National Environmental Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Yemen. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Sanaa, Yemen. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, 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.

Reporting Lines

The National Environmental Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Yemen, general supervision of the Head of Agriculture and Rural Development unit, and technical and direct supervision of the Agriculture Officer.

Technical Focus

Facilitate compliance of the projects with environmental safeguards standards of FAO and donors (specifically the World Bank) and develop the technical documentation related to all Environmental safeguards. The work will be guided by the FAO technical standards and donor guidelines (e.g. World Bank Environmental and Social Standards) and the project’s Environmental and Social Management Framework and legally binding Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP).

Tasks and responsibilities

• Prepare any specialized instruments (studies) or safeguards tools to determine any potential negative environmental and/or social impacts which may accompany some of the projects interventions. (Screening Checklists, Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Pest and Pesticide Management Plan (PPMP), Labour Management Procedures (LMP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and Pest & Pesticide Management Plans (PMPs).
• Support the implementation of projects safeguards tools, compliance, sustainable performance, and quality assurance of all safeguards measures.
• Follow up with the execution of the contract entered by FAO with a selected contractor for the execution of the works in compliance with design specifications and materials, construction standards, budgetary control and timely execution of the project until satisfactory completion of the contract and more specifically:
• Test samples of supplies and materials, checking craftsmanship as necessary, as may be considered necessary at the cost of the contractor to ensure their compliance with the relevant specifications and standards. When necessary, support the contractor by provision of training and awareness raising about safeguards requirements as part of their contractual obligation (ES standards and requirements are to be listed in all contractual documents);
• Regularly inspect work in progress (weekly) to ensure compliance with design specifications, required materials, construction standards and timeliness;
• Monitor the quality of the work, its progress, and ensure proper execution and completion of the terms of the contract
• Monitor occupational health and safety (OHS) standards at the project sites and ensure that the OHS standards are adhered to by all construction personnel;
• Provide weekly updates to FAO, including reporting and geo-referenced digital photos, on the progress made bringing to their attention any issues that need immediate attention
• Provide technical support for any contractual issues by ensuring adherence to costs and timelines and advise on the implications of cost, quality, timelines for any changes to specification or scope requested by contractors
• Ensure the agreed project management methods, standards, and processes are maintained throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure that agricultural activities are well prepared, coordinated, and documented for efficient and effective delivery.
• Follow up with contractors and the safeguards team on any specialized instruments (plans, studies) or safeguards tools to determine potential negative environmental and/or social impacts (in close collaboration with the Social Safeguards Specialist) which may accompany some of the construction interventions. The tools used for compliance and guidance may include the: Screening Checklists, Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Contractors’ Labour Management Procedures (LMP), Resettlement Plans (RP) and site-specific ESMP’s;
• Supervise and report the implementation of contractors ESMP’s, GRM and GBVAP in compliance with the project ESMF and safeguards tools with safeguards team collaboration.
• Perform other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Environmental Science, civil Engineering, or any related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant operational experience and proven track record in working on construction projects covering a broad range of structures, including administration buildings, warehouses, steel structures and others.
• Working knowledge of English and full proficiency in Arabic.
• National of Yemen.

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.
• Knowledge of computer-aided design programs, AutoCAD required and Structural Analysis programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of international environmental and social safeguards standards and practices

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated capacity to design and supervise construction activities, including compliance with Environmental and Social standards of the FAO and donor agencies (e.g. World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, IFC Performance Standards, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with multiple agencies and contractors, effectively building an understanding and partnership with other UN bodies, NGOs, governmental agencies and contractors
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in English and Arabic.
• Teamwork spirit, ability to work under minimum supervision
• Understanding of complex emergencies; experience working in insecure and crisis environment
• Ability to build effective working relationships with national and international colleagues, with different cultural and technical background
• Proven strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Analytical skills and experience.
• Ability to keep sensitive information confidential.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION