation of climate change through REDD with the necessary institutional arrangements in place; (iii) develop and improve the Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) capacities, institutional framework and carbon rights to access results-based payments. 

Reporting Lines
 

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda and the direct technical supervision of the Team Leader, Forestry FAO Uganda, and the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer, the social and environmental safeguards specialist will work with other programme specialists, and analysts in the implementation of the project
 

Technical Focus
 

The main role of the Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist is ensuring social inclusion through optimal involvement of women, youth, indigenous people and other vulnerable groups. She/he will ensure that safeguards requirements are respected, including periodic reporting on how the safeguards are monitored and addressed in the project implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist will perform the following tasks:
•     Lead the design of activities related to Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) to be held during the Project Inception Phase.
•     Lead the development and implementation of the FAO Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and complementary ESS plans.
•     Lead the development and monitor the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan
•     Lead the development of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)
•     Ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is applied in community activities where relevant.
•     Facilitate stakeholder consultations.
•     Support the Project Gender Specialist and provide input into the Project Gender Action Plan.
•     Coordinate the implementation and strengthen Uganda’s Safeguards Information System (SIS) and Framework.
•     Work closely with the Climate Change Department (CCD) of the Ministry of Water and Environment and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on the development of Safeguards Summary of Information for the UNFCCC and other safeguards reports.
•     Support the development and operationalization of the Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP)
•     Build project and local (district) capacities to ensure the application of the safeguards during the project implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced degree in social sciences, environmental studies, or related field.
•     Minimum 5 years of experience in safeguards, FPIC, BSP and GRM.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.
•     Uganda national.

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, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in working with intergovernmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.
•     Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships, including government institutions and agencies.
•     Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical and policy documents, guidelines and manuals, in English.
•     Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex topics to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

Selection criteria

•     Familiarity with FAO Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM), GCF Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) and related policies, and UNFCCC Cancun Safeguards is an advantage.
•     Experience working with customary landowners and communities.
•     Strong facilitation and reporting skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION