Long Term Consultant: National Specialist: Social Safeguards Specialist - ADB LAO Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project

Position: National Specialist: Social Safeguards Specialist

Background: Winrock International is recruiting a National Specialist: Social Safeguards Specialist for an Asian Development Bank (ADB) opportunity in Laos focused on Sustainable Agrifood systems. The project will contribute to food security and nutrition improved, and agricultural value addition increased in a climate resilient and gender-responsive manner in Lao PDR. This position will be a part-time consultancy that will require a commitment of 12 person months over a 5-year period.

Location: Vientiane, Laos

Major Responsibilities:

The specialist shall ensure the MOIC and BOL safeguard staff are trained and supported for social safeguard compliance as detailed in the RF, EGDF and SMF. With detailed tasks as the following but not limited to:

• Develop the stakeholder analysis and prepare the stakeholder engagement and communication plan.

• Review and ensure the GRM is translated, approved and disseminated.

• Develop work schedule between the engineering team, social safeguard team and survey team for safeguard document preparations (DDRs).

• Conduct training for PMU and PIUs safeguard officers on ADB SPS, project policy and requirements, reporting and GRM management, LAR impact assessment and subproject screening procedures.

• Develop monitoring template for PIU PMU safeguard officers for consolidation and preparation of annual social safeguard monitoring report.

• Prepare and submit to ADB the required due diligence reports required based DED completion.

• Prepare in developing social safeguard selection criteria and reporting system.

• Prepare and submit consolidated social safeguard monitoring report for ADB review and disclosure.

• Develop and train PMU- PIU safeguard officers in operating, managing and reporting the GRM.

• Support the PMU and PIU safeguard officers in conducting and reporting the public consultations.

• For ethnic groups, the specialist will:

• Support the implementation of EGDF requirements in the FI projects areas of output 1 and output 2.

• Review and determine whether the ADB SPS (2009) IP safeguards are triggered and applied. If triggered:

• Review and assess the possible IP impacts from project activities

• Support the monitoring and reporting of EGDF implementation/compliance in the FI project areas for output 1 and 2

• Assist the PMU-PIUs in the monitoring of EG beneficiaries of FI activities

• Oversee the conduct of the social impact assessment survey for subprojects where IP impacts are identified.

• If needed, prepare an EGDP and ensure EGDP monitoring indicators are established and reported quarterly.

Required outputs of this position:

• Training schedule on safeguard policy and implementation, including GRM.

• EGDF implementation plan for FI outputs under output 1 and 2.

• Workplan between the social safeguard team, survey team and engineering team for impact assessment and document preparation.

• Guidance on social priorities and concerns.

• PSA supplementary appendices.

• Engagement and communication/consultation plan.

• All social and gender inputs to the feasibility studies for the subprojects.

• DDRs for each subproject.

• EGDPs, if required.

• Annual safeguard monitoring templates and report for PMU-PIU.

• Draft annual social safeguard report for PMU submission to ADB.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in social sciences, economics, development studies, gender studies, or an equivalent field

Experience:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in social development, land acquisition and resettlement (LAR), and ethnic group engagement, preferably within rural communities

• Proven experience in social safeguards management, monitoring, and/or impact assessment for projects financed by ADB and/or other multilateral development organizations

• Demonstrated familiarity with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009), national social safeguards management procedures, and relevant environmental and social legislation of Lao PDR;

• Clear and demonstrable skills in implementing and monitoring social safeguards in accordance with the ADB SPS.

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively engage and work with local communities, contractors, and government agencies and facilitate consultations resulting in positive outcomes and dialogue

• Familiar with the requirements of the international development agencies requirements in financial intermediary designed projects.

• Experience working in LAO PDR preferred

• Experience working with ADB preferred.

• Experience working in ASEAN countries – particularly in Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia considered as an advantage

Computer Skills: Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced proficiency in Excel is preferred.

Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form.

Language: Fluent in English (written and spoken), Thai or Lao language skills (preferred)

Physical Demands: This position may require regional travel

This position is based on-going donor funding. 

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal treatment for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law.

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.