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Company: Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM)
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Overview
NAME OF PROJECT: MALAWI ELECTRICITY ACCESS PROJECT
1.0 Background
The Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank is implementing Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP) through the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining and the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM). MEAP is a four year project which became effective in 2020 and is expected to end in 2024.
The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase access to electricity services in Malawi.
The main component is Grid densification/extension. This component will finance cost-effective, priority investments in grid electrification by providing electricity supply to beneficiaries/ consumers living close to an existing distribution infrastructure leveraging on a geospatial analysis (already undertaken under a separate assignment) to maximize the number of connections under the financing.
In addition, the project will support the use of energy-efficient appliances including the distribution of free energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) bulbs to enhance affordability and reduce household electricity consumption.
Component 3: Technical assistance and capacity building
This will mainly finance activities to support ESCOM to effectively implementย Component 1 including support for detailed project design, planning, and supervisory oversight. More specifically the sub-component will finance (i) capacity building and implementation support for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in ESCOM related to core functions, including (Financial Management) FM, procurement, safeguards, and monitoring and evaluation; (ii) preparation of a Program Operations Manual informed by a least-cost geospatial roll-out plan; (ili) training at ESCOMโs Training facility of ESCOM front line construction supervision management personnel,
and private sector contractors for implementing a scaled up on-grid connections program; (iv) mainstreaming more broadly, selective high impact DSM measures; (v) GIS platform for network reticulation planning, design; (vi) System-wide MV feeder-specific upgrading Master Plan through 2030; including affordable new connections fee policy; and (vii)ย preparation and implementation of a gender capacity building plan and program, and designing a recruitment, mentoring and leadership development program targeting potential, new and existing female employees at ESCOM.
ESCOM is now inviting applications from suitably qualified individual to fill the following position:
Environmental Safeguards Specialist (ESS).
The Position
The ESS is part of a larger Project Managementย Team,ย whichย comprises the Project Manager, the Project Coordinator and other specialists. The ESS will be responsible for ensuring and facilitating compliance and timely implementation of component One activities, in accordance with World Bank Safeguards Policies.
Specifically, the ESS shall be responsible for the day-to-day facilitation and coordination of all activities related with environmental safeguards under the MEAP, including ensuring compliance with safeguard guidelines established in the projectโs approved and disclosedย safeguard instruments including, where applicable, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF). Theย ESS is expected to work in close coordination with particularly the Social Safeguard Specialist, and Social and Gender Inclusion Manager.
The individual consultant will be member of the PlU working in close collaboration with the other members of the PIU and will be reporting to the Project Manager.
The ESS will, at a minimum, on a monthly basis present a brief progress report to the Projectย Manager, highlighting a synthesis of progress against planned actions, key challenges, and proposed management decisions. The ESS will assist in this process through supporting the delivery of timely reports.
Objectives of the Assignment
The main aim of this assignment is to support implementation of environmental safeguards for the MEAP. Working with other team members, the ESS will lead the environmental component in the overall project execution process.
He/She will be responsible for overall monitoring of implementation of all safeguards measures as described in the safeguards instruments including Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) activities.
Specific tasks of the assignment shall include but not limited to:ย
- Review the Project related documentation to better understand the implications of the Project on the environment
- Facilitate implementation and monitoring of Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) considering various types of subprojects.
- Support the environmental screening and categorizationย process for the subprojects
- Interface withย Nationalย Authorities in charge of environment and World bank safeguards team to ensure development and implementation ofย environmental safeguards, including Contractor Environmental Management Plans (CEMP, ESIAS, ESMPs) are in conformance with Government and World Bank requirements.
- Review Environmental Reports submitted by contractors, ensure adequacy and quality as per contract, and support ESCOM in preparation and submission of the reports toย the World Bank.
- Participate in preparation of bid documents for the project and certify that environmental mitigations are incorporated vil) Review safeguards instruments prepared by contractors and consultants including ensuring implementation of the same.
- Facilitate integration ofย relevant andย cross-cuttingย environmental issues including gender and HIV/AIDs.
- Periodically, carry out the necessary coordination activities for environmental activities and perform related field work as required and submitting clear and concise written reports based on field inspections or regular monitoring.
- Build capacity of implementers and all relevant stakeholders in implementing, monitoring and reporting environmental safeguards.
- Assist the PIU in day-to-day activities related to the project compliance to environmental safeguards
- Support PlU in integrating E&S safeguards in its analytic, knowledge, and regulator initiatives.
- Assist in designing and delivering capacity building activities.
- Support in the preparation of mid-term reviews, final evaluations, and environmental and social audits.
- Any other tasks assigned by Project Manager to support the project with respect to the environmental issues.
Expertโs Required Qualification and Experienceย
Candidates should have minimum Masterโs Degree in environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management or Natural Resource Management, and at least 5 years of professional experience in the field of environmental assessments and management, conversant with multilateral donor agency requirements on E&S safeguard effective implementation and their management.
The candidate should also have:
- Proven experience in implementing international environmental safeguards policies/standards on projects financed by International Financial Institutions such as the World Bank, AfDB, ADB, EU etc.;
- Excellent knowledge of the English language (both spoken and written) and excellent communication skills;
- Ability to build capacity and train various stakeholders;
- Familiarization with the ESMF document, its requirement and implementation during execution of distribution lines construction and extension or similar nature work in the past;
- Knowledge of specific gender issues in renewable energy and sensitivity to local culture and traditions in Sub-Sahara Region or related environment; vi) Ability to work well with project team and community personnel;
- Strong and demonstrated capacity for organization, management with excellent reporting and coordination skills;
- Strong leadership, technical competence and professional skills for timely implementation, coordination and management of activities;
- Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations with various stakeholders;
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills, resourcefulness, initiative, tact and ability to cope with any situation;
- Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback; xii) The candidate should be able to legally work in Malawi.
Performance and Reporting Requirement (Deliverables)
The Environmental Safeguard Expert shall prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual report that should incorporate theย Specificย Environmental Assessment monitoring and capacity building activities. He/ She will report to and work under the overall guidance of the Project Manager.
Performance Criteria
- Timely submission of Summary periodic reports highlighting critical outstanding issues requiring Management attention
- Quality and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual reportsย submitted to Management regarding environmental safeguardsย activities vis-a-vis the ESMPs, ESGS, EMPs, and RAPS,
- Timeliness and quality of minutes or reports of meetings held throughout the project with various stakeholders including PAPsย and Community Leaders.
- Availability of complete database of key Environmental issues encountered during the project and measures taken to address them.
Submission
Interested applicants for the above position are required to submit applications including a cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae to the address below by 22nd March 2024.
Director of Human Resources & Administration
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi
ESCOM House
P O Box 2047
Blantyre
Location
All the Specialists will be based in Blantyre, but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project areas across the country and work closely with Project Implementation Unit members and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure that progress follows project plans and that appropriate support is provided for project activities.
ESCOM is an equal opportunity employer