Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program - Series of Projects 2 ( - Тендер #66252881)

NOTICE AT-A-GLANCE

• Project ID

P500628

• Project Title

Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program - Series of Projects 2

• Country

Western and Central Africa

• Notice No

OP00373237

• Notice Type

Request for Expression of Interest

• Notice Status

Published

• Borrower Bid Reference

LR-MOPT-503791-CS-INDV

• Procurement Method

Individual Consultant Selection

• Language of Notice

English

• Submission Deadline Date/Time

Aug 13, 2025 16:00

• Published Date

Aug 13, 2025

• CONTACT INFORMATION
• Organization/Department

Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications

• Name

Nicholas N. Johnson

• Address

McDonald & Carey Streets 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

• City

• Province/State

Western and Central Africa

• Postal Code

• Country

Western and Central Africa

• Phone

00231779169569

• Email

nicholasn.johnson3@gmail.com

• Website

Project ID: P500628

Expression of Interest (EOI)

for

the Position of Environmental Safeguard Specialist

The Government of Liberia (GoL) has received financing from the World Bank for the preparation of the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project - Series of Projects 2 Liberia (WARDIP SOP2-Liberia). This project, which will be implemented at the national level, seeks to facilitate increased broadband access and usage in preparation for regional digital markets integration in West Africa.

WARDIP SOP2 builds on, and will run parallel to, investments in DTfA/WARDIP SOP1, further extending cross-border and backbone connectivity, data markets and online market environment in additional countries. It aims to increase broadband access and usage in participating countries and to advance the integration of digital markets in Western Africa and is structured to have 5 components.

· Component I. Connectivity Market Development and Integration: This component aims to provide infrastructure financing and support for an enhanced enabling environment to develop the regional broadband connectivity market.

· Component II: Data Market Development and Integration: This component aims to build trust in online transactions and strengthen the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and systems, focused on focuses on enabling secure, cross-border data exchange, storage, and processing to support regional access to data-driven services, innovation, and infrastructure.

· Component III. Online Market Development and Integration: This component aims to support the development of a robust regional online market, with a focus on boosting service uptake for an integrated SDM.

· Component IV. Project Management and Implementation Support. This component would provide technical assistance and capacity support for program preparation and implementation.

· Component V. Contingent Emergency Response. The component is included to help participating countries respond swiftly to eligible crises and emergencies, in case of urgent need of assistance or capacity constraints.

In view of this, the GoL, through the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MoPT) intends to set up a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) as a starting point to kick start the activities entailed in this fund and, as thus, seeks to recruit a highly qualified and motivated Environmental Safeguard Specialist for the PIU.

The attention of interested Consultant 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 revised November 2017 and August 2018. Setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with Individual Selection Method set out in the Procurement Regulations

Expressions of interest which must bear the title Environmental Safeguard Specialist must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person or by mail, or by e-mail) by 4:00pm GMT beginning August 11, to 28, 2025.

Please check the Ministry Website at www.mopt.gov.lr and also as an Annex-A below to this request for expression of interest (reoi) for the Terms of Reference (ToR) and more details for the position.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, local time through patrickpayetee9@gmail.com or 0778723535/0886642510.

Address – For Submission of Expressions of Interest:

Hon. Sekou M. Kromah

Minister

Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications,

McDonald and Carey Streets,

Monrovia, Liberia

Attention: Patrick Payetee/Interim Project Procurement Specialist (patrickpayetee9@gmail.com)

Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Project-Liberia (WARDIP-Liberia)

Online submission: patrickpayetee9@gmail.com

ANNEX-A

Terms of Reference

For

Environmental Management Specialist

• PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Government of Liberia (GoL) has received financing from the World Bank for the preparation of the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project - Series of Projects 2 Liberia (WARDIP SOP2-Liberia). This project, which will be implemented at the national level, seeks to facilitate increased broadband access and usage in preparation for regional digital markets integration in West Africa.

WARDIP SOP2-Liberia is the second phase of the Western Africa Regional Development Integration Program series of projects (DTfA – WARDIP), which builds consensus and momentum around the vision for achieving a Single Digital Market (SDM) in Africa. It is envisioned that the project will lead to an increased secure flow of digital services within and between participating countries in Western Africa. By the end of the SOP, foundations of a SDM in Western Africa in line with the AU SDM are expected to be in place.

WARDIP SOP2 builds on, and will run parallel to, investments in DTfA/WARDIP SOP1, further extending cross-border and backbone connectivity, data markets and online market environment in additional countries. It aims to increase broadband access and usage in participating countries and to advance the integration of digital markets in Western Africa and is structured to have 5 components.

• Component I. Connectivity Market Development and Integration: This component aims to provide infrastructure financing and support for an enhanced enabling environment to develop the regional broadband connectivity market.
• Component II: Data Market Development and Integration: This component aims to build trust in online transactions and strengthen the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and systems, focused on focuses on enabling secure, cross-border data exchange, storage, and processing to support regional access to data-driven services, innovation, and infrastructure.
• Component III. Online Market Development and Integration: This component aims to support the development of a robust regional online market, with a focus on boosting service uptake for an integrated SDM.
• Component IV. Project Management and Implementation Support. This component would provide technical assistance and capacity support for program preparation and implementation.
• Component V. Contingent Emergency Response. The component is included to help participating countries respond swiftly to eligible crises and emergencies, in case of urgent need of assistance or capacity constraints.

