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Environment and Social Safeguards Specialist

Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme, Multi Location

This job is expired
Multi Location ()
Full Time
684

About Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme

Job Summary

The Environment and Social Safeguards Specialist shall be responsible for: a) mainstreaming Environmental and Social Safeguards Management Framework (ESMF), b) identify the potential environment and social safeguards issues after reviewing the community enterprise and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) applications to be supported by AREDP; c) provide technical assistance on mitigation strategies for the potential negative environment and social impact; d) identify training needs at different levels of AREDP, and of clients (on continuous basis), training of AREDP staff, and training/awareness raising of clients, and advising on how to fulfill ESMF requirements, management plans, implementation of the mitigation measures, if any, and so on; e) Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with relevant government agencies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• To take action to mainstream ESMF in to AREDP’s operations
• To identify the potential environment and social safeguards (ESS) issues after reviewing the community enterprise and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to be supported by AREDP
• To provide technical assistance to clients on mitigation strategies and requirements for the potential negative environment and social impact.
• Training of AREDP staff on overall ESMF, and training and awareness rising of clients in relation to their immediate requirements in order to ensure compliance ESMF.
• Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with relevant government agencies
• Coordination of all social and environmental activities through-out the project cycle from conceptualization to operation and maintenance.
• Monitor ESSMF implementation across all stages of sub-project implementation.
• Following up to expedite environmental clearances and monitor the land acquisition processes between willing buyer and willing seller, where applicable. Ensure/verify that investments in land based enterprises are not taking place on disputed land.
• Develop safeguards reporting formats and maintaining environmental and social records on established formats. Be responsible to AREDP in reporting on ESMF implementation status to various stakeholders.
• Coordinating with, and receiving feedback from the Independent Third Party Monitoring Agency.
• Review the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports in context of the ESMF.
• Provide necessary training to AREDP field staff on Environmental and Social Safeguards issues.
• To produce status reports for World Bank on ESMF implementation.
• Investigate macro/regional level social and environmental issues that would need to be considered in the analysis of alternatives, planning and design of the sub-projects.
• Monitor that AREDP supported enterprises are complying with existing national laws such as labor law (notably in relation to child labor and forced labor)
• Facilitate AREDP, entrepreneurs and design consultants in the selection of SME projects with the least damage and disturbance to the ecosystem, socio-cultural, socio-economical, socio-environmental and historical resources of the area, under the direct / indirect influence of the SME.
• Examine, evaluate and advise all concerned professionals as well as entrepreneurs in adopting suitable, cost-effective, socio-cultural and environmentally sensitive SME designs, where the local residents receive the maximum benefits the least disturbance in their day-to-day lives.
• Conduct a cross-checking and vetting of specification conflicts, tender, and contract documents, making them suitably orientated towards the social needs of the residents in the area of SME operations.
• Edit the specification documents in a manner that it is congruent with the socio-environmental settings.
• Ensure social mitigation measures for the SME in a manner that civic and social rights of local communities are protected and enhanced.
• Facilitate AREDP, enterprise owner(s) and/or operators in the implementation of ESMF as per the contract deed, specifications and other covenants of the project, including ESMP and monitoring arrangements.
• Act as an advisor, coordinator, and eyes/ears to AREDP on all environment and socio-cultural aspects related with the project.
• Perform any other relevant assignment as required

Job Requirements

a. Knowledge/Experience
• At least three years working experience and solid understanding of participatory and Community-Driven development approaches.
• Experience in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA), preferably in the World Bank and other donor funded projects.
• Experience with World Bank rules and procedures

b. Qualifications/Skills
• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) and solid experience in Environmental Engineering/Environmental Science, Social Science, Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Sociology and/or a relevant field of expertise with a focus on manufacturing, processing and value addition business activities.

c. Abilities
• Technical and analytical skills and focus on results.
• Proven ability to work in teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability of making effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Hard working, able to take initiative, and able to handle multiple tasks.
• English language skills required and working knowledge of both Dari and Pashto.
• Computer skill (MS-Office).

Submission Guideline

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

How to Apply
Interested nationals should submit their application comprises your CV and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the post in writing (marked “Confidential”), clearly indicate the vacancy number on the envelope to:

Baseer Farahi
Human Resources Manager of AREDP, Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme, Darr-ul Aman Nila Bagh Ruod, MRRD Compound, Kabul, Afghanistan

But all applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply online to the below email address:
Vacancies.aredp@mrrd.gov.af , waris.barmak@mrrd.gov.af

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (348/HR-AREDP) in Subject while applying online.

Functional Area

Programme

Countries

Post Date

Aug 14, 2011

Closing Date

Sep 04, 2011

Reference

348/HR-AREDP

Number of Vacancies

1

Salary Range

As per NTA salary scale

Years of Experience

5 years

Probation Period

1 month

Contract Type

Short Term

Contract Duration

Not Specified

Contract Extensible

false

Gender

Male