Environmental and Social Safeguard Assistant

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In particular, FAO provides a combination of humanitarian and basic needs/non-humanitarian assistance to female and male farmers and herders across Afghanistan in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation and natural resources sub-sectors through its projects and programs, as described in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023-2027, specifically under UNSFA Priority 2 Economic Opportunities and Resilient Livelihoods.

This is roster position for these duty station: Kabul, Bamyan, Kunduz, Kandahar, Gardez, Mazar-e-Sharif, Jalalabad, and Herat – Afghanistan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) or Deputy FAO Representative (DFAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Regional Office, and the day-to-day technical/functional guidance of the Head of Regional Office who will assign and monitor the daily tasks. The performance evaluation will be done by the direct supervisor in consultation with the Technical Supervisor.

Technical Focus

The Environmental and Social Safeguard Assistant will provide relevant technical assistance for efficient implementation of all FAO projects in the region.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in the development and integration of environmental and social safeguard requirements in FAO projects.

• Carry out a joint diagnostic walkthrough with the Mirabs, community, and technical staff to identify potential environmental and social risks.

• Support project teams in identifying potential environmental and social risks and impacts, and in proposing mitigation measures for review and finalization.

• Prepare relevant E&S instruments for sub-projects including but not limited to Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) Matrix during the preparation of the sub-project proposals/summary documents for all FAO projects.

• Ensure inclusive and effective consultations with all relevant stakeholders and maintain required documentation including but not limited to commitment letters, land donations etc.

• Provide support to the implementation of the Stakeholder Management Plan (SEP).

• Establish Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) and track/monitor and update Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) database in the ESS portal.

• Coordinate with the ESS Specialist and regularly update the SEP to reflect new stakeholders.

• Ensure that all stakeholder engagements are documented and updated on the ESS portal.

• Undertake regular field visits to project sites in the Region to monitor compliance with the environmental and social safeguard measures.

• Identify gaps on ESS that need to be addressed in the region and communicate to the regional team on a regular basis. Work closely with the Provincial Safeguard Monitoring Associates (PSMA) and assist them in developing a weekly workplan in coordination with the regional teams for monitoring purposes.

• Conduct a training needs assessment and train the IPs, construction companies and all other project related stakeholders on safeguard requirements including but not limited to Environmental & Social (E&S) screening and management, child labour, engagement of elderly, occupational health and safety, women involvement in the project activities and other potential environmental and social risks etc.

• Coordinate with all other teams in the regional office and Kabul on facilitating the processes as may be required.

• Ensure that quality data is updated and maintained on the ESS portal at all times.

• Document a report on a weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, bi-annual, annual basis or as required, for ESS and OHS activities in the region.

• Participate in all relevant meetings, includes kick-off meetings, to present relevant safeguards requirements.

• Perform any other duties as may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (Bachelor) in Sociology, Environmental Agriculture science or related field; At least 2 years of UN or INGO experience is desirable.

• A minimum of three (3) years professional experience in environmental and social management for water and irrigation related engineering works;

• Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari);

• National of Afghanistan.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to conduct E&S screening and prepare appropriate Environmental and Social Management Plans and other E&S instruments as required

• Knowledge of FAO and donors Environmental and Social Framework

• Proven ability to plan, work and deliver against agreed deadlines.

• Good knowledge of the MS Office etc.

• Excellent writing and analytical skills.

• Willing to travel extensively in the field.

• Good knowledge of the MS Office package, Internet etc

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION