International Social & Environmental Consultant (Individual)

About DABS

Job Summary

The objective of the assignment is to (a) help DABS management with the assessment and strengthening of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for all three supported projects; (b) Evaluation of dam safety audit proposals as per ESMF, RPF and technical study terms of contract, recommend the best firm and monitoring works of the ESIA and RAP Consultant; (c) reviewing the environmental and social works/studies of DABS World Bank funded projects, prepare Terms of Reference (TOR), environmental and social Manuals and assist DABS in preparation of safeguards Documents as per World Bank and NEPA requirements; (d) assist DABS in preparation of TOR and hiring of the national members of Environmental and Social Advisory Panel;

Duties & Responsibilities

DABS intend to hire an individual consultant as Social and Environmental Consultant (International) to support the work of the World Bank funded projects, Working Group established by DABS. The consultant will be required to help members of the working group and prepare TORs and Requests for Proposals (RFP) and undertake consultations by providing advice on best international practices. The Consultant is also supposed to help DABS management with the review and finalization of Projects safeguards documents/studies, drafting GRM manual and facilitate training on the Social and Environmental requirements; the work thus has a high content of capacity building and training.
The Social and Environmental Specialist will directly support DABS safeguards team and shall report to the Director, World Bank funded Projects. He/she will undertake the following tasks but not limited to:
Task 1: Assist DABS to design an effective GRM for all four supported projects, including Preparation of Scope of work for GRM and other citizen engagement tools. DABS Safeguards team established GRC at project level, the consultant will assess the existing GRM practices and will recommend appropriate measures for strengthening to make GRM participatory and socially inclusive. The consultant will also visit the project sites and undertake the followings:

Assessing existing GRM under all four projects and build on them.

Identify current institutional strengths and capacity gaps and consult the Project stakeholders regarding grievances handling.

Develop standard operating procedures and flowcharts that codify how grievances will be redressed for all stages of the process.

Enhance GRM training Manual, including assign GRM tasks and train staff and GRCs, including community level GRCs to handle grievances. Preparing the proper scope of work for GRC members.

Preparing monitoring and supervision plan for DABS safeguards Staffs to proper manage the GRCs.
Task 2: DABS prepared TOR for ESIA of NHRP project which was reviewed by ESAP members, the Safeguards Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

Reviewing the project documents including technical study TOR for Naghlu Hydropower Rehabilitation Project.

Reviewing draft TOR for ESIA and RAP adjust the modification and update the TOR along with RFP as per the current status of the project.

Assist DABS in evaluation and selection of ESIA firm EOIs/Proposals for conducting the ESIA of Naghlu Hydropower Rehabilitation Project.

Assist DABS safeguards team and supervise the ESIA consultancy.

Review and approved the consultancy Invoices as per their work plan and deliverables.

Review ESIA, ESMP and RAP reports, prior to share draft reports with Bank for review and clearance.

Assist DABS in implementation of site-specific ESMP and RAPs (where needed)

Provide progress updates and information on overall safeguards issues.

Ensure compliance with ESMF and RPF requirements.


Task 3: Strengthen Projects safeguards capacity and reviewing, preparing the environmental and social documents of all four projects which will not limited to below:

Preparing site-specific ESMP and any other related documents for construction of Training center of DABS planning and capacity support project as per the NEPA and ESMF requirements.

Prepare a safety plan for power investment projects.

Supervise and ensure DABS from proper implementation of training center in liaison with NEPA and World Bank to fulfill the requirements.

Assist DABS planning and capacity support project manager in supervision and reviewing the environmental and social training section of staff capacity building consultancy of DABS Planning and capacity support project.

Provide and conduct social safeguards trainings (on preparation of SIA, ESMP, CHMP and RAP) to DABS’s staff, who will work to prepare feasibilities studies for future distribution projects.

Preparing site-specific ESMPs and any other related documents for NHRP sub projects (component -3, local electrification).

Preparing site-specific ESMP and any other related documents for APSDP project.

Reviewing the contractors environmental and social management plans of all 3 projects and assure DABS from proper implementation of the projects as per ESMF and NEPA requirements.

Assist DABS in preparation and implementation of social safeguards studies (i.e. ESIA, site-specific ESMPs, Cultural Heritage study and RAPs) for Herat Electrification Project.

Improve DABS World Bank funded projects safeguards team capacity to fulfill the projects requirements.

Assist, as necessary, with the logistical aspects of environmental and social safeguard related learning events including maintaining calendars of events and team schedules.

Support the creation and maintenance of environmental and social and safeguard-related knowledge products and databases, such as producing guidance materials and maintaining a database of good practice documents

Organize and develop databases of training materials for learning activities for DABS staff on project social and environmental management and the Safeguard Policies.

Provide timely advice to staffs on all aspects of environmental and social safeguards processing procedures and disclosure requirements.

Work with DABS staff to brief the various government bodies including the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) and Afghanistan Independent Land Authority (AILA or ARAZI on projects contents and establish that the ESMFs meets the requirements of Afghan Law.

Help DABS in assuring that the projects ESIA and ESMPs are satisfactorily implemented.

Review draft Vocational Skill Training Plan and make necessary changes, as needed.

Assist DABS to hire a consultant firm to conduct vocational skill training, based on the plan to be prepared.

Provide timely advice to DABS’s Safeguards Officer to supervise consultant firm on implementation of vocational skill training.
Task 4: Assist DABS safeguards team to work with ESAP members and hiring national members of Environmental and Social Advisory Panel -international members have already hired.

The Consultant will assist the Naghlu Hydro Power Working group to arrange mission’s and work plan for the panel members.

DABS hired international ESAP members thus Consultant will also assist the Working Group in selection/hiring of the national environmental and social advisory panel members,

Job Requirements

Minimum Master Degree in relevant section (environmental science and social Development, Social Science, Sociology, anthropology) and with 10 years’ experience in related environmental and social issues.

Analytical ability, practical problem-solving skills and resourcefulness in performing varied tasks in the area;

Demonstrated skills in retrieving, gathering and obtaining information from various sources;

Sound organizational skills and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments in a timely manner often under severe time pressures;

Demonstrated initiative in developing practical approaches that improve efficiency and effectiveness of the project;

Strong inter-personnel skills and commitment to work in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment;

Language skills: Fluent oral and written skills in English;

Computer literacy: Proficient in PC based applications such as Word, Excel and Power Points Outlook etc.

Submission Guideline

Dear Applicant,

Please submit your application form along with cover letter to email mentioned below. Please mention the position name and vacancy number in the subject line of your email.

You can find the Application form in below link; it is your responsibility to accurately enter the information in Application Form and use digital signature. DO NOT upload any additional documents;

Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rCUAoHJ1KlE1W-0h5N9sGtumhxI44uLI

DABS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates with good knowledge base and experience background are Mostly Preferred. DABS does not discriminate in employment on the race, religion, gender, political affiliation, disability, age or other non-merit factor.

Functional Area

Social Science

Countries

Submission Email

hr@dabs.af

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