Safeguards, Accountability and Grievance Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the
FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's office for Lebanon is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing
countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Lebanon. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant
Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Beirut, Lebanon. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Lebanon and the direct supervision of the Liaison and Resilience Officer, the incumbent works in close collaboration with programme leaders, technical coordinators, specialists, and implementing partners.

Technical Focus

The Safeguards, Accountability and Grievance Specialist support FAO Lebanon in ensuring robust environmental and social safeguards, accountability to affected populations (AAP), and functioning grievance and protection systems. The Specialist also liaises with safeguards, accountability, conflict-sensitivity and PSEA focal points at regional and headquarters levels, including act as a focal point for Ombudsperson.

Tasks and responsibilities

A. Safeguards

•    Support ICQ and Country Annual Report safeguards sections.
•    Monitor ESMPs, SEP and relevant FAO safeguards instruments throughout implementation.
•    Provide onboarding and capacity-building for staff and partners on safeguards and risk management.
•    Ensure FAO safeguards are integrated into project design from the outset.
•    Participate in Safeguards networks and complete required corporate training.

B. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

•    Ensure inclusive engagement of affected and vulnerable groups in line with FAO Environmental and Social Standards (ESS).
•    Mainstream AAP into project design, implementation, and monitoring in line with FAO’s Accountability Framework.
•    Support awareness and capacity-building on FAO AAP standards for staff, partners, and communities.
•    Strengthen two-way communication and feedback mechanisms to ensure concerns are addressed transparently and inform continuous improvement.

C. Conflict-Sensitivity and Peace Nexus

Below tasks should be carried out in coordination with the FAO Regional Conflict-Sensitive Programming Specialist.
•    Ensure integration of conflict sensitivity across the project cycle in line with FAO frameworks and Peace Nexus guidance.
•    Contribute to Programme Clinics and follow-up recommendations, in coordination with technical specialists, to ensure conflict-sensitive and safeguards considerations are captured.
•    Contribute to reporting on conflict-sensitive programming as relevant.
•    Liaise regularly with the Regional Conflict-Sensitive Programming Specialist for the implementation of the above duties and responsibilities, and to align Lebanon’s conflict sensitivity efforts with FAO’s broader Peace Nexus agenda.

D. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and PSEA

•    Oversee and maintain accessible, confidential, responsive, and timely Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) channels
•    Ensure safe, confidential, and survivor-centred handling of SEA/GBV related complaints; ensuring immediate referral to FAOR and OIG in line with corporate SOPs.
•    Serve as Alternate PSEA Focal Point, supporting inter-agency coordination and PSEA training.
•    Ensure adherence to FAO’s Code of Conduct, FESM, accountability standards, and zero-tolerance policies.
•    Manage communications and activities as the Ombudsperson focal point.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advanced degree in political science, social sciences, management, international development, or a related field.
•    At least 5 years of experience in safeguards, accountability, grievance systems, or similar roles.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic;

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•    Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
•    Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Suite.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Proven experience in partnership development, capacity building, and knowledge management. Understanding of agricultural production systems, value chains, and rural development dynamics. Familiarity with international development practices and donor procedures is an asset.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other relevant languages is an advantage
•    Proven skills of report writing and communication
•    Knowledge of FAO’s FESM and accountability policies.
•    Experience managing sensitive complaints, including PSEA, using a survivor-centred approach.
•    Understanding of humanitarian-development-peace nexus in fragile contexts.
•    Strong coordination and communication skills working with diverse teams and vulnerable groups.
•    French language knowledge is considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed].These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed].
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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