Environmental and Social Safeguards/Grievance Redress Mechanism (ESS/GRM) Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan assists the government in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. The office actively participates in field projects focused on food security, agriculture, and rural development, integrating these efforts within a broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture. Currently, FAO is implementing the GCF-funded project “Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)”, aiming to increase carbon sequestration and reduce degradation drivers through institutional support and sustainable natural resource management.

Job Purpose

The Environmental and Social Safeguards/Grievance Redress Mechanism (ESS/GRM) Specialist will contribute to the "Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)" project by ensuring environmental and social risks are managed effectively. This role involves developing and implementing site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) aligned with the project's Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The specialist will provide guidance to FAO and Operational Partners on avoiding or minimizing negative environmental and social impacts, enhancing environmental and social performance, and addressing gender gaps throughout the project lifecycle, from activity selection to implementation and monitoring.

Responsibilities

The ESS/GRM Specialist will identify potential environmental and social risks and impacts, including gender and social inclusion aspects, and support the disclosure of ESMPs. Key duties include establishing and maintaining feedback mechanisms for the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), ensuring its integration into project systems, and processing grievances confidentially. The specialist will conduct training on ESMF implementation, facilitate public consultations, and support community engagement on environmental and social protection measures. Responsibilities also encompass monitoring safety and labor protection, guiding consultants, coordinating ESS activities, screening project proposals for compliance with safeguard frameworks, and developing guidance on environmental and social criteria for activity selection. The role involves preparing monthly progress reports on ESS implementation and updating ESMPs and other safeguard instruments as required, in line with FAO, GCF, GEF, and national requirements.

Work Experience

A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, implementation, and review of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs/ESAs) is required. Experience in reporting frameworks is also necessary.

Skills

The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong knowledge of agriculture and pasture management issues in Kyrgyzstan, including political, institutional, and socio-economic aspects. Experience in ESIA, stakeholder engagement, grievance handling, and disclosure is advantageous. Familiarity with FAO policies, particularly the Framework for Environmental and Social Management, and the safeguard requirements of resource partners is beneficial. Strong knowledge of regional and international gender and climate strategies, experience with national institutions and NGOs in Kyrgyzstan, and the ability to coordinate large-scale project activities are essential. Proficiency in MS Office, strong drafting, presentation, and reporting skills, and the ability to make effective decisions in crisis situations are also required. Excellent writing and communication skills in Russian and Kyrgyz are mandatory; limited knowledge of English is considered an asset.

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