Environmental Safeguards Specialist at Department of Economic Planning and Development

Government of Malawi
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS SELECTION)
(Appointment Type: Local Hire)

COUNTRY: Malawi
NAME OF PROJECT: REGIONAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA 2 (RCRP)
PROJECT ID: Р181308
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Environmental Safeguards Specialist 1
REFERENCE NUMBER: MW-EP&D-401168-CS-INDV
DATE OF ISSUE: 26th September, 2024

1. Background

The Government of Malawi (GoM) through the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has obtained funding towards the cost of the Regional Climate Resilience for Eastern and Southern Africa 2 (RCRP). The EP&D intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Project Environmental Safeguard Specialist.

The EP&D invites applications from suitably qualified and interested candidates to fill the position of Project Environmental Safeguard Specialist, recruited as individual consultant following World Bank Regulations dated September 2023.

Position Title: Project Environmental Safeguards Specialist
Time Commitment: 100%
Accountable: Project Coordinator
Duration of Assignment : 5 years

2. The Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of the assignment is to manage the environmental activities outlined in the governing Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) under the project in adherence with the World Bank’s Regulations for IPF Borrowers dated September 2023.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaboration with the entire Environmental and Social team, Technical teams as well as all relevant implementation agencies such as Ministry of Water, National Water Resource Authority (NWRA), Ministry of Local Government, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) and Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in conducting environmental and social screening and scoping studies followed by the timely development of Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and other related E&S instruments as required in the project ESMF and of all sub project activities with the aim of incorporating due processes as standard practice in social and environmental implementation according to WB ESF requirements;
2. For upcoming project activities, conduct the needed screening as set out in ESMF and whenever necessary, coordinate preparation and review of the required Environmental and Social Impact assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and ensure that such plans are approved by the World Bank and relevant agencies prior to implementation:
3. Provide professional input regarding environmental concerns into the planning, design and contracting of investments, including the preparation of tender documents and contracts;
4. Develop and implement an internal administrative tracking system for the PCU in order to monitor the progress of project activities in terms of meeting environmental, safety and social safeguard requirements. The system will include the planning, assessment, approval, implementation and monitoring phases of RCRP activities. The system will be computer based (using a spread sheet or Microsoft Access) and designed for easy data entry and report generation. Reports generated by the system should be simple to produce, showing progress of a specific project activity, and highlight critical items such as pending or overdue actions, reports to be aligned with ESCP reporting requirements and template;
5. In collaboration with the other specialists, design and deliver, or arrange for the delivery of, an environmental, safety, and social safeguards capacity building program for the PCU, Sectors and District based relevant stakeholders in various implementing agencies. This program will include formal training sessions as well as on the job coaching. The purpose is to strengthen the capacity of implementing agencies and other relevant stakeholders to implement environmental and social safeguard requirements effectively within the context of RCRP activities;
6. Follow up visits and monitoring of the implementation of ESMPs and Social response operations at sector and district levels through designated Environmental and social focal officers at Sector and district level respectively:
7. Provide environmental ESF review and technical support to project implementation teams to enhance project quality and compliance on environmental standards of the WB and local regulations.
8. Engage with relevant project stakeholders including communities, in ensuring adherence to World Bank environmental safeguard policies, guidelines, procedures and good/best practices;
9. Review and approve the Contractor’s Environmental Management Plans for the environmental measures, as per the ESIA and any other supplementary environmental studies that may need to be executed;
10. Monitor implementation of environmental instruments in the project;
11. Provide professional input regarding environmental and social concerns into the planning, design and contracting of investments, including the preparation of tender documents, in close collaboration with the technical teams;
12. Following up implementation of environmental screening and implementation of ESMPs and Social and OHS response operations at sector and district levels
13. Preparation of non-compliance reports and keeping track of respective responses/actions undertaken and preparation of periodic Environmental Compliance Monitoring Reports in relation to ESCP. ESMF, ESH Guidelines, and relevant Environment and Social instrument (ESIA, ESMP, etc.) requirements;
14. Organize and undertake site visits and review contractors’ compliance with site-specific ESMPs, including determining and suggesting remedial actions; review of the Contractors’ ESMPs before implementing them.
15. Also review of bid documents to ensure ESMP requirements are adequately included and cost as part of bid evaluation.
16. Prepare monthly Environmental Compliance Monitoring Reports to be shared with the World Bank in an acceptable format for the World Bank;
17. Participate at the official meetings with the Bank and other forums related to the project;
18. Create interface between the Social Specialist, OHS specialist, project engineers, technical specialists and M&E Specialist, enhance communication and interaction between the grassroots structures, the district and the Sectors including Implementing Agency PCUs ensuring sensitization of responsible groups at all levels;
19. Provide inputs and materials to Communication Specialist for devising communication strategy, knowledge products and dissemination of results;
20. Facilitate necessary clearance / or approval by the World Bank and relevant authorities; and
21. Other duties to be performed as per the requirements of the project.

4. Qualification and experience

The candidate should meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management and Natural resources management;
2. A minimum of 10 years of cumulative experience in the field of environmental management at National level or international organization, and donor projects handling environmental aspects of planning, assessing and implementing environmental management on civil works projects of various scale, integrated environmental management;
3. Have thorough working knowledge of World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) and have demonstrated experience in successfully preparing ESIAs, ESMPs and other environmental related plans inter alia such as Waste Management Plans, Biodiversity Management Plans, Rehabilitation Plans, Spill Management Plans by World Bank standard, and regulations of Malawi;
4. Have experience with designing and delivering capacity building programs;
5. Be familiar with environmental, social and economic conditions prevailing in Malawi or similar African countries;
6. Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, as well as team participation and management skills
7. Strong organizational and communication skills and ability to interface with grassroots, district and sector players in the discipline;
8. Demonstrated Computer Skill (Proficiency in using computer desktop application MS Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point); and
9. Highly motivated with a positive attitude and energy.

5. Deliverables

1. Monthly reports showing progress of work for the month including the necessary ES instruments for the project activities – screening reports, ESIA/ESMP, RAPs etc. and/or consultant management for delivery of the instruments; and
2. Completion/close out reports or E&S audits for any works.

6. Performance Criteria

The following performance criteria will be used to assess the performance of the Social and Environmental Specialist at annually and based upon these assessments the contract with the Project may be continued or terminated:

1. Quality and timeliness of safeguards Compliance reports
2. Quality and timeliness of production of consolidated Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for the project
3. Quality, completeness, and timeliness of capturing information in the E&S Performance System (ESPS)
4. Quality and timeliness of required reports
5. Quality and timeliness of updates of ESPS and Procedures.

7. Reporting Requirements
The Environmental Safeguard Specialist will report to the Project Coordinator for all his / her technical and administrative operations and will work in collaboration with other specialists under the project i.e, Social Safeguard Specialists and OHS Specialists as well as other technical specialists and engineers of the project.

8. Duration of the assignment
The assignment is for a period of five (5) years, with the contract renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.

9. Facilities to be provided by the Client
The following shall be provided by the Client: office space, furniture, office equipment, communication, and internet facilities. For all field related assignments, the Project shall provide transport and costs and other expenses (per diems etc.) related to the field work.

10. Location of Employment
The Environmental Safeguard Specialist will be based at the PCU Office in Lilongwe but would be required to travel regularly to other relevant field offices where the RCRP is implementing its activities.

Method Of Application

Interested Individuals meeting the stated requirements should submit their Expressions of interest including updated detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) and copies of professional certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 10th October, 2024 on or before 10:00 hours, local time.

The Project Coordinator,
Regional Climate Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa 2 Project,
Department of Economic Planning and Development,
P. O. Box 30136,
Lilongwe
MALAWI.
(Attention: The Procurement Officer)

Alternatively, applications may be emailed to: [email protected]: /copy [email protected]