The following are terms of reference for the implementation of environmental and social (ES) safeguards instruments (risk management plans) for project “Employment creation for vulnerable Lebanese citizens and Syrian displaced population in livestock value chain”. As per the project risk category and ES risks identified during completion of the risk screening checklist of the project and other risk assessments. Instruments such as: Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Grievance Redress Mechanism. During the project’s implementation phase, the ES mitigation measures and stakeholder engagement arrangements included in the instruments need to be implemented and monitored.
The main objective of this assignment is to manage, support and monitor the implementation of the above-mentioned ESMF, the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and the project Grievance Redress Mechanism. The assignment includes the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data to ensure that the project’s ES risks are mitigated in accordance with the plans, and to identify changes to the risks identified and adjust the mitigation measures accordingly. The Specialist will also ensure that the stakeholder engagement plan is implemented effectively and the Grievance Redress Mechanism is functioning.
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of the Resilience and Liaison Officer, in consultation with the AFAOR Programme.
The Specialist needs to manage the mitigation measures and arrangements described in the risk management and stakeholder engagement plans cleared by the ESM unit:
Responsibilities :
Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)
• Implement/ provide support to the implementation, and monitor the implementation of the applicable ESMF, including screening of sub-projects using FAO’s FESM templates and classification of risks;
• Support the project in managing the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the ESMF;
• Identify triggered safeguard standards (ESS1–10) and recommend appropriate mitigation measures, including site-specific ESMPs, Codes of Conduct, or proportionate tools.
• Support the project in the inclusion of ES provisions into contracts with implementing partners and contractors.
• Integrate resource efficiency and pollution prevention measures (ESS3) and exclude ineligible sub-projects.
• Document and archive screening outputs in accordance with disclosure, audit, and accountability requirements.
• Provide regular training to the project team and service providers;
• Update the ESMF, if new risks are identified;
• Collect and provide information on the implementation of the plans, for the preparation of the Project Progress Report (PPR), twice a year, and the Project Implementation Review (PIR), once a year.
Stakeholder Engagement Plan:
• Monitor the implementation of the SEP;
• Suggest and maintain tracking tools for safeguarding and SEP actions over the project lifetime;
• Support the project in stakeholders engagement arrangements, including regular consultations;
• Ensure vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized groups are engaged;
• Update, as needed, and publish the SEP in the FAO disclosure portal and communication channels. The update of the SEP will take into consideration changes in stakeholders identified, engagement strategies and frequency, and issues raised/discussed. Guidance on disclosure available at ESOP2: Stakeholder engagement
• Collect and provide information on the implementation of the SEP, for the preparation of the Project Progress Report and the Project Implementation Review.
Grievance Redress Mechanism :
• Liaise with the GRM focal point of the FAO Lebanon Country Office. Keep a registry of the grievances received and inform the project coordinator, on a monthly basis, on the status of the grievances.
• Collect and provide information on the implementation of the GRM, for the preparation of the Project Progress Report and the Project Implementation Review, country annual report (FAO) and ESS monitoring in FPMIS.
• Liaise with the Safeguards and Grievance Focal Point from the Country Office.
Project Management :
• Support the establishment and operationalization of the Project Management Unit (PMU) with safeguards responsibilities.
• Support the project by providing technical advice to ensure environmental and social (E&S) considerations are integrated across all project components, phases, and reports.
• Liaise with the Project Coordinator and Safeguards and Grievance Focal Point to track risk mitigation, performance, and safeguards deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance for incorporating mitigation into procurement, operational planning, and field activities.
• Ensure the assessment and management of community health and safety risks, including security risks and preparation of Security Management Plans (SMPs), where applicable.
• Support the development and implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures.
• Support the project in reviewing the contracted Third-Party Monitoring Agent (TPMA) findings.
Minimum Requirements :
• University degree in environmental sciences, environmental health, agriculture or related fields.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the formulation and implementation of environmental and social management frameworks and plans, impact assessments, and reporting frameworks.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic.
• National of Lebanon or resident of the country with valid work permit.
Selection Criteria :
• Field experience is an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in ESIA, grievance handling and disclosure in FAO and/or in other development organizations, is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with FAO policies, in particular the Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM), is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with the environmental and social safeguard requirements of the project's resource partners is considered an asset.
