National Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports Jamaica in transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The FAO Jamaica Country Office (FAOJM) focuses on enhancing the resilience of rural communities and smallholder farmers to climate change. This role is within the "ADAPT Jamaica" project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which aims to improve climate change resilience for vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica through capacity building, adaptation acceleration, improved climate information services, and finance mobilization.

Job Purpose

The National Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist will provide essential operational support for the implementation of the FAO Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). This role ensures that environmental and social safeguards are integrated throughout the project lifecycle. Key functions include maintaining appropriate screening processes, monitoring activities, facilitating stakeholder participation, and managing grievance redress mechanisms to uphold the project's commitment to sustainable and responsible development practices in alignment with FAO and donor requirements.

Responsibilities

The specialist will conduct environmental and social risk screenings for all project interventions using the FAO’s ESS Risk Screening Checklist, ensuring that potential risks are identified and mitigated before implementation, especially for activities involving smallholder support, infrastructure, new crop varieties, and training. Responsibilities include maintaining a database of screening outcomes, conducting routine field visits to monitor mitigation measure implementation, and collecting primary data for baseline updates. The role involves acting as a liaison between the Project Management Unit (PMU), JSIF, local communities, and national authorities, facilitating communication and consultations. The specialist will support stakeholder engagement activities, prepare periodic operational monitoring reports, and provide data for ESIA and ESMP development. Capacity building for PMU staff, partners, and beneficiaries on safeguard implementation is crucial. The role also includes operating the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), coordinating with the GESI Specialist, presenting ESMF and GRM to stakeholders, monitoring compliance with national legislation, and contributing to the project's M&E framework with safeguard-related inputs. Reporting includes quarterly and annual ESS progress reports, and ensuring confidentiality in handling complaints. Collaboration with the National Stakeholder Engagement Consultant and supporting the procurement team on safeguard requirements are also key duties.

Work Experience

Requires a university degree in environmental sciences, social sciences, natural resource management, rural development, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in applying Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and screening tools is essential. Proficiency in English at a working level (level C) is mandatory. Must be a national of Jamaica.

Skills

Key skills include a results-focused approach, teamwork, effective communication, and relationship building. The candidate should demonstrate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement capabilities. Essential technical skills include a comprehensive understanding of relevant national environmental and social legislation. Experience applying ESMF frameworks and screening tools in Jamaica or the Caribbean is advantageous. Demonstrated ability in field monitoring and engaging diverse stakeholders is required, along with excellent coordination, communication, and report writing skills. The ability to coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines is also crucial.

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