Environmental and Safeguarding Specialist

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref.: 2024/01/NRS/MAD/SSA

Environmental and Safeguarding Specialist The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Environmental and Safeguarding Specialist to design, coordinate and ensure the implementation and reporting of the environmental and social safeguard system throughout the life cycle for the “Integration of Orange- fleshed Sweetpotato Value Chain Development” into Building Sweeter Livelihoods” Mionjo’s project in Madagascar.

The Position: The selected candidate will be based in Toliara, Madagascar and will report to the Project Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Safeguarding plan (EESP) for a sweetpotato value chain effort in Southern Madagascar.
• Ensure that the plan's key indicators align with those of MIONJO's project, where the sweetpotato value chain component operates.
• Identify best practices for the different agro-ecological areas of the project, especially in terms of water and soil management, and advise on how to implement them in line with World Bank strategies, regional and national environmental and social protection regulations.
• In collaboration with the M&E officer and aligned with the ESSP, ensure that appropriate indicators are included in baseline and endline studies of the project.
• In collaboration with the project agronomist, advise on the appropriate type of water management support best suited for vine multipliers and different types of sweetpotato root producers (commercially oriented) and assist in coordinating the installation and monitoring of any system.
• Track project activities by implementing a dashboard, adjust if needed, and evaluate the performance of environmental and social management.
• Coordinate and direct relevant data collection in the field and ensure archiving of documents related to environmental and social aspects of the project.
• Ensure that all project staff and project partners are trained in the principles of ESSP and establish mechanisms to report compliance to the MIONJO management unit.
• Produce short training videos on the ESSP and monitoring system in collaboration with the communication officer.
• Produce timely and well-written reports and briefing notes on the implementation of the ESSP and present the findings to project stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences, Water Management, Agroecology, or equivalent.
• Deep understanding and application of risk management principles and technical concepts in environmental and social safeguarding
• At least 6 years of professional experience, including 2 years in the field of environmental responsibilities and/or social protection, preferably with World Bank-financed projects. Experience working at the community level, whether in a research or implementation capacity.
• Experience in designing and implementing monitoring systems and maintaining associated databases preferred.
• Excellent understanding of the management principles of technical concepts and administrative compliance procedures concerning environmental and social safeguarding.
• High level of competence in use of MS Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point).
• Good communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Expertise in developing and producing materials and tools for knowledge transfer to diverse audiences
• Skills in using mapping and spatial analysis software preferred.
• Ability to undertake statistical analyses and understand technical components of environmental impact assessments.
• Planning & organizational skills.
• Innovation, teamwork, accountability, and integrity.
• Have a high degree of professional motivation.
• Taking initiative and drive to deliver reliable results.
• Willingness and openness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations.
• Ability and willingness to travel in remote areas up to 50% of the time.
• Excellent writing and oral skills in French and Malagasy; working knowledge of English preferred; knowledge of local dialects in the South preferred.
• Understanding of agricultural value chains, including the processing sector.
• Knowledge of World Bank’s requirements concerning environment and safeguarding is preferred.
• Experience in designing training tools and conducting youth trainings.
• Conducting survey and collecting and analyzing data.
• Experience in gender-responsive interventions preferred.
• Willingness to travel and spend overnight in difficult conditions.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment.
• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed term contract of 1 year with possibility of renewal subject on performance and availability of funds.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.How to apply?

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V in English with your references. Screening of applications will begin on May 20 , 2024 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will not have contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.