SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST- ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among independent and non-independent countries in the Eastern Caribbean. Under the Treaty of Basseterre (RTB, 1981) and now The Revised RTB (2010), Member States agree to cooperate with each other and promote unity and solidarity, including participation by Protocol Members in an Economic Union. Read More...
JOB SUMMARY
Under the leadership of the Head - Programme Management Unit, the Senior Technical Specialist will influence and coordinate the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Environmental and Social compliance of the project. The Senior Technical Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the project’s ultimate social impacts are achieved and that any adverse impacts are effectively avoided and/or mitigated in a timely manner.
The role will be responsible for creating and supporting an environment of trust, open communication and innovative thinking in which teams can be developed and engaged.
KEY DUTIES
Coordinate the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Environmental and Social compliance Implement the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) of the Commission and the Environmental and Social instruments ESMF, SEP, LMP, RPF, including the implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) as described in the SEP, and the one dedicated to Project workers, as described in the LMP. Lead the update of the E&S instruments as needed Monitor the implementation of the ECSP, ESMF, SEP, LMP, RPF and the ESMPs to be developed under the UBEC project. Review, and ensure sure that relevant aspects of the ESCP and ESS instruments are duly incorporated into the procurement documents. Support with monitoring to ensure that the consultants and contractors comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. In collaboration with the Technical Specialist, Monitor and Evaluation Officer, and other team members, monitor and report on the implementation of the Citizen Engagement (CE) indicator. Provide contributions to the regular semi-annual and annual progress reports on projects’ implementation as required by the Government and the World Bank. Lead the organisation and implementation of training to project workers on Environmental and Social Standards, stakeholder engagement, GRM, sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (SEA/SH) and other topics of relevance for E&S compliance. Perform other duties in line with the scope of the project leading to compliance with environmental and social safeguards and related instruments.
Site-specific actions for subprojects to be financed under UBEC
For site-specific subprojects, screen potential E&S risks and impacts using the screening tools in the ESMF and as necessary lead the preparation, consultation, adoption, disclosure of site-specific environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) in coordination with other PIU staff and relevant stakeholders. Advise on anticipated E&S impacts and possible mitigation measures, and on the preparation of bidding and contracting documents to include social aspects. Participate in the evaluation of subproject proposals and advise on social eligibility and acceptability of proposals, based on guidance provided in the ESMF. Work with the PIU procurement staff to ensure that social aspects are incorporated as appropriate in contracts for goods and services and that suppliers and contractors are fully aware of their responsibilities in this regard. During the implementation of the approved subprojects, undertake regular social monitoring to verify whether and how provisions of the ESMF and associated ESMPs as well as SEP, LMP and RPF (as applicable) are followed by all relevant stakeholders (designers, contractors, beneficiaries, etc.) Ensure that subcontractors follow ESMPs and other appropriate measures during construction, rehabilitation, and other small-scale civil works. Report regularly to the Project Manager in writing on the results of monitoring visits, promptly identify any environmental and/or social issues or cases of non-compliance and make recommendations for dealing with those issues
Technical Assistance
Give technical assistance so that all terms of reference (ToR) for studies, capacity building, training and any technical assistance activities carried out under the Project duly incorporate and take into consideration, the requirements (as applicable) of the E&S Standards of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) of the Bank.
Responsibilities related to LMP
Ensure the implementation of the labor management procedures set forth in the LMP. Ensure that all project workers, including those of the PIU, sign a Code of Conduct as part of their contracts, including provisions on sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and violence against children. Lead the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the GRM of the LMP.
Responsibilities related to the RPF
For each subproject to be implemented under the UBEC Program, screen and assess the risk of resettlement and restrictions to access to fishers, tourism tour operators and yachting sector to areas in which they usually earn a livelihood, due to strengthened regulations and policies. Support the development, consultation, adoption and disclosure of Resettlement Actions Plans (RAPs) for those subprojects causing impacts covered under ESS5 and in line with the RPF. Monitor that no construction activities are undertaken before compensation is given to all affected persons. Monitor and report on the implementation of RAPs.
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
At least a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development or related field Advanced Technical expertise and experience with implementing, monitoring and reporting social issues (at least 3 years) Demonstrated understanding of social issues of development projects Proven experience in stakeholder/citizen engagement, community outreach, consultations and GRM Knowledge and capacity in outreach and awareness/capacity-building programmes for NGOs Ability to work as a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team Experience and skills in the Microsoft Suite of programmes, (including Microsoft PowerPoint, Projects, MS Excel, Word) and database programmes Ability to apply project management techniques Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple levels. Ability to challenge and influence at all levels. Ability to apply expert knowledge and broad understanding of multiple disciplines within the technical space. Strong diplomacy and international relations Skills. Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
CORE COMPETENCIES
Drives with Purpose and Vision Build Effective Teams Ensures Accountability Communicates Effectively Demonstrates Decision Quality Creates an Environment of Trust
JOB LOCATION
The OECS Commission is headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia. The position of Senior Technical Specialist- Environmental and Social Safeguards is stationed at the OECS Commission headquarters. All nationals of OECS Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, Martinique, and Guadeloupe are encouraged to apply.
BENEFITS
The position is on a fixed-term establishment. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and exempt from income taxes. In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts allowances.
The deadline for all submissions is Friday 30th September 2022.
Only applications under consideration will be acknowledged.
This vacancy is archived.