Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Officer

at  International Union for Conservation of Nature

Vacancy #:
6998
Unit:
Business and Nature
Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:
European Regional Office Germany, Bonn, Germany
Bonn, Germany
Reporting to:
Programme Manager – Technology and Innovation
Work percentage:
100%
Grade:
P1
Expected start date:
01 November 2024
Type of contract:
Fixed-term (12 months)
Closing date:
13 September 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Through the ESMS Officer position IUCN will ensure that ESMS procedures, standards and principles are applied to the project portfolio of the WALD Innovation Facility (IF). This involves providing support during project preparation, including preparing ESMS screening reports for projects, advising proponents on safeguard-related improvements of project design, supporting the preparation of ESIAs (Environmental and Social Impact Assessments) and safeguard documents and preparing ESMS clearance. It further involves providing support and supervision during project implementation to guarantee that ESMS requirements are complied with. Where a safeguard-related grievance is raised, she/he will be instrumental in solving the matter proactively.
She/he will also build ESMS capacity for IF staff and Grantees to enhance ESMS-compliant project design and ensure effective implementation of the risk management strategies. This involves coaching and training existing staff and project grantees.
The ESMS Officer will report to the Programme Manager – Technology and Innovation and will work in collaboration with ESMS Specialists based in IUCN Regional Offices and HQ. High-level guidance is provided by the IUCN Global ESMS Coordinator.
Specific duties include:

1. Environmental and social due diligence at the project design stage

• Screen projects on environmental and social impacts, define risk categories, identify necessary impact studies and safeguard tools/plans, and produce final ESMS Screening Reports.
• Contract local consultants for providing inputs and local knowledge to the Screening process.
• Support applicants in developing Safeguards Instruments for their projects.
• Advise project applicants on stakeholder engagement during the project design and implementation phase.
• Ensure appropriate budgeting for ESMS activities.
• Conduct final compliance checks and prepare ESMS clearance of projects.

1. ESMS support during project implementation

• Provide ESMS training for project grantees and relevant partners at project inception.
• Support the grantees in monitoring the implementation of safeguard tools and compliance with all ESMS requirements.
• Review ESMS reports submitted by grantees and contribute to the drafting of relevant sections of the technical progress reports for the donor.
• Contribute to annual project implementation reviews and participate in supervisory monitoring missions to support ESMS-specific aspects.
• Manage ESMS project data to assure maintenance of ESMS records and prepare an annual summary report of E&S performance and compliance of all projects.

1. Grievance management and Serious Incident reporting

• Support the grantees in setting up a project-level grievance mechanism in accordance with the IUCN ESMS Grievance Mechanism.
• Work with grantees to solve grievances in line with IUCN’s three-staged grievance process, maintain a register of grievances and report on progress in solving grievances.
• Establish a process of reporting serious incidents and ensure timely reporting of serious incidents and implementation of corrective actions.

1. Training and Learning

• Together with the Regional ESMS Specialist develop ESMS training materials and deliver training sessions for grantees.
• Coach grantees on ESMS procedures, principles, and standards to ensure the consistent application of ESMS principles and standards.
• Organise and participate in thematic webinars related to the programme.

1. System Development

• Monitor ESMS implementation in the project sites to capture lessons learned and feedback from the grantees and project stakeholders and suggest refinement and improvements of the fund-level ESMS and the overall IUCN ESMS.
• Generate lessons on the ESMS application for grant making identifying good practices and synthesising these practices for dissemination.

1. Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
   The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organization such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them, but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.

REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate Degree in social science, law, anthropology, environmental management or comparable studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of indigenous people’s matter, rights-based approaches, gender mainstreaming, and inclusive conservation.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguard systems, and risk management with working experience preferably focussing environmental conservation or carbon market projects.
• Practical knowledge in conducting environmental and social impact assessments, undertaking environmental and social due diligence, and preparing and implementing environmental and social safeguard instruments and monitoring.
• Experience in designing training, facilitation, coaching and capacity building.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is a required. Knowledge of local languages from the two target regions will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated a high level of professionalism and ability to work independently to deliver under a tight deadline.
• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen, respect for colleagues and ability to work as part of a team.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), database applications, spreadsheets, and graphics presentations.
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

Please refer the Job description for details