Request for Expression of Interest
(Consulting Services – Individual Selection)
Selection of Social Safeguard Specialist for Digital Foundations Project – Ministry of Innovation and Technology
Country: Ethiopia
Project: Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project
Project ID: P171034
Credit No. IDA - 68560
Assignment Title: Social Safeguard Specialist to support the Program Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology
Salary: Based on the new directive of Ministry of finance Project staff Salary Scale
Reference No.: ET-MInT-396933-CS-INDV
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project (“Digital Foundations”). The Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the host of the project intends to apply part of the proceeds for selecting of individual consultants.
Ministry of Innovation and Technology as part of the project is looking for an Individual Consultant that provide technical assistance that supports the Project Implementation Unit. Experienced individual consultants who have experience, passionate and innovative ideas for the position of Social Safeguard Specialist are invited to express their interest for the assignment.
The Social Safeguard Specialist is mainly responsible for the overall Social Risk Management arrangements of the project/subproject and will ensure the compliance of the project/subproject to the World Bank Environment and Social Standard (ESS) and the National ES guidelines, laws, and regulations throughout the project/subproject life cycle.
Specific responsibilities for the Social Safeguard Specialist will include, but are not limited to, the following core activities:
Coordinate with the Federal EPA and regional EFCCC on a regular basis to support the implementation of ESMF.
In collaboration with the Environmental Specialist and PIU team, organize and conduct a capacity-building program on social risk management to raise awareness among E&S focal persons, officials of project implementation, Beneficiary/stakeholder institutions, and technical and management officers.
Coordinate with the project beneficiary and stakeholder institutions to ensure the project’s compliance with the ESMF including SALMP, GBV action plan, implementation and all social aspects of the project.
Communicate with the project beneficiary and stakeholder institutions to ensure gender mainstreaming, GBV Prevention and Response Action Plan, GRM process and procedure, and SEP in the implementation of project activities.
Facilitate the management of grievances and conflicts that arise during the project implementation on all project components based on the framework and using the GRM resolution procedures for disputes.
Provide specific technical advice on the social risk mitigation measures implementation on subprojects activities for the respective implementers.
Spearhead/coordinate the commissioning of an independent consulting firm to carry out the Project E&S performance audit on an annual basis.
Participate in the preparation of ToR and undertake a review of E & S screening and full or preliminary ESIA/ ESMP.
Advise/ assist EDFP and project implementation partners in the planning and implementation of information campaigns and community health and safety related activities, including the mitigation mechanisms on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment and the transmission of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, COVID 19, etc. on local communities.
Ensure that Project’s ESRM instruments (as deemed necessary) are translated (form & language), disclosed, and disseminated to relevant stakeholders as required.
Conduct field inspections/ visits to ensure adequate implementation and compliance with the World Bank ESF as well as respective ESMF, ESCP and other site-specific plans and report on its findings.
Ensure that Project Contractors and Sub-contractors have GBV Prevention and Response Action Plan, and Code of Conduct (CoC) informed by WB GBV Good Practice Note to maintain inclusive and safe work environment for female and male workers in the sub-projects’ implementation sites.
Ministry of Innovation and Technology now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest to provide the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for a period of one year with possibility of extension for additional period subject to outstanding performance of the consultant and availability of budget. The shortlisting criteria include the following;
At least BA Degree in the field relevant to Social Sciences, preferably in Sociology/ Social Developments, Development Studies or Social Anthropology.
At least 5 years of experience in social development.
Demonstrated experience in large-scale development project management at various levels of social management activities, preferably for partner-funded infrastructure projects.
Participated in E&S management tools development such as preparation and management of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Environmental and Social Management Plans, Environmental and Social Monitoring Plans, Resettlement Action Plans, GBV action plan, Construction Environmental, and Social Management Plan and Resettlement Policy Framework.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; and
Demonstrated ability to work productively in a team setting.
Willingness to travel frequently nationwide to support/manage the implementation of the Framework, carry out stakeholder consultations, and monitor/supervision projects,
Knowledge of the country’s legal process on GBV issues land acquisition and population displacement,
Work experience as a social specialist in/ with World Bank funded activities and knowledge of the World Bank Environment and Social management Framework (ESF) and requirements will be an advantage,
Fluency in English and Amharic languages as well as knowledge of other local languages will be an added value,
The candidate must have the highest levels of personal integrity, and a reputation for a transparent and systematic work style; and
The candidate must be able to work under pressure situations, to meet demanding deadlines.
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” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant (Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Expressions of interest (CV, Cover letter and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications) must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or preferably by email on or before December 22, 2023. Further information can be obtained, by email at the below address during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time:
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT)
Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project
Attn: Focal Person, Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
Address: Arada Sub-city, Tracon Building 6th floor, in front of Black Lion Secondary School,
Telephone No.: +251-911-229367, Email address: tessedf@gmail.com and +251-911-980229, Email address: jermiyasy@gmail.com and +251-913-050049, Email address: habtemek178@gmail.com
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia