Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist

Organizational Context

Serbia's forests, vital for livelihoods and climate mitigation, face threats from climate change and degradation. The FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) supports regional priorities, overseeing the FAO Project Office in Serbia. The GCF-funded FOREST Invest project (USD 83.8 million) aims to enhance forest resilience, supporting climate-adaptive management, restoration, and sustainable biomass value chains. FAO acts as the Executing Entity, working with national partners. The project, classified as moderate risk, requires robust environmental and social safeguards management.

Job Purpose

The Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will manage, support, and monitor the implementation of environmental and social safeguards instruments and plans for the FOREST Invest project. This involves collecting and analyzing data to ensure project risks are mitigated according to established plans, adapting measures as needed, and overseeing the effective implementation of the stakeholder engagement plan and the Grievance Redress Mechanism. The role is crucial for ensuring compliance with FAO, national, and Green Climate Fund (GCF) requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

The Specialist will support the implementation and monitoring of environmental and social safeguards, ensuring compliance with FAO, national, and GCF requirements. Key responsibilities include supporting the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), contributing to Environmental and Social Assessments (ESA) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and conducting environmental and social screening of project activities. The role involves monitoring safeguards risks through field visits, providing inputs for project reporting, and delivering training on safeguards. Additionally, the Specialist will support the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), facilitate consultations, manage disclosure of information, and maintain records of feedback. The Specialist will also support the operationalization of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), documenting and tracking grievances, and monitoring its effectiveness.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of progressive professional experience in formulating and implementing environmental and social management frameworks and plans, including environmental and social impact assessments and related reporting within development projects. Demonstrated experience in preparing or implementing ESIA/ESA, ESMPs, and other safeguards instruments for projects in forestry, natural resources management, climate change, biodiversity, or rural development is essential. Experience working with international organizations, development partners, or climate finance projects is an asset.

Skills

Essential skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Strong oral and written communication skills are vital. Experience with international organizations, development partners, or climate finance projects is advantageous. Field experience, including site visits and safeguards monitoring in rural areas, is beneficial. Familiarity with FAO’s Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM) and/or GCF or other international financial institution safeguards requirements is a strong asset.

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