Application Deadline: April 29, 2026, 11:59 p.m (GMT-4)

Job Description

The Faculty of Food and Agriculture invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists: Bio Resilience: Nature based solutions for resilient landscapes in Trinidad and Tobago.

The project “Bio Resilience: Nature based solutions for resilient landscapes in Trinidad and Tobago” is a five-year project, funded by the GEF, implemented by the FAO, and executed by UWI. The project’s objective is “To have nature-positive development and increased food security in Trinidad and Tobago, including NbS, that halt current land degradation trends, increase biodiversity and provide resilience to climate change impacts in the long run.”

Tenure of Contract:

The post of Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will be for an initial period of one year, extendable to four years after review.

Duty Station:

Trinidad & Tobago (UWI Project Management Unit), with travel as required.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be nationals of Trinidad and Tobago.

Tasks

Under the direct supervision of NTPC and with the support of the UWI, the Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Specialist will be responsible for providing relevant technical guidance and support to ensure that ESS are adequately addressed during project implementation.  In particular, the incumbent will perform the following main tasks:

• Ensure implementation and monitoring of the ESMP in the project;

• Guidelines for the incorporation of nature-based solutions and the valuation of ecosystem goods and services in the environmental management models of the selected locations.

• Summary report on the implementation of the risk mitigation plan;

• Compilation of the main sustainable practices applicable to the local contexts inserted in the project;

• Elaborate the Annual Report of environmental and social safeguards of the Project;

• Support inputs into ToRs for implementing staff;

• Participate in PSC meetings and provide updates on the ESS in the project, as required;

• Participate in the terminal evaluation of the project, including assisting with compiling relevant ESS information and status of the ESMP;

• Provide relevant technical guidance to the project as required.

Minimum Requirements

Education

Professional university graduate. Training in Agronomy, Forestry, Environmental, or others related to the objective of this recruitment.

General technical skills and experience:

• Minimum 5 years of proven professional experience in the agricultural and/or environmental sector.

• Good knowledge of FAO and GEF environmental and social safeguards mechanisms.

• Good knowledge of database management and information processing.

• Good relations with national institutions.

• Experience in preparation and/or execution of projects with international organizations.

• Drafting of technical reports according to UN quality standards.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset;

• Demonstrated ability to work with national and international organizations, Government authorities, academia, technical experts, field workers and civil society organizations;

• Good command of MS Office tools and use of on-line information systems.

Other skills:

• Planning and organising: Ability to establish a coherent course of action to achieve goals, ability to translate plans into actions, organise work, monitor & review outcomes, and communicate the results clearly both orally and in writing;

• Teamwork: Ability to build trust and respect among fellow team members and contribute to the resolution of workplace conflict;

• Communications and interpersonal skills: Ability to expresses thoughts clearly, accurately and succinctly in verbal and in writing to different audiences, and ability to relate well with others and to maintain relations with cordiality and diplomacy;

• Ability to work in a multi‐cultural setting and under pressure: Ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures, ability to multi-task and remain efficient and productive under pressure;

• Effective problem-solving skills: Ability to use sound judgment and initiative, develop options and achieve outcomes;

• Organisational awareness: Ability to align thinking and actions to organisational values;

• Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to respond positively to change and new organisational practices, structures, procedures and technology; and

• Personal credibility: Has high regards for self-discipline, good attendance record, respect punctuality and set example to others, show consistency in words and actions, has high integrity and is conscientious.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply applicants are asked submit an Application form, a full curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation to the Project Management Unit, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, Frank Stockdale Building, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. via email at  STA-BioResProj@uwi.edu and cc STA-ntpc_BioResProj@uwi.edu.

Applications should be identified as Vacancy: Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist 

Three (3) references (one of which should be from your present organization) must be indicated. To expedite the appointment procedures, applicants are advised to ask their referees to send their signed references under CONFIDENTIAL cover DIRECTLY to the Dean, Faculty of Food and Agriculture at the above email address without waiting to be contacted by The University. Applications received after the deadline date will not be considered.

Click here for the application form.

Please note that unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged.