National Gender, Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist

Organizational Context

FAO's work in Viet Nam, guided by the 2022-2026 Country Programming Framework, prioritizes Climate Change Response, Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Sustainability. The Country Office, with support from the RAP GEF team, has secured substantial Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding to address critical issues in water resources management, fisheries, aquaculture, environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration across the nation. This role will contribute to three active GEF projects and one upcoming project.

Job Purpose

The incumbent will provide crucial support for the formulation of a new GEF Project Document and assist in the implementation of existing GEF projects managed by FAO Viet Nam, focusing on gender, environmental, and social safeguards. Reporting to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and technically guided by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) from RAP, in collaboration with FAO GEF specialists and the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) team, the specialist will gather and synthesize information. This information will be vital for defining the technical content, structure, and implementation strategy of the project, ensuring alignment with safeguard requirements.

Responsibilities

The National Gender, Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will support the GEF Design Expert and GEF Specialists. For ongoing projects, responsibilities include assisting operational partners in developing Environmental and Social Assessments (ESA), Management Frameworks (ESMF)/Plans (ESMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), Gender Action Plans (GAP), Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM), and Indigenous Peoples Plans (IPP). The specialist will monitor the implementation of these plans, collect data for progress reports, update risk management plans, and liaise with FAO safeguard focal points to ensure compliance with FAO ESS rules. Training for project teams and service providers will also be provided. For pipeline projects, the role involves conducting gender analysis, developing a Gender Action Plan, contributing to the Project Document (ProDoc) with gender-responsive elements, and ensuring gender considerations are integrated throughout the PPG process. Environmental and social risks will be identified, and safeguarding instruments will be developed in collaboration with the PPG team. The specialist will also assess institutional capacities for implementing ESMF/ESMP, propose technical assistance, and estimate budgets for safeguard implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental and social safeguarding is required. Experience in developing and implementing environmental and social management frameworks, stakeholder engagement plans, gender action plans, and grievance redress mechanisms is crucial. Familiarity with GEF project cycles and safeguard policies is highly desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. The role requires good computer skills, strong research, analysis, and report writing abilities, and a proven capacity to deliver quality outputs under tight deadlines. Previous experience with GEF or other international donor projects is preferred, as is experience working within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations. Experience collaborating with Vietnamese partners at various levels is also advantageous.

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