CONSULTING SERVICES
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Republic of Tajikistan
State Institution “Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development”
Project Management Unit (SI AED PMU)
Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project (SRASP)
IDA (International Development Association) Grant No: E1450
Title of the consulting assignment: International Individual Consultant on Environmental and Social Framework.
Reference Number: SRASP-2024-01-CS-INDV
The project aims to support the Government of Tajikistan (GoT) in successfully transitioning to a sustainable, more productive, climate resilient, and inclusive model of agricultural sector growth. The proposed project will help to:
(i) increase the availability of improved seeds, seedlings, and planting materials that are climate resilient, affordable, farmer-preferred, and well adapted to the different agro-ecological conditions of Tajikistan;
(ii) strengthen the access to improved Agri-logistic services of farmers and agri-businesses; and
(iii) strengthen the crisis management, i.e. early warning, preparedness, and response capacity of selected public institutions.
1. Objectives
The overall objective of the consulting services is to support SRASP PMU in all aspects related to environmental and social in implementing project activities. To support the implementation of the planned activities, the SI AED PMU intends to hire an International Consultant on Environmental and Social Framework.
The Consultant will work closely with other SI AED PMU staff, implementing partners, and the project beneficiaries. In his/her activities the Consultant will follow the Project Operation Manual of
SI “AED PMU”, Charter of SI “AED PMU”, acting legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan, and orders of the SI “AED PMU” Director.
2. Scope of services
1. More specifically the Consultant is expected to perform, but not limited, to the following tasks:
• Develop methodology and action plan to conduct E&S assessment of project areas and interventions.
• Contribute workshops and other capacity development activities as required with respect to social, environmental and climate safeguards;
• Assess project implementation and compliance with social, environmental and climate safeguard requirements, and identify and describe key influencing factors, including technical, bureaucratic, managerial, organizational, institutional, and socio-economic policy issues, in addition to other external factors unforeseen during design, and how these have affected project implementation and/or impacted project target groups;
• Provide technical support to enhance the quality of environment and social framework instruments and their implementation, including support and/or proposed actions to address identified challenges;
• Identify good practices and lessons from what worked and what did not work with respect to the design and implementation of safeguard instruments;
• Identify any potential for the replication or up-scaling of good safeguard practices;
• Technical support to conduct Environmental Social Assessments (ESAs) specific to project site and interventions, including associated site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs)
• Develop a methodology for the baseline survey and conducted environmental and social baseline for each project site
• Review relevant environmental and social legislative framework, adequate institutional, monitoring, and reporting arrangements to ensure proper implementation of project activities
• Technically review all documents such as feasibility studies, business plans, detailed designs and construction supervision plans, assessment, and training materials from environmental and social protection based on ESA criteria.
• Coordinate activities of the project on environmental management of land resources in cooperation with project and development partners
• Coordinate and cooperate with the irrigation and construction team of the project to ensure environmental concerns, issues, and challenges are taken into account from the capacity strengthening aspect of water user groups
• Support National experts to update and review project documents from environmental and Social
perspectives
• Support project coordinator and component coordinators in preparing information materials, presentations, and handouts to present project activities
• Assessment and analysis of TORs for all project procurement of the project which compliance with the WB safeguard guidelines/requirements and project documents such as the Operational Manual, memos, and the Environmental Management Concept;
• Ensure the key E&S Safeguard requirements as set out in the SD documents/instruments are integrated in the subprojects’ BOQ and bidding documents.
• Conducts and organization environmental and social training to project personnel, informing time project team about new roles and requirements on International environmental standards to obtain needed licensees based on WB requirements
• Support project E&S experts in conducting analyses of the environmental situation of project sites and development of a long-term monitoring and evaluation program, based on environmental parameters based on WB requirements
• Control and implementation of the system of environmental management of the project initiatives based on complex monitoring and identification of environmental and social issues for sub-components of the project
• In close cooperation with PIU national E&S experts perform site visits and conduct environmental and social monitoring in communities, jamoats, and regions. Based on the results of the monitoring develop the report and share it with project staff
• Coordinate the work of other project partners and development partners who are involve in environment and social protection.
• Support and coordinate in generating periodic E&S compliance reporting to timely disseminate to the relevant stakeholders including the WB.
• Perform any other related task as required by the PMU.
3. Qualifications and work experience:
• At least a master’s degree in environment, Nature Resource Management, agriculture, and other related field.
• Not less than 5 years of work experience in the related field of Environmental management, community-based development projects funded by international organizations/donors,
• Excellent knowledge of the English language. Knowledge of Russian and/or Tajik languages will be an advantage.
• Excellent knowledge of computer programs, base database systems, and mobile applications
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following link:
https://aedpmu.tj/en/wpcontent/uploads/2024/06/tor_international_enviromental_expert_wb_env_srasp_may_29_2024_eng.pdf
The consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016; revised in September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), 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 to 17:00 local time.
Expressions of interest including CV must be submitted to the e-mail address below on or before 17:00 hours local time on June 21, 2024. Questions (or requests for clarifications) can be sent to the below email address on or before June 18, 2024.
Procurement Department of State Institute “Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development”
Project Management Unit (SI AED PMU).
E-mail: aedpmu.hr@gmail.com
