Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of the Republic of Tajikistan “Social Protection Modernization and Economic Inclusion Project” Terms of Reference

Environmental Specialist

I. BACKGROUND

The Government of Tajikistan received a $37.50 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group (WBG) for the implementation of the “SOCIAL PROTECTION MODERNIZATION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION PROJECT”. The project aims to support the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in protecting poor and vulnerable households from shocks, promoting economic inclusion and improving social safety nets.

The project will be implemented by two executive agencies, namely the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population (MHSPP) and The Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan (MLME).

The Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan (hereinafter MLME RT) with the assistance of the Project Implementation Unit (hereinafter PIU) will be the implementer of Component 2 (Support to Unemployed Including Labor Migrants) which includes individual specialists responsible for specific tasks in the implementation of the project, including Environmental Specialist to fulfill the necessary actions for the implementation of the Project. The PIU MLME will have an overall responsibility for the implementation of all activities under the Component 2 and 4.2, including fiduciary responsibilities. The PIU MLME will support day-to-day administration for the project, including support on technical, financial and procurement, safeguards and monitoring and evaluation processes for the two Components (2 (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) and 4 (4.2)) of the project.

II. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The PIU Environmental Specialist will be responsible for implementing the environmental and risk management activities of the “SOCIAL PROTECTION MODERNIZATION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION” Project. The purpose of this appointment is to ensure the coordination and implementation of environmental events and environmental risks in line with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards and Tajikistan law. The Environmental Specialist in close cooperation with the Social Development Specialist will be responsible for supervising the social and environmental aspects in order to implement the EIP and the POM and Social Safeguard Measures / Environmental and Social Management Plan) which will be prepared (if necessary) for each of the sub-projects to be implemented under the Project.

III. Responsibilities and scope of work:

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in close interaction with the Social Development Specialist, the Environmental Specialist will be in charge of coordinating the project's day to day environmental risk management actions:

His/her key functions will be to:

• Provide overall policy and technical direction for environmental risks management under the Project (as defined by the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF);

• Ensure the environmental commitments as outlined in the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) are completed on timely and regularly manner; and

• Ensure project’s compliance with the National and World Bank ESF standards and procedures.

His/her job responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

• Closely co-ordinate with the PIG for review and endorsement of the environmental screening decisions and recommendations and ensure the recommendations to address environment issues;

• Ensure timely preparation and implementation of Environmental and Social Assessments project;

• Review draft and final ESIAs for quality and obtain necessary clearances;

• Ensure that applicable measures of the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plans (ESMMPs), are included in the bidding documents;

• Carry out field visits and monitor the implementation of environmental prevention and mitigation measures to be properly undertaken during the project implementation;

• Record and investigate all environmental and health and safety incidents, if any;

• Organize consultations with project stakeholders on the environmental instruments (ESIAs), provide clarifications on environmental provisions and procedures, and maintain consultation minutes including disclosure of public consultations and environmental instruments;

• Provide necessary technical assistance to facilitate the implementation, management and monitoring of environmental risks and impacts and implementation of environmental mitigation and monitoring plans;

• Report to PIU on the overall environmental performance of the project as part of PIU’s periodic progress reporting.

IV. REPORTING

The Environmental Specialist is accountable to the Project Manager/Executive Director and the Project Coordinator. The specialist is expected to work closely cooperate with the departments and divisions of the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment Population of the Republic of Tajikistan.

V. Qualifications and experience:

Education:

 A university degree in environmental science, natural resources management, environmental or civil engineering, or other relevant disciplines;

Experience:

 Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field of environmental assessment, risk management, and monitoring procedures;

 Working experience in interacting with local and national authorities and communities;

 Experience on donor funded projects and prior implementation of donor safeguards is an advantage;

 Prior experience in international donor funded projects will be an asset;

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent communication skills;

• Excellent individual and team-working, decision-making;

• Ability to work under pressure;

• Good knowledge of Tajik, Russian and English languages (oral and written) is required;

• Skills in preparing high-quality related reports in Tajik, Russian and English languages;

• A confident user of (MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, Powerpoint, Internet E-mail etc.);

• Honesty and sense of responsibility.

VI. Task duration:

The duration of the task is from ____ ____________, 2023, to June 30, 2027, with a probationary period of 3 (three) months. The term of consultant engagement may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties.

VII. Task location:

The Environmental Specialist will be located in PIU MLME office in the city of Dushanbe with a trip to the project sites if necessary.

VIII. Employer's input:

PIU MLME will provide project documents and a workspace with access to office equipment.

Interested candidates must submit a complete set of the following documents in person:

• A statement addressed to the Minister of Labour, Migration and Employment of Population of the Republic of Tajikistan for submission of documents;

• CV in Tajik and English (must include full information on education and work experience);

• Reference letters indicating contact details of recommending persons;

• Copy of a diploma of higher education;

• Copies of certificates of additional education or participation in seminars and trainings; and

• Copy of passport (place of registration, TIN).

The above documents must be submitted in an envelope, indicating the vacant position and name of the candidate to the following address: 5/2 Alisher Navoi str., Dushanbe, Tajikistan (Social Protection Modernization and Economic Inclusion Project)

For more information, please call +992 985886585; or

Email: khurshedkarimov74@gmail.com

The deadline for submitting documents is by 30 October 2023 (10:00 a.m.)