Environmental and social risks

The Project will be prepared and implemented under the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESF) of the WB and the environmental and social (E&S) risk classification is Substantial.

There are ten Environment and Social Standards (ESS) under the ESF, and the following standards are considered relevant (but not limited to) for this project:

• ESS1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
• ESS2: Labor and Working Conditions
• ESS3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management
• ESS4: Community Health and Safety
• ESS5: Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement
• ESS6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
• ESS8: Cultural Heritage
• ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure

The proposed environmental risk classification is Substantial. The project is expected to have positive environmental impacts by restoring coastal ecosystems, especially mangroves, to reduce the risk of erosion and flooding, including restoration of abandoned rice paddies and the water system. However, there are also key environmental concerns identified at this stage, including: (i) effects on water quality; (ii) risks associated with the disturbance of marine and other coastal ecosystem biodiversity during construction and operation; (iii) construction waste disposal and e-waste management; (iv) worker occupational health and safety (OHS); (v) air and noise pollution nuisances; (vi) water pollution; and (vii) high energy consumption.

The interventions will take place in fragile coastal areas, including mangroves that provide vital ecosystem services, and poorly designed or implemented activities could exacerbate erosion downstream. Furthermore, health and safety of workers and communities must be carefully managed. Potential OHS hazards associated with the construction of physical infrastructure include exposure to harmful dusts and fumes, loud noise, manual handling injuries, and stress or fatigue. Nonetheless, most of the anticipated environmental risks are expected to be site-specific, temporary, and manageable through adherence to good construction practices, energy optimization, and sustainable sourcing. The Appraisal Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) and accompanying environmental management instruments will detail the mitigation measures required.

The proposed social risk classification is Moderate. The project is expected to generate significant benefits for digital and social inclusion by expanding cross-border connectivity, data flows, and access to online services in participating countries. While these benefits are substantial, Component 1 activities may give rise to some social impacts, including: (i) disruption of economic activities and livelihoods due to land acquisition; (ii) impacts on the livelihoods of fishermen caused by the laying of submarine cables; (iii) loss of access to fishing grounds due to construction of the landing station; (iv) impacts on people’s livelihoods along the fisheries value chain; (v) labor and working conditions; and (vi) community health and safety concerns.

The presence of migrant workers introduces additional risks such as labor-related grievances and the potential for sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEA/SH). Although the digitalization goals are expected to improve productivity and efficiency, limited stakeholder awareness may result in initial resistance. Risks such as social exclusion of vulnerable groups (e.g., people with disabilities, landless persons, youth, and elders), potential child labor, SEA/SH, and disruptions to traditional livelihoods will need to be actively managed.

In view of this, the GoL, through the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MoPT) is setting up a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) as a starting point to kick start the activities entailed in this project and, as thus, seeks to recruit a highly qualified and motivated Environmental Management Specialist to join the PIU.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The objective of this assignment is to support the PIU in the effective implementation of environmental risk management measures under the project, in line with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and national environmental regulations. The Environmental Consultant will provide technical guidance on the preparation, review, updating, and monitoring of ESF instruments, coordinate with key stakeholders, support training and capacity building efforts, and ensure environmental compliance throughout the project life cycle. The consultant will also work closely with the Social Development and M&E Specialists to ensure integrated and consistent monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

• SCOPE OF WORK

The Environmental Management Specialist will be tasked with but not limited to deliver on the following mandate:

• Support the preparation and implementation of ESF instruments, specifically instruments related to environmental risk mitigation, in line with the World Bank ESF
• Provide technical oversight and review support on ESF documents
• Update ESF documents, on an as needed basis, throughout the project life cycle
• Ensure that ESF instruments developed for site-specific subprojects comply with the World Bank ESS
• Coordinate with a wide range of project stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, nongovernment organizations, civil society, community-based organizations, and project beneficiaries
• Conduct training on environmental risk management for PIU staff and relevant project stakeholders
• Monitor and report on the implementation of ESF instruments on a regular basis ensuring ESF compliance, informing as needed adjustments and improvements in the project, and contributing to an institutional knowledge base on lessons learnt

In particular, the Environmental Management Specialist will be responsible for the following:

