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

The ESS/GRM Specialist supports the implementation of the GCF funded project “Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)” in Kyrgyzstan. The role involves preparing and implementing environmental and social safeguards, grievance redress mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with FAO and project partner requirements to promote sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential environmental and social risks and impacts associated with project activities, including gender equality and social inclusion considerations.
• Support disclosure of the ESMP as per requirements of the FAO and GCF.
• Establish and maintain feedback mechanisms within the GRM to inform stakeholders about grievance progress and resolution.
• Ensure integration of GRM procedures within project communication, monitoring, and reporting systems.
• Ensure ESMP implementation and produce Sub-projects of the ESMP for pilot territories.
• Maintain responsibility for recording, processing, referring, and monitoring grievances through appropriate confidential channels, including anonymous reporting where applicable, while ensuring confidentiality and effective implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
• Provide training courses to establish understanding of institutional requirements, roles and responsibilities for adopting and implementing ESMF.
• Facilitate regular public consultations on environmental and social protection measures of project activities, including disseminating GRM channels at project and field levels.
• Support explanatory work among pilot forestries, local communities, institutions, and stakeholders on project activities and conflict situations, reaching women and vulnerable groups.
• Facilitate definition of technical assistance requirements for FAO, civil society organizations, service providers, and public institutions involved in ESMF implementation and supervision.
• Regularly monitor and ensure compliance with safety and labor protection requirements during project activities.
• Support development and improvement of Integrated Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilience Plans (INRMCRP) from Environmental and Social Safeguards perspective.
• Guide consultants and subcontractors and oversee compliance with work plans in Environmental and Social Safeguards.
• Coordinate all Environmental and Social Safeguards activities to ensure project results align with Project Document and FAO/GCF rules and procedures.
• Facilitate screening of feasibility materials and business-plans under Component 3 ensuring compliance with FAO/GCF/RKDF Environmental and Social Management Frameworks.
• Support development of project workplan, progress reports, and relevant documents under the project.
• Develop and provide guidance on environmental and social criteria for identification and selection of priority activities; develop list of activities not recommended due to poor environmental or social performance.
• Provide regular monthly progress reports on Environmental and Social Safeguards implementation.
• Prepare, update, and/or coordinate preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and other safeguard instruments for new project activities and sub-projects in accordance with FAO, GCF, GEF, and national requirements.
• Undertake any other project-related duties assigned by the PIU, FAO, or National Project Coordinator.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree in agriculture, forestry natural resource management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related fields required.
• At least 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), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs/ESAs), environmental and social management plans, and reporting frameworks.
• Working knowledge (level C) of Russian and Kyrgyz.
• National of Kyrgyzstan.
• Excellent communication and inter-personnel skills.
• Strong knowledge of agriculture and pasture management issues in Kyrgyzstan, including the political, institutional and socio-economic aspects.
• Experience in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), stakeholder engagement, grievance handling and disclosure in FAO and/or other development organizations is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with FAO policies, particularly the Framework for Environmental and Social Management.
• Familiarity with environmental and social safeguard requirements of the project's resource partners is considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge and experience in regional and international gender and climate strategies, programmes and implementations.
• Working experience with ministries, national institutions, NGOs and agricultural sector on national and local level in Kyrgyzstan.
• Ability to effectively coordinate large-scale project activities involving stakeholders on various levels.
• Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills.
• Strong computer skills, particularly mastery of MS Office and internet search.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in Russian and Kyrgyz; English is an asset.
• Ability to solve problems and make effective and timely decisions in crisis situations.
• At least 5 years of experience with national, regional or international projects.
• National or Resident of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Skills

• Environmental and Social Frameworks
• Environmental and Social Management Plans
• Environmental and Social Assessments
• Grievance Redress Mechanism
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Environmental and Social Safeguards
• Agriculture and Pasture Management
• Climate Strategies Implementation
• Gender Strategies Implementation
• Project Coordination
• Drafting and Reporting
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Internet Research
• Environmental Sciences
• Natural Resource Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Communication in Russian and Kyrgyz
• Crisis Decision Making
• Familiarity with FAO Policies

Languages

Russian, Kyrgyz, English