Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist
Organizational Context
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and SDG-9. UNIDO's Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET) focuses on innovative services in agro-industry, sustainability standards, and climate technologies. The Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST) develops services for fair and responsible industrial production and trade, emphasizing skills development and a conducive business environment. The Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Fair Production Unit (IET/PST/SEF) supports Member States in integrating into global fair and sustainable trade systems, enhancing employability and entrepreneurship through modern technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Job Purpose
To prepare an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the project 'Skills for Decent Employment in Zambian Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in the Critical Mineral Value Chains'. This involves identifying, assessing, and managing environmental and social risks associated with project activities, ensuring compliance with UNIDO's Safeguards Policy, national legislation, and international best practices. The ESMP will guide the implementation of activities to be socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and safe, with a focus on occupational health and safety, environmental protection, labor conditions, gender equality, and community relations.
Responsibilities
Prepare a detailed Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the project, identifying and assessing potential environmental and social risks and impacts. Develop practical measures to mitigate these risks, ensuring compliance with UNIDO's Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy and Procedures (ESSPP) and relevant national legislation. Conduct a desk review of project documents and relevant regulations, and undertake a field visit to project sites. Develop a stakeholder engagement approach and a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). Consolidate the ESMP with management measures, monitoring requirements, institutional responsibilities, and capacity-building needs. Support stakeholder consultations and finalize the ESMP based on feedback.
Work Experience
At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated experience in preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) or similar safeguard instruments for development projects. Sound knowledge of Zambian or similar Southern African environmental, mining, and labor legislation, and of EU/UNIDO donor policies is required. Experience in stakeholder engagement, grievance redress mechanisms, and gender/social inclusion assessments is also required. Proven experience in the extractives/mining sector, particularly artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Southern or East Africa, is desired. Experience with UN agencies or international development organizations is desired.
Skills
Expertise in environmental and social risk assessment, management, mitigation, and monitoring. Proficiency in developing ESMPs and related safeguard instruments. Strong understanding of environmental and social issues in the mining sector, particularly ASM. Knowledge of relevant national legislation (Zambia) and international standards (UNIDO ESSPP, EU requirements). Skills in stakeholder engagement, consultation, and grievance mechanism development. Ability to conduct gender and social inclusion assessments. Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills. Experience in capacity building and training on ESMP measures.