Environmental and Social Specialist

Bid Reference: LB-MOE-532967-CS-INDV
Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection
World Bank project No. : P500390

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES)

LEBANON

Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes (P500390)

Grant No.: GEF TF0C5743

Assignment Title: Environmental and Social Specialist

Reference No.: LB-MoE-532967-CS-INDV

The Ministry of Environment has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes (P500390) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) aims to support the project as the Environmental and Social Specialist in the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the MoE.   

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the primary procurement stage for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The Ministry of Environment now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

• A university degree in environmental engineering or science/forestry, natural resources management, agriculture, or any related field.  A master’s degree would be preferable.


• At least 5 years of professional experience in the environmental and natural resources management sector.


• Proven experience in environment and social risks management including the ESF.


• Experience in project preparation and supervision of projects on environment and social risks management.


• Proven ability to synthesize and organize data and complex information into clear, public-oriented documents is beneficial.


• Excellent communication and liaison skills.


• Works well under pressure and respects deadlines.


• Strong analytical and reporting skills


• Fluency in Arabic and English. 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e., 08:00 am to 2h00 pm (Local time).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by Wednesday 11 February 2026, before 2h00 pm (Local time).

Government of Lebanon - Ministry of Environment

Lazarieh Center, Block 0, 8th Floor

Riad El Solh, P.O.Box: 11-2727 Beirut - Lebanon

Email: kamalhannakamal1965@gmail.com

CC: nataly.elhaddad@gmail.com ;lara_samaha@hotmail.com

ANNEX 1 – Terms of Reference

Environmental and Social SPECIALIST

1. INTRODUCTION

According to the 2015 Global Forest Resources Assessment (FAO, 2016): "Forests” cover 13.2% of Lebanon’s land area and “Other Wooded Lands” cover 10.2%.  Other lands with trees, including fruit trees, olive yards, highly degraded forest lands that do not fall under “Forests” or “Other Wooded Land” cover 11% of the total land area. The forest area in Lebanon, is divided into three sub-classes: Coniferous (incl. Pine, Juniper, Cedar, Cypresses, and Fir) (32%), Broadleaved (incl. Oak and Ostrya) (57%) and Mixed Forest (11%) (UNDP, 2021).  Lebanon is currently updating its Forest Resources Assessment.

The lack of a comprehensive government response to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon has also led to inadequate actions related to other crisis, including the deterioration of Lebanon’s natural capital. An example is the inadequate response to the increased wildfire risks due to climate change and loss of forest area and related ecosystem services (i.e. water regulation, habitats). Reports of massive forest fires during the period 2019-2021 lamented the loss of trees and forest biodiversity but also loss of human lives and properties – mainly due to the lack of (i) a coordinated response, resources to fight fires incl. equipment) and (ii) preparedness and skills of the local government and local communities.

To respond to the need to better manage wildfires, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has requested the assistance of the World Bank to support Lebanon with a pilot project entitled “Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes” which will be implemented in close coordination with other government entities which are responsible for managing fire risk and protecting Lebanon’s forests. The project is financed by the World Bank (WB) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a grant of US$3.478million.

2. PROJECT bACKGROUND

The agreed Project Development Objective (PDO) is to reduce wildfire risks in selected hotspots in Lebanon by improving forest landscape management.

The project will pilot activities in three (3) wildfire hotspots: Akkar, Minieh-Donniyeh, Aley-Shouf – incl. areas from Metn-Baabda. The selection of these hotspots was made based on ranking of all 14 fire hotspots against a set of agreed criteria, including risk for forest fire events and land degradation; number of communities within the hotspot, history of forest fires; biodiversity and the level of security.

The Project consists of three (03) components that will be implemented over a four-year period, namely:

Component 1: Support for an enabling environment for wildfire management

This will be achieved through two-sub-components:

Sub-component 1.1: Wildfire management-related regulations & coordination and response mechanisms

This will be achieved through the:

• Development of an action plan for the National Forest Fire Strategy, including a coordination mechanism for integrated wildfire risk management to enhance the cooperation between MoE, MoA and the DRM Unit. 


• Support to the National Forest Fire Emergency Fund with operational guidelines and procedures.


• Development of forest fire academy, incl. forensics and advancing research on forest fires and their management in Lebanon (e.g., impact of climate change, post-fire-recovery and resilience, prescribed burning and grazing for reducing hazards, other nature-based solutions).


• Development of monitoring, reporting and verification mechanism on deforestation and forest degradation to access carbon markets.


