Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist

In the Philippines, Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, endure significant economic and social disparities, despite the country’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Barriers such as limited access to education, health care, electricity, and financial services, as well as tenurial insecurity and lack of or limited investments both public and private, persist in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where ancestral domains are situated. These challenges, compounded by cultural and gender norms, hinder meaningful participation, leadership, and economic opportunities for Indigenous women and girls. Notably, 60% of the IPs in the country resides in Mindanao, a conflict-affected region that has been a focal point of international development efforts, including support from Aotearoa New Zealand over the past two decades.

Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to the New Zealand Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (NZ MFAT) international development agenda, as outlined in the Ministry’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) and its broader commitment to human rights. To address these issues, a targeted intervention in Mindanao is proposed, focusing on: (i) enhancing employment and livelihood opportunities for indigenous women and girls through investments in entrepreneurial skills and leadership training; (ii) raising awareness of the rights of indigenous women and girls; and (iii) addressing formal and informal customs that perpetuate gender-based social exclusion.

The proposed initiative, named the Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project, aims to bolster intergenerational socio-economic development of indigenous women and girls in Mindanao. It targets two key barriers: weak participation of Indigenous women and girls in governance and management of ancestral domains, and their constrained access to education and livelihood services hindering their economic participation.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as social sciences, anthropology, environmental science, or international development, or sustainable development
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in social and environmental standards and impact assessment within the context of development projects.
• Proven expertise in Social and Environmental Screening and Assessment, with specific experience in working with Indigenous Peoples, ethnic minorities, and promoting social inclusion.
• Familiarity with UNDP Social and Environmental Standards and Procedures (SESP) and other international safeguard frameworks
• Demonstrated experience in advising on and/or conducting consultations with Indigenous Peoples, including familiarity with Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), protection of cultural heritage, and community development practices.
• Strong experience with project development and results-based management methodologies, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Quality and relevance of sample safeguards documents such as Environmental and Social Management Framework and private sector due diligence assessment.

Source: https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=30720