National Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist

The National Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist will provide operational support to implement the FAO Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the project enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica. The role involves risk screening, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring safeguards integration throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental and social risk screening for all project interventions using the FAO’s ESS Risk Screening Checklist.
• Ensure that all future interventions are systematically assessed for potential risks and equipped with appropriate mitigation measures prior to implementation.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of screening outcomes and flag projects requiring technical analysis.
• Conduct routine field visits and monitoring activities to verify implementation of mitigation measures and recommend adaptive action.
• Collect primary environmental and social data periodically to update baseline and inform the Project Management Unit (PMU).
• Act as liaison between PMU, JSIF, local communities, and national authorities facilitating communications and consultations.
• Support and document stakeholder engagement activities and maintain consultation register.
• Prepare periodic operational monitoring reports including field activities, screening results, GRM status, and stakeholder feedback.
• Provide logistical support and documentation for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP).
• Support capacity building of PMU staff, JSIF partners and beneficiaries on safeguard implementation.
• Monitor compliance with mitigation measures and national legislation as outlined in the ESMF.
• Maintain updated ESS risk registers and contribute to project risk management.
• Support establishment and operation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) including management of registry and follow-up actions.
• Support implementation and adjustments of ESIAs, ESMPs, and other safeguard instruments.
• Coordinate closely with Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist to ensure gender-sensitive approaches.
• Present and explain ESMF and GRM to stakeholders and incorporate feedback into Annual Work Plan and Budget.
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of mitigation measures and contribute to project M&E framework.
• Prepare periodic safeguard monitoring reports aligned with M&E requirements and contribute to evaluations.
• Prepare quarterly and annual ESS progress reports summarizing screening results, risks, mitigation status, and lessons learned.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of complaints and facilitate linkages to support services.
• Collaborate with National Stakeholder Engagement Consultant to maintain stakeholder engagement and update Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Support procurement team with incorporation of safeguards requirements into bidding processes.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Requirements

• University degree in environmental sciences, social sciences, natural resource management, rural development or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in applying Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) frameworks and screening tools, or related.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• National of Jamaica.
• Comprehensive understanding of relevant national environmental and social legislation.
• Relevant experience applying ESMF frameworks and screening tools in Jamaica or the Caribbean is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct field monitoring and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent coordination, communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines.

Skills

• Environmental and Social Frameworks
• ESMF Screening Tools
• Environmental Legislation Analysis
• Social Legislation
• Field Monitoring
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Report Writing
• Project Coordination
• Environmental Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Natural Resource Management
• Rural Development Policy

Languages

English