Project preparation, Technical Guidance and Coordination

• Oversight of the implementation of environmental measures and actions of the project Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP);
• Support environmentally sustainable development by ensuring that the program incorporate measures as may deemed to be necessary and sufficient to avoid, minimize, abate, and where appropriate, offset any adverse impacts to the environment;
• Advise on strategies for strengthening implementation of environmental risk management measures;
• Help prepare ToRs for proposed ESF instruments like Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and Labor Management Procedures, particularly for effective implementation in collaboration with the project’s social development specialist;
• Guide and work with consultants including providing quality assurance to undertake the preparation of ESF instruments which should be prepared in compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and the national requirements for purposes of managing project-related environmental risks;
• Review of ESF instruments and make recommendation for improvement;
• Support the development and implementation of the project GRM and ensure that public complaints about the sub-project activities are adequately addressed and documented;
• Support the PIU in assessing sub-projects for potential adverse social impacts as well as planning and implementing impact mitigation measures;
• Support in the efficient coordination with project implementing agencies and Project Management Team (PMT) staff regarding Environmental and Social Management;
• Initiate and undertake social due diligence prior to commencement of works and liaise with contractors to address pertinent community-related issues;
• Undertake training on Environmental and Social Management for program staff and other relevant stakeholders in the field; and
• Serve as the lead community liaison for the project and maintain close contacts with local stakeholders throughout the project life;
• Monitor in collaboration with the project’s social development specialist, the operationalization of the project’s Grievance Mechanism (GM)
• Draw up the terms of reference for carrying out environmental and social evaluations in collaboration with the project’s social development specialist

Environmental and Social Management Procedures

• Coordinate the process for the development of environmental and social risk management policy, procedures and reporting;
• Examine and evaluate all activities proposed by individual subprojects to assess the potential environmental and social risks or impacts, to determine mitigation measures needed, based on the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), as well as any additional mitigation and compliance measures from local permit requirements;
• Develop and implement systems and procedures for environmental due diligence under the project and ensuring their adequacy and compliance at all levels;
• Develop and implement management processes including screening sub-projects, public consultation, analysis of alternatives and other environmental concerns;
• Work with the project team lead to ensure that financial resources are available to support environmental risk management processes, including assessments, training programs and analytical support;
• Ensure that environmental and social risk management compliance conditions are incorporated into project bidding documents, and a process exists for ensuring that mitigation measures will be undertaken by contractors;
• Develop compliance checklists and supervisory guides for field inspections;
• Assist with preparing environmental compliance language for use in procurement and bidding documents;
• Screen proposed projects for impacts on the health and quality of forests, rights and welfare of people, involving changes in the management, protection, or utilization of natural forests, potential impacts to physical cultural resources, and impacts to natural or critical habitats;

Monitoring and Reporting

• Work closely with the Social Development Specialist (SDS) and the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (M&ES) in planning and managing environmental risks associated with the sub-projects;
• Provide technical guidance to monitor the implementation of ESMPs and RAPs, making sure that implementation is satisfactory and consistent with the relevant World Bank ESS; and environmental laws of Ghana;
• Support the monitoring and report against the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) provisions, highlighting environmental issues not addressed, and provide recommendations for corrective measures for subsequent projects;
• Conduct field appraisal and review of subproject specifications, setting and site conditions to ensure that environmental aspects are appropriately addressed in planning, contracting and environmental mitigation plans;
• Ensure adequate environmental management records and documentation are kept;
• Participate in periodic supervision to monitor and ensure compliance with ESS throughout the project life;
• Conduct field supervision, monitoring and inspection of individual subprojects to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures required; and
• Periodically report on ongoing works, planning efforts, compliance and other aspects requiring attention and assist PC in review and preparation of the environmental aspects of biannual reports.

• QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree with specialized course work in disciplines of environmental studies such as: Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Modeling, Natural Resource Management, or other fields applicable to environmental compliance is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of design and management of environmental and social management procedures and safeguards systems.
• Demonstrate skills and direct work experience with at least one or more of the following: public consultations; public hearings; participatory research methods (including observation, surveys); participatory rural and urban appraisal; participatory poverty assessments; participatory monitoring and evaluation; and grievance redress mechanisms.
• Demonstrate experience in mentoring and providing capacity building in developing and implementing environmental and social safeguard policies, strategies and guidelines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the World Bank’s Groups Environmental and Social Framework and standards.
• Demonstrate well-rounded understanding of critical issues in sustainable development, international environment and development policy, climate change, gender, social enhancement measures, labour, youth employment, etc.
• Have experience of development projects and programs financed by the World Bank or donors using the same environmental and social standards.
• Strong analytical skills to maintain technical knowledge, provide needed advice to colleagues and monitor the progress of World Bank funded project activities.
• Demonstrated leadership and skill in decision-making and overseeing the implementation of complex activities.
• Excellent management, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Must have excellent written and role communication skills in English.
• Have a good command of IT tools (especially Word, Excel, Access and data management and analysis software, etc.).

• TERMS OF ASSIGNMENT

The Environmental Management Specialist will be appointed for a period of one (1) year, renewable based on good performance.

• CONFIDENTIALITY

By accepting to take part in the invitation, the Consultant agrees to keep in confidence all information shared by the Liberian government authorities and the World Bank, whether written or oral, concerning the invitation and/or in relation to the government organizations’ business involved in this assignment which is not of public domain. The Consultant also agrees to use it only for the purposes of this activity and for no other reasons and not to disclose any of the said information to any third party.

Источник закупки

Перейти