Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist

The Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will support the preparation, implementation and monitoring of safeguards instruments including Environmental and Social Assessments and Management Plans to ensure compliance with FAO, national legislation and Green Climate Fund requirements. The role involves managing environmental and social risks, stakeholder engagement, grievance redress mechanism, and contributing to project reporting for the FOREST Invest project in Serbia.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation and monitoring of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
• Contribute to the preparation, review and implementation of Environmental and Social Assessments (ESA) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
• Conduct environmental and social screening of project activities and ensure integration of mitigation measures into project design, workplans, budgets and contracts.
• Monitor safeguards risks and compliance, including through regular field visits, and support corrective actions as needed.
• Provide safeguards inputs for project reporting, including APRs and internal monitoring systems.
• Deliver training and awareness activities on safeguards requirements for project stakeholders.
• Support the implementation and update of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).
• Facilitate inclusive consultations with national and local stakeholders, including vulnerable groups.
• Ensure proper documentation, disclosure and communication of safeguards-related information and processes.
• Maintain records of stakeholder feedback and contribute to reporting on engagement activities.
• Support the implementation and operationalization of the project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
• Receive, document and track grievances, supporting their timely resolution in line with FAO procedures.
• Maintain grievance records and provide regular updates on status and outcomes.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the GRM and suggest improvements where needed.
• Contribute GRM-related inputs to project safeguards reporting.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in environmental sciences, natural resources management, environmental law, social sciences, forestry, sustainable development or a related field. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the formulation and implementation of environmental and social management frameworks and plans, environmental and social impact assessments, and related reporting frameworks within development projects.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation and/or implementation of ESIA/ESA, ESMPs and other safeguards instruments related to forestry, natural resources management, climate change, biodiversity or rural development projects.
• Working knowledge of English (level C) and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (level B).
• For PSAs working knowledge of English would be sufficient.
• Working knowledge of Serbian is highly desired.
• Experience working with international organizations, development partners or climate finance projects is considered an asset.
• Field experience and experience conducting site visits and safeguards monitoring in rural areas.
• Familiarity with FAO’s Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM) and/or the environmental and social safeguards requirements of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) or other international financial institutions is considered a strong asset.
• Quality of both oral and written communication skills.

Skills

• Environmental and Social Assessments
• Environmental and Social Management Plans
• Environmental and Social Safeguards
• Safeguards Monitoring
• Forest Management
• Natural Resource Management
• Climate Change Safeguards
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Rural Development Programmes
• Environmental Law
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Grievance Redress Mechanism
• Project Reporting
• Field Experience
• Green Climate Fund Safeguards
• Environmental and Social Risk Management
• Environmental and social reporting

Languages

English, Serbian