Job Details

Job Description

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

INVITATION FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY

RECRUITMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST

The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has acquired a finance facility from the WORLD BANK towards the cost of the Zambia Growth Opportunities Project (ZAMGROW) and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this facility towards payments under contract for the individual consultancy for the Environmental Safeguards Specialist.

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

In accordance with the project objectives, the Environmental Specialist shall conduct the activities below in accordance with the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and the Project Appraisal Document (PAD).

I. Overseeing the implementation and monitoring of applicable Environmental and Social Framework requirements of the project set out under the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP).
II. Coordinate closely with project teams, consultants, contractors, and MoA in planning and managing environmental risks on the project;
III. Provide necessary technical assistance to facilitate the implementation, management, and Monitoring of environmental risk measures;
IV. Ensure environmental due diligence is carried out for each sub-project component as soon as technical design and scope have been defined, as outlined in the environmental risk managements instruments.

V. Undertake monitoring of E&S issues including producing reports and participating in project related progress review meetings including with the World Bank in line with the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP)
VI. Ensure that the Contractor’s reporting is in accordance with Contractor’s ESMP in alignment to project ESCP.
VII. Identify and implement measures to strengthen project E&S risk management implementation capacity in accordance with the capacity building plan of the ESCP.

VIII. Conduct regular field visits to the locations where project activities are carried out, to monitor compliance with environmental mitigation measures, and identify gaps that need to be addressed. Reports from the field visits should be included in the regular project reports
IX. Review and provide environmental input in Project’s annual work plan. This includes preparing budgets, budget narrations and setting timelines for the implementation and oversight of applicable Environmental and Social Framework requirements of the project set out under the ESCP.Provide coordination support to review environmental assessment documents and liaise with ZEMA and the World Bank for clearance.
X. Identify and mitigate potential environmental risks and impacts in accordance with the relevant national regulations and World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF);
XI. Prepare, update, implement and monitor compliance to applicable ESF instruments in line with the ESCP.
XII. Ensure timely Incident reporting to the World Bank;
XIII. Lead on Environmental and Social screening and development of relevant risk management instruments for sub-project activities in compliance with national and World Banks ESF requirements.

XIV. Prepare inputs into monthly, quarterly and annual reports to be submitted to the World Bank on environmental and health and safety performance of the project.Advising the Project Implementation staff on major or sensitive matters relating to Environmental impacts and risks during implementation.Facilitate the undertaking of environmental and social assessments and preparation of guidelines, ESMPs, Biodiversity Management Plans, where applicable, and monitoring their implementation and preparation of reports as required by the project implementing entities and the World Bank to ensure that environmental issues have been adequately addressed and that the project is in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and Government of the Republic of Zambia national environmental legislation
XV. Prepare additional technical guidelines, if necessary, to strengthen environmental risk management in the implementation of agricultural projects Providing support on environmental development issues at both the design and during implementation and review phases, including advice on the identification of environmental impacts associated with implementation of projects, in close collaboration with the Social Specialist under MoA and subject matter specialist under MoA, and Environmental Specialists under ZEMA and the World Bank;
XVI. Ensure adequate public consultation during the preparation of E&S risk management instruments as defined by the ESCP and PAD;
XVII. Hold regular environmental risk management review meetings with consultants, contractors, and MoA and carry out regular site visits to monitor implementation of the safeguards instruments.

XVIII. Supervise and undertake technical reviews of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAS), Environmental Audits, and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) prepared by consultants, and contractors, and follow up on the acquisition of any relevant GRZ and World Bank Approvals.
XIX. Provide guidance on the implementation of project mitigation measures as per approved E&S risk management documents.
XX. Undertake environmental monitoring and supervision of project works, including the development of monitoring compilation of periodic (quarterly, semi-annual, and annual) progress reports, to ensure compliance with relevant environmental requirements. Undertake capacity development of MoA, Consultants, and Contractors and other relevant stakeholders during project implementation with respect to planning and implementation of environmental risk management, including the conduct of project awareness, communication and sensitization activities.
XXI. Act as a link between project implementation teams, Consultants, Contractors, Communities and respective local governments on environmental matters.
XXII. Liaise with relevant authorities, government agencies and ministries to ensure adequate implementation of all requirements in line with World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and Zambian environmental legislation.
XXIII. Developing training plans and providing training on environmental issues during implementation of the project and associated works to the project implementing staff, Contractors and other relevant project stakeholders;
XXIV. Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the project coordinator.

This bidding process is being conducted in accordance with the provision of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020, as amended by Act No. 17 of 2023; and as read with the Public Procurement Regulations of 2022.

The consultancy is open to Zambians and Non-Zambians operating within the Republic of Zambia.

The Ministry of Agriculture now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services.

Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are suitable to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills etc.).

Closure for submission of Expressions of Interest is 3rd June, 2024 at 10:00 hours local time.

Consultants are instructed to submit one (1) original and four (4) copies.

Consultants are further instructed to deposit their submissions in the bid box, on the Ground Floor, Eastern Wing, Mulungushi House, Lusaka.