Environmental and Social Specialist

Background

DAI is the implementing agency (PIA) looking to hire a qualified Environmental and Social Specialist for the Finance for Jobs Project (F4J).

Project Overview

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. Currently F4JII, is undergoing and is being implemented by DAI, the Project Implementation Agency (PIA), on behalf of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and funded by the World Bank (WB). F4JIII is expected to be launched in early 2024, capitalizing on F4JII interventions. 

The project interventions consist of two components: Investment Co-Financing Facility (ICF) and Development Impact Bond (DIB). Under the ICF component, F4J finance selective private sector investments in various sectors that may have potential environmental impacts that require special attention and management. So far, F4J has supported 17 investment projects including preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) based on ES screening and impact assessment which require regular monitoring to ensure proper management of ES externalities. The DIB intervention includes training activities that require special monitoring of social measures to ensure compliance of ES standards of the WB.

Objectives

The Environmental and Social Specialist will have the overall responsibility on the F4J series of projects (F4JII, and F4JIII) compliance with the Bank Environmental and Social Framework (F4JIII) and environmental policies (applicable for F4J1 and II) and Palestinian environmental and social requirements. 

Main Task and Responsibilities

The overall management of the Projects’ Environmental and Social requirements in reference to the Series of the Projects’ E&S documents, including F4JIII (Environmental and Social Commitment Plan, Environmental and Social Management Framework, the Labor Management Procedures, and Stakeholder Engagement Plan), and the F4JII Project Documents including:

• Conduct or cause the beneficiary companies to conduct the environmental and social screening and ensure no activities fall within the exclusion list, review the environmental and social (E&S) screening findings and advise on the project environmental and social risk classification, and on the environmental and social assessment document the beneficiary company to prepare in accordance with the ESMF and the national requirements.
• Prepare, or review and update the Environmental Assessment Reports according to the E&S screening report the Environmental and Social Assessment Documents for new projects proposed to be funded through F4J’s Investment Co-Financing Facility (ICF) under both F4JII and F4JIII, and review E&S audits (ESA) and categorizations for new and ongoing subprojects, to ensure they comply with World Bank Environmental Policies, ESF and the national environmental and social policies for specific sectors.
• For projects proposed to be funded through the ICF, prepare and/or update the ES Management Report (as per advised in the screening findings) including ESMP’s, simplified ESMP, drafting TOR for ESIA and reviewing ESIA prepared by consultants, as per the ESF requirements, ensuring an emphasis on environmental and social economic value, and determine the environmental and social costs that must be included in the project investment proposal.
• Work with the projects’ teams to ensure that the projects are in compliance with the Climate National Determined Contributions (NDCs) through supporting activities in climate smart agribusinesses, improving domestic food production as well as raising capacity and using local materials in the industry sector, in addition to incorporating green economy through integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy aiming to reduce greenhouse emissions.
• Review initial project investment proposals and ensure integration of environmental and social mitigation measures required at design, implementation and operation phases are adequately integrated in the proposals.
• Ensure review and clearance of all E&S documents for each subproject from the World Bank according to the terms specified in the subproject E&S instruments and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs); and update them as required. 
• Ensure that environmental and social management requirements at design, implementation and operation stages are included in the MoU or Agreement between DAI and the company.
• Ensure the Beneficiary Companies integrate environmental and social mitigation measures in their tender documents.
• Monitor the implementation of the F4JII compliance with the ESMF, and F4JIII with Environmental and Social Commitments Plan (ESCP).
• Supervise the implementation of the Labor Management Procedures (LMP), including the workers’ GRM, for both Projects.
• Supervise the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) of F4J Projects.
• Conduct periodic E&S monitoring to ensure the beneficiary companies are in compliance with the ESF requirements embedded in the Environmental& Social Management Plan (ESMP), Labor Management Procedures, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and Contractual E&S Conditions. Furthermore, the expert will ensure that subprojects are in compliance with all relevant local environmental and social regulations. He/she will prepare reports on any E&S issues including reporting on OHS compliance, pollution and waste generation, complaints, stakeholder engagement activities, workers labor conditions and any other ES relevant issues in accordance with the ES’s, and submit E&S monitoring report to the F4J’s Project Manager.
• Prepare and submit timely and quality quarterly consolidated environmental and social progress reports on the project level, reporting ESCP actions, compliance of activities, stakeholder engagement, issues and lessons learned, and planning for next reporting period. The report will be submitted as part of the DAI Progress reports to the World Bank. 
• For each subproject and when needed, carry out consultations with different stakeholders, such as project owners, service providers (including their designated E&S focal points), project workers and Ministry of Finance where needed maintain a record of the consultations.
• Manage of the Grievance Mechanisms GMs, communicate GM details to project beneficiaries and workers during stakeholder engagement activities and consultations and through appropriate methods. Maintain a proper record of grievances received.
• Maintain good community relations and address community concerns as they arise, and develop measures to respond to grievances in liaison with the wider project team and measures to promote community and workers safety and awareness.
• Conduct capacity assessment and development for the Project team in terms of environmental and social aspects related to the activities as identified in the Projects’ ESF instruments.
• Update E&S documents for both Projects as required and as agreed with the World Bank.
• Participate in relevant meetings especially during donors’ missions, and prepare all reports for the mission on environmental and social safeguards.
• Other duties as assigned by F4J’s Project Manager.

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Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• At least a BSc. degree in environmental engineering or science or any other related environmental management.
• An advanced degree with a major in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of work experience as an Environmental and/or Social Specialist in similar projects, with at least 2 years’ experience as a Safeguard Specialist, and technical knowledge in both environmental and social safeguards processes and compliance.
• Relevant experience in preparing environmental and social assessments and ESMPs.
• Knowledge in World Bank ESF and environmental policies and conversant with Palestine regulations and procedures.
• Track record of working in line with the requirements of international institutions, mainly the World Bank.

Skills & Knowledge:

• High level of interpersonal and diplomatic skills required.
• Excellent computer skills for Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet use, including database use is required.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is a must.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, understand community and stakeholder perspectives and vulnerabilities, and engage with project-affected people and project management teams positively and constructively.
• Strong results-orientation, proactivity, and ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

References

For more information on Project documents you can refer to the following documents:

ESMF for F4JII: https://www.f4j.ps/cached_uploads/download/2021/01/17/environmental-and-social-management-framework-1610875245.pdf

ESMF for F4JIII: https://www.f4j.ps/cached_uploads/download/2023/05/14/f4j-iii-esmf-final-version-1684046900.pdf

ESCP for F4JIII: https://www.f4j.ps/cached_uploads/download/2023/05/24/f4jiii-escp-1684911832.pdf

SEP for F4JIII: https://www.f4j.ps/cached_uploads/download/2023/04/17/f4j-iii-sep-final-version-1681731786.pdf

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 - Environmental and Social Specialist (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 Saturday, July 22, 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.