IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to 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.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices\:
• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
• assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
• ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
The "Transforming Livelihoods through Climate-Resilient, Low-Carbon Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc" project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aims to enhance the resilience of agricultural communities in the Lake Region Economic Bloc to climate change impacts while promoting sustainable, low-carbon agricultural practices. The project focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving access to climate information, and empowering vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.
The grade of the position is SC8.
Reporting Lines
The ESS Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator of the project and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officers from the Sub-regional office of Eastern Africa.
Technical Focus
The Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Expert will play a critical role in ensuring that the project is implemented in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to both national regulations and GCF safeguard standards. This position will support the integration of gender equality, social inclusion, and Indigenous Peoples considerations into all project activities.
Tasks and responsibilities
Implementation and Monitoring of Safeguard and Indigenous Peoples Plans\:
• Support the implementation of the project's Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP).
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor project activities and identify potential environmental, social, and cultural risks, with specific attention to impacts on Indigenous Peoples.
• Work with project teams to develop and implement mitigation measures for identified risks, ensuring that the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples are respected.
• Ensure that project activities comply with relevant national environmental and social regulations, GCF safeguard standards, and international conventions related to Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Support the collection and analysis of data related to environmental and social impacts and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation\:
• Facilitate free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) processes with Indigenous Peoples to ensure their participation in project planning and implementation.
• Engage with Indigenous Peoples' representatives and organizations to understand their perspectives and concerns.
• Support the establishment and operation of community-based monitoring mechanisms, including Indigenous-led monitoring initiatives.
• Work with local leaders and community organizations to address any concerns or grievances related to project activities, with specific attention to the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.
Capacity Building and Training\:
• Provide training and technical assistance to project staff, community members, and local partners on environmental and social safeguards and Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate awareness materials on relevant topics.
Grievance Redress Mechanism\:
• Support the establishment and operation of a culturally appropriate grievance redress mechanism (GRM) to address complaints related to environmental, social, and cultural impacts, with specific attention to the needs and concerns of Indigenous Peoples.
• Ensure that all grievances are promptly and effectively addressed in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Maintain a record of all grievances and their resolution.
Reporting and Documentation\:
• Prepare regular reports on the implementation of safeguard and Indigenous Peoples plans.
• Document good practices and lessons learned related to environmental and social management and the engagement of Indigenous Peoples.
• Contribute to project progress reports and other project documentation.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in environmental science, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in experience in environmental and social safeguards and/or Indigenous Peoples' rights in development projects.
• Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili.
• National of Kenya.
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
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with Indigenous communities and government agencies.
• Extent and relevance of experience in
• Familiarity with Kenyan environmental and social regulations. Knowledge on GCF safeguard standards, and international conventions related to Indigenous Peoples' rights (e.g., ILO Convention 169, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) is an added advantage.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of local languages spoken within the Lake Region Economic Bloc is an asset.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT