Environmental and Social Consultant

Background

DAI Global LLC (DAI), the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) of the World Bank Finance for Jobs (F4J) project, is looking to hire a qualified Environmental and Social Consultant.

Project Overview

The Finance for Jobs (F4J) series of projects started in 2017 with the overarching objective of mobilizing private investment in high-potential sectors and generating job opportunities across the West Bank and Gaza. F4J is implemented by DAI, the Project Implementation Agency (PIA), on behalf of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and funded by the World Bank (WB).

The project interventions consist of two components: Investment Co-Financing Facility (ICF) and Development Impact Bond (DIB). Under the ICF component, F4J finances selected private sector investments in various sectors (light manufacturing, agriculture, agri-business, clean energy, etc.) that may have potential environmental impacts that requires special attention and management. So far, F4J has supported 18 projects, of which 13 investment projects have active Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) based on environmental and social screening and impact assessments (ESIAs) and are being regularly monitored to ensure proper management of environmental and social (ES) externalities and risks.

The World Bank’s policy OP/BP 4.01 applies to F4J-supported investments under the ICF. They fall under Category B, which requires environmental audit for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of sub project facilities. F4J prepared an omnibus Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) that included examples of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) for all expected sub projects to ensure proper assessment and mitigation of potential adverse environmental and social impacts and risks. The ESMF outlines the steps in the environmental and social screening process, and includes Environmental Guidelines for Contractors, a summary of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies, and an Environmental and Social Checklist. It also contains a range of suggested measures and plans to reduce, mitigate, and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance E&S positive impacts.

The ESIAs/ESMPs for these supported investment projects were prepared during the first year of each sub project prior to construction and actual operations. F4J experts have been monitoring the E&S impact and risks since then. F4J management would like to conduct an external review and audit of the E&S aspects of these projects and is seeking a consultant to complete this assignment.

Objective

The objective of this assignment is to verify the application of and compliance with the ES safeguards, ESIAs, ESMPs, and sound environmental health and safety management practices and that relevant mitigation measures have also been identified and implemented during projects preparation, implementation, and operations as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of ES monitoring policies and procedures that have been applied by F4J over the past few years.

The audit will be based on a sample up to 4-5 sub-projects located in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including one rejected based on the Project exclusion list, and should cover all aspects such as screening of sub-projects, identification of requisite E&S instruments, preparation of E&S instruments, and E&S monitoring and compliance reporting and recording. The findings and lessons will be addressed by F4J, as necessary, under future interventions.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant based on agreed environmental and social review methodology will conduct the E&S review task considering desk review and review of literature, interviews, and conduct field visit and record observations to gather relevant information in coordination with the F4J team.

1. Obtain the required information from the sub-project implementer and PIA on the subproject financed under F4J. This may include, but not be limited to, E&S screening reports / initial environmental examination (IEE) / environmental impact assessment (EIA), relevant plans, monitoring reports, drawings, social analyses, approval of EQA and other government agencies, comments of the World Bank, and the ESMP, as applicable.
2. Draft the E&S review and audit methodology for DAI review and agreement.
3. Select random sample of the Project Activities, the sample to cover 10% of the projects (up to five projects) located in both West Bank and Gaza Strip, and one rejected based on the Project exclusion list.
4. Review the selected activities documents, conduct field visit to the location of sub-projects to verify the E&S compliance on ground, discuss them with the sub-project implementer, document any adverse environmental impacts that were not anticipated in the E&S screening/IEE/EIA, and ESMP that may have occurred during project construction and implementation.
5. Hold meetings with project stakeholders and relevant entities and conduct field visits to collect information on the already implemented project activities and beneficiaries, including applicable environmental and social standards, due diligence with environmental and social requirements, and the application of the requirements as per the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) instruments.
6. Verify any deviations or noncompliance with the Project safeguards requirements and the national E&S guidelines, conditions and comments stipulated in the aforesaid documents, and recommend correction actin plan (immediate actions for major non-compliance, and medium- and long-term compliance action plan to enhance the facility environment, health and safety compliance.
7. Verify and record the effectiveness of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) of each sub project.
8. Based on the findings, identify, and assess the gaps between the environmental and social requirements and commitments and the beneficiaries’ practice and prepare the Correction Action Plan (CAP) for corrective measures to remedy the noncompliance and bridge the gaps. The CAP should include specific activities, budgets, and implementation timelines, and responsibilities for implementation and monitoring.

The final environmental and social review report will include, in addition to the above-mentioned actions: executive summary, scope and purpose of review, methodology, summary of the due diligences’ activities (meetings, desk review, site visits), lessons learned and conclusions and recommendations to include specific actions to be considered in the design of the new F4J operations, in addition to the agreed CAP.

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Qualifications and Experience

1. At least a master’s degree in environmental engineering/science, natural resource management, environmental management, development planning, social protection, risk management, or any other relevant field.
2. At least 10 years of extensive work experience and proven record in environmental and social assessment and auditing, and experience in and or familiarity with private sector financing programs.
3. Demonstrated experience of having undertaken similar Environmental and Social Audit assignments.
4. Knowledge of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the Environmental Policies.
5. Knowledge of Palestinian existing laws, policies, and regulations in environmental and social safeguards in addition to labor local laws and regulations.
6. Good analytical and documentation/report writing skills.
7. Good communication skills.
8. Excellent English writing skills.
9. Computer skills: full command of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Deliverables

All reports shall be submitted to the F4J Project Manager and will be shared with the World Bank for review and approval including:

• Inception Report to define the environmental and social audit methodology, the action plan, and resources. The Inception Report to be submitted within 10 calendar days of contract signing.
• Draft Environmental and Social Audit Report, within three to four weeks after the approval of the inception report.
• Final Environmental and Social Audit Report acceptable to the F4J team and the World Bank, within two weeks of receiving feedback on the draft report.

Duration

The duration of this assignment is expected to be for two months.

To Apply:  If you would like to be part of a dynamic project team and are interested in submitting your CV for consideration, please apply through the following link:

Finance for Jobs (F4J) (formsite.com)

Individual position postings including job description and qualifications sought can be viewed at the link provided. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for additional information. 

All applications must be received no later than Thursday, September 21, 2023.

About DAI: DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine, and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in over 90 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.