Kiwa Initiative Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and Gender Officer

Background 

IUCN has developed an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) including Kiwa Initiative gender equity agenda in order to improve its capacity to systematically assess projects on environmental and social impacts and apply IUCN’s social and environmental standards during project development, implementation and monitoring stages. Under the Kiwa Initiative we will align our ESMS to the AFD and IUCN guidelines and the Kiwa Initiative ESMS Action Plan to ensure final benefitiaries design and implement rights-based gender sensitive and socially inclusive NbS projects for Climate Change Adaptations.

The Kiwa Initiative ESMS and Gender Officer will undertake day-to-day implementation of the Kiwa Initiative ESMS Action Plan as outlined in the IUCN and AFD Finance Agreement and related updated versions as the focal point on behalf of the Kiwa Initiative team. To ensure sufficient resources are available, management systems in place, applicable standards are adhered to, due diligence conducted, monitoring and reporting for Kiwa Initiative ESMS component.

This is a local recruitment. Nationals, individuals with residence status or the appropriate employment visa for Fiji are eligible to apply.

Specific Duties

• Implement and regularly improve the Kiwa Initiative ESMS and Gender Equity Action Plan to ensure proper evaluation, management and follow-up of the E&S risks related to the project, compliance with applicable standards improvement of E&S performance.
• Ensure Kiwa projects are in compliance with the IUCN ESMS and AFD E&S policy, the applicable standards on the projects are complying with local laws and regulations, World Bank group E&S standards for projects.
• Ensure that projects to be financed through the grant facility conduct necessary steps such as; (i) E&S screening and main risk identification, (ii) categorization and elaboration of E&S safeguard documents, proportionate to the levels of these risks and impacts, to appropriately manage the E&S risks and comply with applicable standard, (iii) E&S evaluation in the feasibility studies, (iv) E&S impact assessment, (v) E&S management plan, stakeholder engagement plan, grievance mechanism, resettlement action plan and (vi) external audit.
• Monitor the implementation of the environmental and social measures set out in the on-granting agreements and dedicated plans (ESMP) including gender equity using documentation review, site visits and/or external audits when needed.
• Ensure that the main ESMS aspects are covered during the project implementation such as gender equity, impact on biodiversity due to projects in ecological sensitive areas, loss of access to resources and loss of revenue, physical and economical involuntary resettlement, impact on vulnerable groups, including avoiding adverse impact on indigenous people, land tenure human rights, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, stakeholder consultation and participation and gender.
• Implement and regularly improve the project gender evaluation and action plan and mainstreaming approach of the project.
• Provide ESMS and Gender project component reporting when needed and as part of the project semi-annual and annual reporting and monitoring reports.
• Ensure Kiwa- ORO ESMS are aligned with the regional and global policies and maintain communication with the ARO and Global ESMS Specialist where relevant.
• Support and work closely with the Kiwa Grants Officer, Capacity Building Officer, Accountant and the Kiwa Coordinator and other ORO Staff to overall Kiwa Initiative implementation of annual work plans by providing where needed support during the call of proposals, proposal assessment, proposal review, contracting, implementation and reporting.
• Provide support in monitoring of Kiwa Initiative M&E programme and Ongranting contracting working closely with our Regional Programme Unit and Environment Law Unit.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by Kiwa Initiative Coordinator to support the overall implementation of the project and support IUCN ORO such as traning and other relevant duties.

Technical Support

• Develop a thorough understanding of the Kiwa Initiative Local Projects Component mechanism as outlined in the Project description, operation manual and donor finance agreement.
• Work with the KIWA CA Coordinator, programme team and ORO Programme team to develop regionally tailored approaches for ESMS for the programme and individual projects.
• Provide regular technical advice and inputs to the KIWA Coordinator and assist in work planning, budgets and the preparation of donor reports.
• Contribute to project publicity, promotion, updates and knowledge products suitably branded and attributed
• Support the the KIWA Initiative Coordinator as required through engagement on regional network groups, task forces and committees; representing IUCN and Kiwa Initiative Component A at relevant fora, meetings and workshops at all levels; contribution to IUCN ORO programme planning forums, advisory committees and, project reviews.

Communication

• Provide input into quarterly newsletters and other communication products to tell the stories from the field of programme highlight from grantees, IUCN coordination and stories from our partners.
• Contribute to information sharing, lessons learning and documentation of project and programme experiences

Travel

The position requires regular travel to ACP countries and OCTs in the region and to international meetings and events at a minimum of three missions per year (on average)

Requirements

• A Masters Degree in the field of Social Sciences or Development Studies and natural resource management and governance ideally including modules regarding Natural Resource Management and environment law background (and other relevant Post-graduate or Degree is an added advantage
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in conducting and producing reports on environmental and social safeguards at programme and project levels to meet international standards and guidelines such as AFD E&S risk management policy and IUCN ESMS guidelin
• Previous experience of working at regional level in the Pacific Island Countries with communities on environmental and social safeguarding in a conservation setting is an advantage. Proven experience in project administration and strong monitoring and evaluations skills.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and working as a facilitator or trainer in a multi-cultural setting.
• A high technical level of English (verbal/written) with excellent communication and presentation skills. French language will be an added advantage
• Proficient in using office applications (MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and other web-based management systems
• Experience in and/or demonstrable understanding and reporting of environmental and social safeguarding issues and compliance
• Familiarity with the ESMS key issues related to Nature-based Solutions and Climate Change adaptation in the Pacific Islands Countries and Territories
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse setting
• Ability to build good relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a respectful, participatory manner

Applications

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply” button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

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Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.