Social & Gender Specialist

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

COUNTRY: MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT: ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION IN MALAWI (ASCENT MALAWI) PROJECT
PROJECT ID: P502464
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: SOCIAL & GENDER SPECIALIST
DATE OF ISSUE: 8th May, 2025

1.0 Introduction

The Government of Malawi is currently implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT Malawi) Project with funding from the World Bank. The project development objective is to increase clean and sustainable energy access in Malawi, aligning with ASCENT’s Program Development Objective of increasing clean and sustainable energy access in Eastern and Southern Africa. There are five main components to be implemented under ASCENT. Three components will be implemented by the Ministry of Energy while two components will be implemented by ESCOM. The two components under ESCOM, are Last Mile Grid Connection and Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.

2.0 The Position

The Social & Gender Specialist (S&G S) will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the social safeguards as outlined in the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), which in turn would facilitate compliance of the ASCENT and ensure timely implementation of the project. Specifically, the SS shall be responsible for the day-to-day facilitation and coordination of all activities related with social safeguards under the ASCENT, including ensuring compliance with social safeguard guidelines established in the project’s approved and disclosed safeguard instruments including, where applicable, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Framework, Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), Labour Management Plan (LMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). The S&GS is expected to work in close coordination with particularly the other safeguards specialists namely the Environmental Specialist, regional Environmental and Social Coordinators, the Gender Specialist, and Occupational Safety and Health Specialist.

The S&GS will be a competitively recruited individual consultant who will be working within the Project Implementation Unit and will be reporting to the Project Manager.

The Specialist will, at a minimum, on a monthly basis present a brief progress report to the Project Manager, highlighting a synthesis of progress against planned actions, key challenges, and proposed management decisions. The SS will assist in this process through supporting the delivery of timely reports.

3.0 The Objective of this Assignment

The main aim of this assignment is to ensure that all social risks and impacts are managed in accordance with social safeguards policies of World Bank, and national social safeguards policies and frameworks. The assignment will thus support in the development of the ASCENT Project safeguards instruments in line with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and implementation of activities in accordance with Project Documents; as well as the efficient management and compliance monitoring of all safeguards and related instruments for the project. Thus, the SS will mainly be required to organize and coordinate implementation of social safeguard aspects under the project, including any resettlement or livelihood restoration caused by the project where applicable.

4.0 Scope of the Assignment
4.1 Duties and Responsibilities

Working with other team members, the S&GS will lead the social component in the overall project execution process. He/she will be responsible for overall development, monitoring of implementation of all social safeguards measures as described in the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) (and all social safeguards plans developed under the ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Labour Management Procedures, Community Health and Safety Plan, SEA/SH Plan, Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), including compensation for resettlement, loss of access to land, and livelihood restoration activities, and Cultural Management Plan where applicable.

4.2 Specific Tasks

Specific tasks of the assignment shall include but not limited to:

4.2.1 General Social Safeguards

i. Review the project related documentation to better understand the social implications of the proposed project activities and ensure that they have been adequately addressed in the project.
ii. Ensure effective integration of social considerations in identification, consultation, planning, implementation and monitoring project activities to ensure that they are consistent in adhering to safeguards requirements
iii. Lead in the development of key safeguard instruments; Labour Management Procedures (LMP), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and related Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs)
iv. Update the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) including the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and monitor its implementation
v. Prepare Resettlement Action Plan (RAPs) and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRP) where required in line with RPF.
vi. Be the lead on community sensitization meetings to ensure that communities are continuously aware of the social safeguards issues including HIV/AIDS, Child labour, GRM, GBV etc.
vii. Implement the SEP and coordinate stakeholder engagement to ensure that relevant stakeholders are continuously updated on project progress and other issues of interest to the stakeholders, as appropriate.
viii. Prepare social safeguards information materials in line with the SEP and disseminating the information to the relevant stakeholders especially affected communities and other key stakeholders.
ix. Undertake site visits during project execution with the aim of monitoring the effectiveness of social safeguards measures a stipulated in the ESMPs/ESIA and provide proposed actions to improve
on mitigation measures.
x. Work with the Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, in engaging with impacted communities on Community Health and Safety (CHS) issues and undertake site supervision of project sites to ensure CHS
measures are adhered to
xi. Conduct consultations with key stakeholders throughout the project cycle social impacts as stipulated in the SEP.
xii. Establish and implement the grievance redress mechanisms (GRM) to affected people for complaints about project impacts as stipulated in the SEP. Management of the Grievance mechanism tracker and
monitoring of the Grievance Redress effectiveness.
xiii. Undertake social safeguards trainings for PIU staff, stakeholders and project staff including training the Grievance Redress Committees
xiv. Interface with relevant national authorities to ensure implementation of social safeguards, including ensuring that LMP, SEP, ESIAs, ESMPs,
RAPs, and Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs) are developed and conform with Government and World Bank requirements.
xv. Development and implementation of SEA, SH and VAC Plans under the ESMF.
xvi. Ensure that adequate attention is provided to the disadvantaged and marginalised groups so that they benefit from the project and minimise their risks.
xvii. Ensure adherence of the ASCENT project and NNNF exclusion lists is being implemented accordingly
xviii. Ensure that the contractors and supervising firms comply and that they require their subcontractors to comply with the E&S specifications of their respective contracts.
xix. Supervise the Contractors in developing and implementing social plans related to: workers’ rights; sexual harassment and gender based violence, HIV/AIDS and such other communicable diseases, trafficking in persons, child labour and community health and safety.
xx. Support in the preparation of Annual Work Plans and Budgets, Procurement Plans, Tender documents, mid-term reviews, final evaluations, and social audits.
xxi. Prepare and submit periodic safeguards monitoring reports to the project implementation unit (PIU) and the World Bank
xxii. Participating in official meetings and missions with the World Bank, project supervisory visits and other forums related to the project xxiii. Provide oversight for RAP Completion Environmental and Social
Audit(s) to be carried out by independent consultant 6-12 months after resettlement activities are completed.
xxiv. Provide any necessary project management support as may be assigned by the Project Manager