• Support to small SMEs of low-cost local production of wood and non-wood products, equipment, tools and protection gear (incl. improvement of quality of products, introducing production standards and developing business plans to improve access to credits from local banks).

Sub-component 1.2: Capacity building, sensitization, and outreach

This will be achieved through the:

• Identification of benefiting municipalities, group establishment & capacity support for municipal land management groups.


• Support capacity building for forest guards and first responders on environmental and social risks in the forestry sector and fire management; gender inclusion into forestry and forest fire management.


• Awareness creation campaigns ahead of each fire season (e.g., coordination in MoE) and annual stakeholder fora.


• Outreach and capacity support to private landowners, including development of incentive systems to manage privately owned forests.

Component 2: Investments in improved forest and fire management

This component will provide investments to support forest and wildfire management activities in the context of community-based forest management. This will be achieved through:

Sub-Component 2.1: Equipment

Under sub-component 2.1, the project will support through:

• Providing equipment and tools for first responders and purchasing vehicles.


• Setting up joint operations centers for fire response at local level (Union of Municipalities).


• Installing communication systems for surveillance, alert, early detection, and prompt response to wildfires (national and local levels) to support first responder teams and local civil defense centers.

Sub-Component 2.2: Technical Assistance

Technical forestry support, including biodiversity assessment to establish a baseline and monitoring forest habitats; silvicultural treatment plans for high-risk areas which will include forests waste management and non-wood product considerations) and wildfire management (e.g., readiness, risk reduction, restoration); SFM/fire management demonstrations to CBFM groups;  regional fire management plans and develop/review of local Forest Management Plans (FMP) in targeted areas, incl. needs assessment; development/ improvement of FMPs.

Sub-Component 2.3: Forest Landscape Restoration

Design and implement post-fire restoration activities, including assessment, planting, maintenance (slope stabilization; incl. woodlot plantations on public lands; seedlings; hardware).

Component 3: Gender responsive Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation; Knowledge Management and Learning

Component 3 will focus on project management, establishing an inclusive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system, implementing a Knowledge Management and Learning (KM/L) plan and communications. This component will support operating costs associated with day-to-day project management and implementation including procurement, financial management, and environmental and social management functions to be carried out by the Project Management Unit (PMU) established at the Ministry of Environment.

The PMU at the MoE will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of overall planning, coordination, technical, procurement, financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social obligations and arrangements under the Project, in accordance with the provisions of the Grant Agreement (GA) and the Project Operations Manual (POM).

Component 2 is expected to be implemented by UNOPS through an output agreement signed with the Ministry of Environment.

3. PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES of the Assignment

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to support the project as the Environmental and Social Specialist in the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the MoE.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and Standards which were triggered by the project and monitor and report the implementation of cleared and disclosed environmental and social documents such as the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Labor Management Procedures (LMP).


• Report on the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project,


• Report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to address it and prevent its recurrence.


• Review bidding documents and contracts to ensure they include provisions and clear explanations on E&S obligations and relevant aspects mentioned in the ESCP


• Review site-specific instruments such as ESIA’s, ESMPs, Biodiversity Management Plan, Forest Restoration Plans


• Conduct regular field visits to engage with beneficiaries, monitor environmental and social impact mitigation measures, and ensure compliance with the social safeguards.


• Ensure that the contractors follow the requirements in the relevant safeguards instruments and make sure that corrective action has been implemented where and as necessary with appropriate documentation.


• Responsible of establishing and operating a grievance mechanism GM


• Ensuring alignment of the project activities, consultancies, studies, capacity building, training and other technical assistance activities with national ES and OHS regulations in addition to World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Standards and supporting the project team in ensuring that all project activities are properly coordinated with on-going national regulations and initiatives, in order to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure complementarities among various concerned entities in the country.


• Implement the SEP for the Project, which includes providing stakeholders with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, and consult with them in a culturally appropriate manner, which is free of manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation.


• Provide trainings relevant to Stakeholder mapping and engagement, specific aspects of environmental and social assessment including GBV SEA/SH risks, and GM

4. SELECTION CRIERIA

• A university degree in environmental engineering or science/forestry, natural resources management, agriculture, or any related field.  A master’s degree would be preferable.


• At least 5 years of professional experience in the environmental and natural resources management sector.


• Proven experience in environment and social risks management including the ESF.


• Experience in project preparation and supervision of projects on environment and social risks management.


• Proven ability to synthesize and organize data and complex information into clear, public-oriented documents is beneficial.


• Excellent communication and liaison skills.


• Works well under pressure and respects deadlines.


