Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist for Joint IsDB/ ISFD/ GPE Smart-ED Project

Terms of Reference for Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist (Including SEAH Safeguards)

1. Background

The Republic of Uzbekistan has secured financing from the GPE-ACG SmartEd Initiative of the Islamic Development Bank and Global Partnership for Education for the Joint IsDB/ISFD/GPE Smart-ED Project. The project aims to improve the quality and efficiency of education services in Uzbekistan over a 60-month duration. It focuses on enhancing the learning environment, strengthening the education system, and implementing an inclusive competency-based education system to improve student outcomes. The project includes components on access to inclusive education, quality improvement in general and preschool education, project management, financial auditing, and emergency response.

A dedicated full-time Project Implementation Group (PMU) will be established within the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan (hereinafter called “Executing Agency”) to ensure efficient management and implementation of the Project within its approved scope/ timeline. The Executing Agency is recruiting an Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist who will function under overall supervision of the Head of PMU.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist (ESS) will ensure the effective integration and management of environmental and social considerations in all aspects of the SmartED Project. The ESS will be responsible for ensuring the compliance of project interventions with national regulations and IsDB safeguard policies, including the prevention and management of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) risks.

3. Scope of Work

The details of the specific assignments/tasks of the Environmental Safeguards Specialist will be as follows:

Environmental Safeguards

• Coordinate the preparation of Environment Impact Assessment and Management Plan for each project site before commencement of civil works and ensure their timely submission to IsDB for review and clearance;
• Ensure that for each selected sub- project a site specific EMP and social impact assessment (in English and Uzbek) is developed in-line with IsDB policy and Uzbekistan’s environmental legislation and other relevant environmental standards and codes, before civil works start as well as prevention/mitigation measures and monitoring activities identified in the EMP;

• Consider implementation of environmentally sound options for energy use, effective use of materials and reuse and recycle options for waste generated (such as installation of solar panels toward introducing clean energy alternatives across the school facilities
• In cooperation with the Project Supervision Consultant, ensure all environmental requirements are incorporated in the bidding documents prior to bidding, by providing the necessary inputs and review of such documents; Ensure classrooms, WASH, and school-related facilities as well as the female dormitories for the project-targeted schools met the international and local standards; inclusion of all the adaptation measures stated at the Project Appraisal Document into the design of the buildings.
• Coordinate environmental activities at all levels of the project (baseline data, impact assessment and analysis, etc.) in accordance with the environmental management plan;
• Provide technical guidance and information to project staff and Project Supervision Consultant on environmental issues and regarding sub-project requirements (local, national or international environmental standards; permits, licenses and inspections that are required at the sub-project level);
• Independently monitor EMP implementation, undertake site visits as required, identify environment-related implementation issues and concern, and propose necessary corrective actions;

SEAH Safeguards

• Develop and implement a SEAH Prevention and Response Plan, including training and awareness campaigns for all project stakeholders.
• Conduct Social Impact Assessments (SIA) and prepare Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), where applicable.
• Establish a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) with provisions for addressing SEAH-related complaints confidentially. Ensure stakeholder engagement and public consultations are carried out effectively, focusing on transparency and inclusivity.
• Monitor project activities to identify and mitigate SEAH risks, ensuring compliance with IsDB’s SEAH policy guidelines.

Capacity Building

• Provide training and capacity-building sessions for PMU staff, contractors, and other stakeholders on environmental, social, and SEAH safeguards.
• Develop tools and guidelines to integrate safeguards into project activities effectively.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor compliance with safeguard measures.
• Prepare periodic environmental and social safeguard monitoring reports, including updates on SEAH mitigation measures, for submission to the MOPSE and IsDB.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of safeguard compliance activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and not disclose information related to the Project, as well as documentary and verbal information available in the office of the PMU

Deliverables

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA).
• Environmental Management Plans (EMP).
• Social Impact Assessments (SIA) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), if required.
• SEAH Prevention and Response Plan and training materials.
• Quarterly and annual monitoring reports on safeguard compliance.
• Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) operationalized and documented.

III. Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Higher education in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Climate change, occupational health and safety, urban development, engineering and construction, or other relevant fields, is required;
• At least 7 (seven) years’ experience in environmental management, knowledge and operationalization of the principles of environmental assessment, monitoring, and reporting;
• At least 2 (two) years of experience on preparing, monitoring and/or reporting of the site- specific EMPs, and/or updating of the IEE in the implementation of a project which was financed by international financial institution(s) such as IsDB, ADB, WB, or EBRD, or other international donor(s), is required;
• A good knowledge and understanding of the IsDB ESS Policy or similar regulations from other international financial institution(s); and the environmental national legislation of the GoT, is required;
• Familiarity with the education sector project would be an advantage.
• English (written and spoken) as a working language is required; and fluency in Uzbek is required; Knowledge of Russian language (oral and written) is an asset.
• Skills in preparing high-quality reports will be an asset.
• A confident user of (MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, Powerpoint, Internet E-mail etc.) and other computer programs.

Competencies

• Communication skills: the ability to communicate appropriate, concise and accurate information in written and verbal formats; Experience in compilation and writing reports is an asset.
• Accuracy and attention to details: the ability to ensure and maintain a high degree of accuracy and quality in work, including work under pressure and multiple assignments.
• Problem solving: ability to make reasonable judgment and take initiative in all operational processes and propose practical and realistic solutions to address them;
• Planning and organizing: ability to operate independently with minimum control, prioritize and schedule workload. Effectively manage high volume of multiple tasks.
• Team work: building effective communication and relationships both within and outside the team. Sharing knowledge, information and best practices with others.
• Results orientated: ability to ensure the goals and operational targets are achieved and exceeded.

Required documents:

• CV and cover letter in Uzbek/Russian and English
• University diplomas and other relevant certifications along with translation into English
• Two reference letters from the most recent employers