Social Environment Assessment Officer    

Job Description

Project Description:  

CNFA is seeking applications from qualified candidates for a Social Environment Assessment Officer position for the USAID Effective Management of Irrigation Water Activity. The purpose of this activity will be to work with farmers in the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) to improve climate-resilient conservation and management of freshwater resources and associated ecosystems by increasing the availability, quality, and environmental resilience of drinking water supply sources. The duration of this Activity will be four years.  

Position Summary:

The Social Environment Assessment Officer will play a critical role in ensuring that EMIW project aligns with environmental regulations, mitigates climate change risks, and incorporates social considerations for sustainable and responsible implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Environmental Compliance:
  • Develop Environmental Check List ECL and socio-environmental impact matrix to identify positive and negative impacts of project interventions. The matrix will be the referenced to the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP)
  • Oversee the implementation of the Environmental Check List (ECL) for farmers, water use associations, cooperatives, and wastewater treatment units benefiting from the EMIW project.
  • Analyze and approve ECL submissions, ensuring compliance with established environmental standards.
  • Monitor and follow up to ensure recommended environmental practices are applied by farmers.
  • Process farmers’ applications from implementing partners, providing approval based on the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP).
• Climate Change Integration:
  • Integrate climate change considerations into project planning and design.
  • Analyze climate change risks associated with project activities, such as droughts, fires, landslides, and assess their potential impact on project sustainability.
  • Reference the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP) to guide climate risk analysis.
  • Implement measures to mitigate or adapt to identified climate risks and stressors.
• Water Quality Assurance:
  • Ensure adherence to the Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP) in accordance with USAID regulations.
  • Approve activities related to water quality, identifying associated risks and implementing mitigation plans.
  • Implement a monitoring plan, including engagement and field visits, to verify compliance with water quality standards.
• Coordination and Reporting:
  • Report to supervisor on environmental and social compliance matters.
  • Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to identify, assess, and address environmental, social, and climate risks.
  • Conduct analyses to identify trends, lessons learned, and best practices related to environmental and social aspects of the project.
  • Conduct rapid social and environmental assessments for specific EMIW interventions as directed by the supervisor.
• Social Risk Management:
  • Identify and assess social risks associated with project interventions.
  • Develop and implement mitigation plans to address social risks.
  • Establish monitoring plans to track the social impact of project activities.
• Documentation and Record Keeping:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of environmental and social compliance activities.
  • Prepare regular reports on environmental and social performance for internal and external stakeholders.
• Capacity Building:
  • Provide training and support to farmers and implementing partners on environmental and social compliance requirements.
• Ad Hoc Tasks:
  • Perform additional responsibilities as directed by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Management, Climate Chang, or a related field.
• Proven experience in environmental compliance, social risk management, and climate change adaptation, preferably in the context of international development projects.
• In-depth understanding of environmental regulations, climate change adaptation strategies, and social impact assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of USAID compliance related rules and regulations.
• Experience in project management, including the ability to plan, implement, and monitor environmental and social compliance activities.
• Ability to travel and conduct business internationally with a high level of professionalism.
• Experience engaging and liaising with multiple stakeholders (e.g., donors, vendors, partner organizations).
• Ability to work as a team player and adapt to quick changing situations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

CNFA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of CNFA to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, veteran status, or on the basis of personal favoritism or other non-merit factors, except where otherwise provided by law.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION & CONTACT INFORMATION CNFA provides a reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact the CNFA Home Office Human Resources Department via email at accomodation@cnfa.org or via phone at 202-296-3920 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job with us.

About the Organization

About CNFA:

CNFA is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to stimulating economic growth in the agricultural sector by nurturing entrepreneurship, private enterprise and market linkages. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing as a means to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, to expand exports, and to develop skills in the rural workforce. CNFA assists smallholders in increasing household-level food security and nutrition through improved agricultural practices, introduction of new varieties, diversification of crop production, food preservation and storage, development of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) and strengthened linkages to markets.