• Strong analytical and reporting skills


• Fluency in Arabic and English.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES)

LEBANON

Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes (P500390)

Grant No.: GEF TF0C5743

Assignment Title: Environmental and Social Specialist

Reference No.: LB-MoE-532967-CS-INDV

The Ministry of Environment has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes (P500390) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) aims to support the project as the Environmental and Social Specialist in the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the MoE.   

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the primary procurement stage for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The Ministry of Environment now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

• A university degree in environmental engineering or science/forestry, natural resources management, agriculture, or any related field.  A master’s degree would be preferable.


• At least 5 years of professional experience in the environmental and natural resources management sector.


• Proven experience in environment and social risks management including the ESF.


• Experience in project preparation and supervision of projects on environment and social risks management.


• Proven ability to synthesize and organize data and complex information into clear, public-oriented documents is beneficial.


• Excellent communication and liaison skills.


• Works well under pressure and respects deadlines.


• Strong analytical and reporting skills


• Fluency in Arabic and English. 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e., 08:00 am to 2h00 pm (Local time).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by Wednesday 11 February 2026, before 2h00 pm (Local time).

Government of Lebanon - Ministry of Environment

Lazarieh Center, Block 0, 8th Floor

Riad El Solh, P.O.Box: 11-2727 Beirut - Lebanon

Email: kamalhannakamal1965@gmail.com

CC: nataly.elhaddad@gmail.com ;lara_samaha@hotmail.com

ANNEX 1 – Terms of Reference

Environmental and Social SPECIALIST

1. INTRODUCTION

According to the 2015 Global Forest Resources Assessment (FAO, 2016): "Forests” cover 13.2% of Lebanon’s land area and “Other Wooded Lands” cover 10.2%.  Other lands with trees, including fruit trees, olive yards, highly degraded forest lands that do not fall under “Forests” or “Other Wooded Land” cover 11% of the total land area. The forest area in Lebanon, is divided into three sub-classes: Coniferous (incl. Pine, Juniper, Cedar, Cypresses, and Fir) (32%), Broadleaved (incl. Oak and Ostrya) (57%) and Mixed Forest (11%) (UNDP, 2021).  Lebanon is currently updating its Forest Resources Assessment.

The lack of a comprehensive government response to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon has also led to inadequate actions related to other crisis, including the deterioration of Lebanon’s natural capital. An example is the inadequate response to the increased wildfire risks due to climate change and loss of forest area and related ecosystem services (i.e. water regulation, habitats). Reports of massive forest fires during the period 2019-2021 lamented the loss of trees and forest biodiversity but also loss of human lives and properties – mainly due to the lack of (i) a coordinated response, resources to fight fires incl. equipment) and (ii) preparedness and skills of the local government and local communities.

To respond to the need to better manage wildfires, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has requested the assistance of the World Bank to support Lebanon with a pilot project entitled “Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes” which will be implemented in close coordination with other government entities which are responsible for managing fire risk and protecting Lebanon’s forests. The project is financed by the World Bank (WB) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a grant of US$3.478million.

2. PROJECT bACKGROUND

The agreed Project Development Objective (PDO) is to reduce wildfire risks in selected hotspots in Lebanon by improving forest landscape management.

The project will pilot activities in three (3) wildfire hotspots: Akkar, Minieh-Donniyeh, Aley-Shouf – incl. areas from Metn-Baabda. The selection of these hotspots was made based on ranking of all 14 fire hotspots against a set of agreed criteria, including risk for forest fire events and land degradation; number of communities within the hotspot, history of forest fires; biodiversity and the level of security.

The Project consists of three (03) components that will be implemented over a four-year period, namely:

Component 1: Support for an enabling environment for wildfire management

This will be achieved through two-sub-components:

Sub-component 1.1: Wildfire management-related regulations & coordination and response mechanisms

This will be achieved through the:

• Development of an action plan for the National Forest Fire Strategy, including a coordination mechanism for integrated wildfire risk management to enhance the cooperation between MoE, MoA and the DRM Unit. 


• Support to the National Forest Fire Emergency Fund with operational guidelines and procedures.


• Development of forest fire academy, incl. forensics and advancing research on forest fires and their management in Lebanon (e.g., impact of climate change, post-fire-recovery and resilience, prescribed burning and grazing for reducing hazards, other nature-based solutions).


• Development of monitoring, reporting and verification mechanism on deforestation and forest degradation to access carbon markets.


• Support to small SMEs of low-cost local production of wood and non-wood products, equipment, tools and protection gear (incl. improvement of quality of products, introducing production standards and developing business plans to improve access to credits from local banks).