4.2.2 Labour Management Related Safeguards

i. Support the PIU and work closely with the PIU Social team in planning, monitoring and implementation of all applicable labour laws and related contractual provisions on the project.
ii. Analyze all applicable labour laws, regulations and related contract provisions for the contractors and develop checklists and formats for compliance and monitoring.
iii. Support and advise PIU and contractors teams on achieving gaps in compliance and remedial actions, as required.
iv. Follow up on all workers mobilization and demobilization where required and ensure all compliance protocols are adhered to.
v. Provide guidance and support on compliances to be undertaken in the event of an accident, including reporting requirements and claims for the contractors workers.
vi. Conduct orientation on labour law compliance for PIU, and Contractor’s team.
vii. Preparing the report on labour section/ issues in the PIU Quarterly Progress Reports.

1. Reporting Arrangements

The Social Specialist will administratively report to the Project Manager and operationally report to the Safeguards Coordinator. He/She will also be responsible for supervision of the other social officers in the PIU as may be engaged from time to time.

2. Qualifications and Experience for the assignment

The ideal candidate should have

a. A minimum of Bachelors Degree in Socio Science, Social Development, Development and Gender studies and such related fields.
b. Demonstrated social safeguards management, community development capacity and social development initiatives with at least 10 years progressive relevant experience in implementing infrastructure development linear projects. Related experience in energy related infrastructure as well as a postgraduate degree will be an added advantage.
c. He/She should have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in addressing social safeguards issues, ideally in donor funded projects.
d. Proven work experience in stakeholder engagement with development partners, project beneficiaries and Government agencies,
e. Should have demonstrated expertise in social safeguards activities including development and implementation of Resettlement Action Plan in line with World Bank standards ie the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework.
f. Should have demonstrated expertise in land acquisition issues and versatility in stakeholder engagement.

3. Required Competences

• Understanding of the assignment objectives, effective planning of activities and ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
• Ability to build capacity and train various stakeholders;
• Should have demonstrated leadership skills in working effectively with contractors and communities in implementing effective consultation programs with project affected communities and other related stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working  relations with various stakeholders.
• Full and fluent command of English, including the ability to set out a coherent argument in written English, presentations and group interactions.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, resourcefulness, initiative, tact and ability to cope with any situation;
• Good working knowledge of Windows-based computing programs, and electronic communication.
• Strong attention to detail and thoroughness in work product.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with tight deadlines and deliver exceptional results.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;

4. Expected Deliverables

• Summary periodic reports highlighting critical outstanding issues requiring Management attention
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to be submitted to the Management as a follow-up on the implementation and monitoring of the sub-projects’ social safeguards activities vis-à-vis the respective ESMPs, ESGGs, EMPs, RAPs, and GRM(s), as well as any other issue that is encountered with regard to social safeguards
• Minutes or reports of meetings held throughout the project with various stakeholders including PAPs and Community Leaders.
• Complete database of PAPs details, Compensations paid, Grievances registered and how they were resolved.

5. Performance Criteria

The following performance criteria will be used to assess the performance of the Social Specialist at regular intervals and based upon these assessments the contract with ESCOM may be continued or terminated:

a) Sound and timely determination of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), Livelihood Restoration Plan requirements for the project. Accurate development of the draft RAP, ESMPs where required
b) Comprehensiveness and Quality of PAPs compensation eligibility criteria and report
c) Effectiveness of stakeholder consultations
d) Timely development of a functioning implementation, monitoring and evaluation RAP Framework
e) Minimized community conflicts and disturbances to project activities
f) Effective and comprehensive Grievance Redress Mechanisms
g) Adequate social and gender inclusion and mainstreaming activities in the project
h) Quality and timeliness submission of relevant documentation and periodic reports
i) Appropriate and quality documentation and filing and database creation of all PAP records and issues under the project

6. Location of Employment

The SS will be based in Blantyre, but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project areas 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.

7. Duration of Assignment

The Social Specialist shall be recruited for 5 years up to 31st December 2030, but renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance.

8. Selection Methods

The SS will be a competitively recruited in line with World Bank’s procurement guidelines. The specialist will thus be selected in accordance with individual Consultant (INDV) selection methods set out in the Procurement Regulations

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” of November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

9. Facilities to be provided by the Client

The following shall be provided by the client:

• Office space,
• Furniture and office equipment,
• Communication and internet facilities, and
• For all field related assignments, the Project shall provide PPE, transport and other expenses (per diems etc.) related to the field work.

10. METHOD OF APPLICATION

Expression of interest with detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and copies of supporting qualification documents, including names of three traceable referees must be delivered in written form to the address below (in person, or by email, or by mail) NOT later than 16th May, 2025

Address for submission by email is info@escom.mw

The Chairperson-Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee
Attn: The IPDC Chairperson
ESCOM House, Annex Building, 1st Floor,
Haile Selassie
P.O Box 2047
Blantyre
MALAWI.