Recruitment of an environmental and social safeguard specialist for

Bid Reference: BJ-USMEF-420984-CS-INDV
Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection
World Bank project No. : P176763

NOTICE OF RECRUITMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARD SPECIALIST FOR THE ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE FOR SERVICE DELIVERY PROGRAM (PGEDS)

As part of the implementation of the Economic Governance for Service Delivery Program (PGDES), financed by the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of 150 million US dollars (IDA financing No. BJ 73570) over a period of five (05) years, the recruitment of one (01) environmental and social safeguard specialist is planned.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS

The Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist is tasked with:

1. Ensuring the implementation of the environmental and social requirements of the program, particularly those related to the ESES, Program Action Plan (PAP), Environmental and Social System Evaluation report (ESES), and mitigation of environmental and social risks, in accordance with the PforR instrument and the environmental and social framework (CES) of the World Bank.


2. Ensuring that the E&S instruments developed for the specific site project implementation units (UGP) comply with the environmental and social (E&S) standards and guidelines of the World Bank and the national E&S assessment procedures in effect in Benin for activities related to PforR.


3. Updating E&S documents as needed throughout the program lifecycle.


4. Organizing training on the management of environmental and social risks, complaint management for the staff of the UGP (USMEF and CSPEF), focal points at the various executing structures of the sub-project, and concerned stakeholders.


5. Regularly monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the program's environmental and social requirements, ensuring compliance, informing as necessary adjustments and improvements to the program, and contributing to an institutional knowledge base on lessons learned.


6. Coordinating with other members of the UGP to ensure that the program is implemented as planned and as efficiently as possible and that the program's gender and citizen engagement requirements are met.


7. Contributing to the planning and implementation of the program's communication activities.

1. PROFILES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

The candidate for the position of environmental and social safeguard specialist must have the following qualifications and professional experiences:

• Hold a university degree (BAC+5) in disciplines such as social and environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, environmental policy, environmental modeling,


• Have at least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in the field of environment, and/or social engineering and management of environmental and social management procedures, of which at least five (05) in a similar position;


• Solid experience in environmental and social monitoring of programs or social development and gender, particularly: management of environmental and social risks, environmental and social safeguards, social inclusion and gender, citizen engagement/social accountability, and community development, conflict and complaint management;


• Experience in environmental communication;


• Excellent writing skills;


• Excellent command of French and good knowledge of English; good analysis and synthesis skills;


• Good listening and communication skills;


• Experience with programs from development partners (WB, ADB, USAID, AFD, IDB, etc.) is a major asset.


• Good knowledge of Beninese regulations regarding environmental and social assessment procedures;


• Good knowledge of the World Bank's environmental and social standards (ESS);


• Have solid experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative surveys;


• Demonstrate skills and experience in direct work in at least one or several of the following areas: public consultations; public hearings; participatory research methods (including observation, surveys);


• Knowledge of Beninese administration would be an asset.

III. PLACE OF ASSIGNMENT

The workplace is the Program headquarters located in Cotonou. However, staff will be required to undertake field activities at the community level and missions outside Cotonou in the execution and monitoring of the Program.

IV. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

1. Contract Duration

The selected candidate will have the status of consultant. The consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures defined in the "Procedures for Procurement for Borrowers Requesting Financing from Investment Programs (FPI)" of July 2012 revised in February 2025.

• The position is based in Cotonou, with possibilities of missions within the country;


• The contract duration is two (02) years full-time renewable based on employee performance deemed satisfactory by the Program Coordination and the World Bank (with a maximum duration that cannot exceed the program's implementation period);


• The employee's performance is evaluated at the end of each year;


• A probationary period of 6 months is required;


• Remuneration will be according to the salary scale of programs financed by the World Bank.

1. Conflict of Interest

Candidates must be free of any conflict of interest risk, meaning they should not be an owner or partially involved in the boards of directors or management of firms, consulting offices, businesses that may be interested in the tenders and consultations resulting from the contracts funded by the program.

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures defined in the Procurement Regulations for Borrowers Requesting Financing from Investment Programs (FPI) of the World Bank of July 2016, revised in February 2025.

V- APPLICATION FILE

The application file must include the following documents:

• A signed cover letter by the candidate addressed to the Program Coordinator;


• A signed curriculum vitae (CV) specifying the employers and the duration of each position. The CV should also mention the names and contact details of three (03) professional references;


• A notarized photocopy of the diplomas or titles required for the position;


• Proof of the experiences listed in the CV (notarized copy of attestations or work certificates);


• A criminal record of less than three (03) months;


• A copy of a valid identity document;


• The candidate's contact details (address, phone number, email) if not provided in the submitted documents.

VI- SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION

The application file contained in a sealed envelope marked:

• on the front "Application for the position of environmental and social safeguard specialist for the Economic Governance and Service Delivery Program (PGDES)" and


• on the back the name and surname of the candidate.

must be submitted no later than June 13, 2025, at 12 noon to the Private Secretariat of PGEDS located at the address below:

Awhanlèko District, coming from EREVAN towards the Fidjrossè Fin Pavé intersection, in the 2nd street on the left after the Wellness Fitness Center gym, 2nd White villa to the left. Tel: 01 40 20 01 46 ; Email: pgeds@finances.bj

The terms of reference (TOR) for each position can be obtained at the email address: pgeds@finances.bj.

                                                                    Cotonou, May 27, 2025                                                         Nicolas Simel NDIAYE

                                                                             Program Coordinator