Sub-component 1.2: Capacity building, sensitization, and outreach

This will be achieved through the:

• Identification of benefiting municipalities, group establishment & capacity support for municipal land management groups.


• Support capacity building for forest guards and first responders on environmental and social risks in the forestry sector and fire management; gender inclusion into forestry and forest fire management.


• Awareness creation campaigns ahead of each fire season (e.g., coordination in MoE) and annual stakeholder fora.


• Outreach and capacity support to private landowners, including development of incentive systems to manage privately owned forests.

Component 2: Investments in improved forest and fire management

This component will provide investments to support forest and wildfire management activities in the context of community-based forest management. This will be achieved through:

Sub-Component 2.1: Equipment

Under sub-component 2.1, the project will support through:

• Providing equipment and tools for first responders and purchasing vehicles.


• Setting up joint operations centers for fire response at local level (Union of Municipalities).


• Installing communication systems for surveillance, alert, early detection, and prompt response to wildfires (national and local levels) to support first responder teams and local civil defense centers.

Sub-Component 2.2: Technical Assistance

Technical forestry support, including biodiversity assessment to establish a baseline and monitoring forest habitats; silvicultural treatment plans for high-risk areas which will include forests waste management and non-wood product considerations) and wildfire management (e.g., readiness, risk reduction, restoration); SFM/fire management demonstrations to CBFM groups;  regional fire management plans and develop/review of local Forest Management Plans (FMP) in targeted areas, incl. needs assessment; development/ improvement of FMPs.

Sub-Component 2.3: Forest Landscape Restoration

Design and implement post-fire restoration activities, including assessment, planting, maintenance (slope stabilization; incl. woodlot plantations on public lands; seedlings; hardware).

Component 3: Gender responsive Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation; Knowledge Management and Learning

Component 3 will focus on project management, establishing an inclusive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system, implementing a Knowledge Management and Learning (KM/L) plan and communications. This component will support operating costs associated with day-to-day project management and implementation including procurement, financial management, and environmental and social management functions to be carried out by the Project Management Unit (PMU) established at the Ministry of Environment.

The PMU at the MoE will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of overall planning, coordination, technical, procurement, financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social obligations and arrangements under the Project, in accordance with the provisions of the Grant Agreement (GA) and the Project Operations Manual (POM).

Component 2 is expected to be implemented by UNOPS through an output agreement signed with the Ministry of Environment.

3. PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES of the Assignment

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to support the project as the Environmental and Social Specialist in the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the MoE.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and Standards which were triggered by the project and monitor and report the implementation of cleared and disclosed environmental and social documents such as the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Labor Management Procedures (LMP).


• Report on the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project,


• Report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to address it and prevent its recurrence.


• Review bidding documents and contracts to ensure they include provisions and clear explanations on E&S obligations and relevant aspects mentioned in the ESCP


• Review site-specific instruments such as ESIA’s, ESMPs, Biodiversity Management Plan, Forest Restoration Plans


• Conduct regular field visits to engage with beneficiaries, monitor environmental and social impact mitigation measures, and ensure compliance with the social safeguards.


• Ensure that the contractors follow the requirements in the relevant safeguards instruments and make sure that corrective action has been implemented where and as necessary with appropriate documentation.


• Responsible of establishing and operating a grievance mechanism GM


• Ensuring alignment of the project activities, consultancies, studies, capacity building, training and other technical assistance activities with national ES and OHS regulations in addition to World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Standards and supporting the project team in ensuring that all project activities are properly coordinated with on-going national regulations and initiatives, in order to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure complementarities among various concerned entities in the country.


• Implement the SEP for the Project, which includes providing stakeholders with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, and consult with them in a culturally appropriate manner, which is free of manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation.


• Provide trainings relevant to Stakeholder mapping and engagement, specific aspects of environmental and social assessment including GBV SEA/SH risks, and GM

4. SELECTION CRIERIA

• A university degree in environmental engineering or science/forestry, natural resources management, agriculture, or any related field.  A master’s degree would be preferable.


• At least 5 years of professional experience in the environmental and natural resources management sector.


• Proven experience in environment and social risks management including the ESF.


• Experience in project preparation and supervision of projects on environment and social risks management.


• Proven ability to synthesize and organize data and complex information into clear, public-oriented documents is beneficial.


• Excellent communication and liaison skills.


• Works well under pressure and respects deadlines.


• Strong analytical and reporting skills


• Fluency in Arabic and English.