THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
WOOL AND MOHAIR VALUE CHAIN COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT (WaMCoP)
Position: Environment and Safeguards Specialist (ESS)
Duty Station: Maseru, with travel to the districts
Reports To: Project Coordinator
Duration: 3 Years
Background
The Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP) aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve responsible production, establish sector governance systems (Forum–Fund–Enterprise), and enhance environmental sustainability.
IFAD SECAP and GEF standards require strong environmental and social safeguards capacity throughout implementation, including risk management for infrastructure, rangelands, biodiversity, and climate change.
Objective of the Assignment
The ESS will ensure full compliance with IFAD SECAP, GEF safeguard requirements, and national environmental regulations while guiding WaMCoP in:
• Environmental risk management
• Climate adaptation
• Carbon accounting
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable land management
Overall Scope of Work
The ESS will work under the supervision of the Project Coordinator and support the broader objectives of WaMCoP. Responsibilities include:
• Supporting wool and mohair associations and farmers to understand environmental footprints through robust carbon accounting
• Developing tools and processes for environmental data analysis in partnership with the M&E team
• Managing sustainable standards, biodiversity conservation, and natural ecosystem restoration
• Supporting development of responsible production standards in partnership with Textile Exchange
• Serving as the focal point for all environmental considerations in the project
The ESS will also oversee operationalisation of:
• ESMPs and ESMF frameworks
• Contractor safeguards compliance
• Rangeland rehabilitation
• Biodiversity monitoring
• GHG accounting
Work includes technical reviews, field monitoring, capacity‑building, reporting, and coordination with MEF, MAFSN, and Textile Exchange.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
a) Lead environmental safeguards implementation across all components
b) Integrate ESMP requirements into procurement, contracts, supervision, and budgets
c) Conduct screening, ESMP updates, ESIA reviews, and compliance monitoring
d) Supervise contractor C‑ESMPs, OHS plans, waste management, community safety
e) Lead GEF reporting on biodiversity, land restoration, and climate mitigation co‑benefits
f) Operationalise GRM with the Gender & Social Inclusion Officer
g) Coordinate safeguards with project teams, MAFSN, and MEF
h) Provide technical assistance for implementation and monitoring of safeguards
i) Support review of environmental and social assessments under IFAD SECAP
j) Prepare additional technical guidelines when required
k) Ensure public consultation for safeguards instruments
l) Hold safeguards review meetings with Shearing Sheds and Grazing Associations; conduct site visits
m) Review ESIAs, Environmental Audits, ESMPs, CCAPs; support acquisition of GoL approvals/Record of Decision
n) Provide guidance on mitigation measures outlined in safeguards documents
o) Conduct environmental monitoring and compile quarterly, semi‑annual, and annual reports
p) Build capacity of project teams and partners on environmental & social safeguards
q) Advise on establishment and operationalisation of Grievance Redress Mechanisms
r) Act as liaison between project teams, consultants, contractors, communities, and local government
s) Liaise with authorities to ensure implementation of IFAD SECAP and GoL environmental laws
t) Develop training plans and deliver training to staff, contractors, and stakeholders; ensure scientific integrity in carbon accounting
u) Build frameworks, processes, and tools for GHG data collection and analysis
v) Advise on best carbon accounting practices
w) Ensure alignment with GHG Protocol and other international standards
x) Build internal capacity for carbon accounting and support product/technology teams
y) Complete/update GEF Tracking Tools
z) Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Coordinator
aa) Establish MRV system for carbon accounting aligned with the GHG Protocol
Deliverables
• Updated ESMPs/ESIA inputs
• Quarterly and Annual Safeguards Monitoring Reports
• Contractor environmental compliance audits
• GEF Tracking Tools (mid‑term & final)
• MRV system for GHG accounting
• Training reports and capacity‑building materials
• GRM reports
Reporting & Institutional Arrangements
The ESS reports to the Project Coordinator and works closely with:
• GESI Officer
• MEF/ROLL teams
• M&E Officer
• District implementation teams
Qualifications and Competencies
• Master’s degree in environmental economics, environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental and social studies, climate studies, social impact studies, or natural resource management
• Minimum 7 years’ experience implementing safeguards for development‑partner‑funded projects
• Proven experience in ESIA/ESMP preparation and supervision
• Experience in carbon accounting, climate mitigation/adaptation, and biodiversity monitoring
• Familiarity with Lesotho’s EIA Act and regulatory processes
• Experience overseeing contractor environmental compliance
• Strong reporting, training, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Certification or training in environmental/social impact assessments or safeguards
• Experience in carbon sequestration schemes or research (advantage)
• Experience with sustainable production standards (advantage)
• Experience in natural capital accounting or climate change mitigation (advantage)
• Experience working on development partner–financed projects (advantage)
Other Competencies
• Applicants must pass a competency assessment test
Information Required from Candidates
• Signed application letter stating explicitly relevant qualifications and experience
• Current CV (including telephone, email, and contact details)
• Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
• Names and contact details of three (3) contactable professional referees
• Certified copy of Identity Document (ID)
Submission
Interested candidates should deliver their applications not later than 27th February 2026 at 16:00 hours to:
Human Resources Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
80 Constitution Road
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100