Ministry of Energy
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)
COUNTRY: MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT: ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION IN MALAWI (ASCENT MALAWI) PROJECT
PROJECT ID: P502464
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST
DATE OF ISSUE: 24TH FEBRUARY, 2025
1.0 Introduction
The Government of Malawi is currently implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT Malawi) Project with funding from the World Bank. The project development objective is to increase clean and sustainable energy access in Malawi, aligning with ASCENT’s Program Development Objective of increasing clean and sustainable energy access in Eastern and Southern Africa. The project has five components but, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) will implement components 2,3,4; Off-grid Connection through Solar Home System; Energy Access for Schools and Health Facilities; and Clean Cooking Solutions, respectively; and Sub-component 5.1, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. The MoE intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring an Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist (ESSS).
2.0 The Position
The ESSS is part of a larger Project Implementation Unit, which comprises the Manager and other specialists. The ESSS will be responsible for ensuring that all project activities comply with Government and World Bank environmental and social safeguards policies, laws, and standards.
3.0 Tasks and Responsibilities
The ESS Specialist’s scope of assignment encompasses providing technical expertise and leadership
in implementation of environmental and social safeguards for the Project. He/ She will work under the supervision of the Project Manager in the Ministry’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable national and international environmental and social safeguards policies, laws, and standards, including the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).
The ESSS shall, inter alia, undertake the following tasks:
3.1. Specific Tasks
a. To ensure that all project activities are implemented to the highest standards of quality in accordance
with World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies.
b. To provide technical expertise and leadership in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of
safeguards measures for the Project.
c. To identify environmental, social and gender issues, risks and prepare mitigation strategies.
d. To ensure that implementation of NNNF adheres to Government and World Bank environmental
and social safeguard policies, laws, regulations and standards.
3.2 Scope of the Services
In accomplishing the assignment, the Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will:
a) Monitor the implementation of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) for the ASCENT Malawi Project, MoE components and ensure compliance with agreed-upon safeguards commitments.
b) Ensure the implementation of environmental and social safeguards instruments, including the Environmental and Social management Plan (ESMP), MoE ASCENT Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and Labor Management Procedures (LMP), where applicable.
c) Provide technical advice to NNNF on environmental and social risk management and mitigation measures.
d) Supervise the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund (NNNF).
e) Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements on all NNNF activities.
f) Ensure the operationalization of a robust internal and external GRMs within NNNF to address complaints and grievances from project stakeholders and communities and support NNNF to improve the GM functionality.
g) Review and support the implementation of NNNF Capacity Building plans related to environmental and social issues.
h) Ensure that the NNNF ESMS throughout implementation addresses risks from recipient organizations associated with gender-based violence, child labour, community health and safety, gender, vulnerable groups and social inclusion related impacts.
i) Support and undertake periodic review/audit of the ESMS and its implementation and make recommendations for improved performance.
j) Ensure adherence of the ASCENT project and NNNF exclusion lists.
k) Review E&S reports (monitoring reports, amendments etc) from NNNF and/or Fund Manager and make recommendations for improvements where necessary
l) Prepare and submit periodic safeguards monitoring reports to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and the World Bank and ensure timely reporting of incidents in line with ESS2.
m) Provide training and capacity-building sessions for project staff, and other stakeholders on environmental and social safeguards policies, tools, and frameworks.
n) Provide professional input regarding environmental and social concerns into the planning, design and contracting of investments, including the preparation of tender documents;
o) Develop and implement an internal administrative tracking system for the PIU in order to monitor the
progress of project activities in terms of meeting environmental and social safeguard requirements. The
system will include the planning, assessment, approval, implementation and monitoring phases of ASCENT activities;
p) Participating at the official meetings and missions with the Bank, project supervisory visits, and other forums related to the project;
q) Provide E&S inputs and materials to Communication Officer for devising communication strategy, knowledge products and dissemination of results;
r) Provide technical guidance on gender issues to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU); Develop and
implement a gender capacity building plan for MoE; and Track the M&E gender indicators for MoE included in the Project Results Framework
s) Provide any necessary project management support as may be assigned by the Project Coordinator.
4.0 Qualifications and Experience
i. A Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Development Studies, Natural Resources Management or related degree with a bias or focus on Environmental and Social safeguards may be considered;
ii. Knowledge and experience in environmental and social safeguards planning and management, with 7 years of progressive experience in environmental and social safeguards management;
iii. Have thorough working knowledge of the World Bank’s ESF and application of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) or similar international standards e.g. IFC Performance Standards and have demonstrated experience in successfully preparing safeguard tools;
iv. Be familiar with World Bank Group Gender Strategy (2016-23), and gender and energy linkages in Malawi;
v. Have experience with designing and delivering capacity building programs on environmental, gender and social safeguards;
vi. Be familiar with environmental, social, gender and economic conditions prevailing in Malawi;
vii. Solid understanding of issues relating to development projects, conflict mitigation, including the ability to speak persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely;
viii. Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, as well as team participation and management skills;
ix. Strong organizational and communications skills and ability to interface with grassroots, district and sector players in the discipline;
x. Demonstrated Computer Skill (Proficiency in using computer desktop application MS Office (Word, Excel and Power Point); and
xi. Highly motivated with a positive attitude and energy.
5.0 Performance Assessment Criteria
i. Timeliness and Quality of Deliverables
ii. Effective Implementation of Safeguards Instruments
iii. Functional and Accessible GRM
iv. Timely reporting of incidents on the project in line with the ESS2
v. Timely Monitoring and Reporting Accuracy on Safeguards
vi. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
vii. Improvement in the Capacity of Project Staff on Safeguards
viii. Compliance with National and International Standards
ix. Prompt and professional Communication and Responsiveness
6.0 Location of Employment
The ESSS will be based at the PIU Office in Lilongwe which is located within the Ministry of Energy where ASCENT is implementing its activities.
7.0 Duration of Employment
The Contract is a period of five years renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.
8.0 Reporting Requirements
As a member of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the ESSS shall report to the Project Manager.
9.0 Services and facilities to be provided by the Client
The client will provide the following services and facilities to the Consultant:
i. Office space
ii. Office equipment
iii. Communication facilities
iv. Logistics for field work
10.0 The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section
III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
11.0 A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
12.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays.
Method Of Application
13.0 Expressions of interest including detailed updated Curriculum Vitae and copies of professional and academic certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 23rd March, 2025.
The Chairperson-Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee
Attn: The IPDC Chairperson
Ministry of Energy
Private Bag 309
LILONGWE 3.
Tel: +265 1 770 688Fax: +265 1 770 094
Email: info@energy.gov.mw or E-mail: victor.lombola@energy.gov.mw; misheck.maweru@energy.gov.mw