Environmental and Social Lead, MOSES Contract in Sierra Leone

Fulltime-Regularlead

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Quick Summary

Overview

DAI is seeking a senior-level Environmental and Social Lead for the MCC-Management Oversight, Social and Environmental Support (MOSES) contract. This is an initial 18-month assignment, with the possibility of five additional option periods of 12 months each, and is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Requirements Summary

A master's degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, environmental management, or a related field; A minimum of 10 years of experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in conducting environmental and social impact studies,…

Technical Tools

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The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone signed a Millennium Challenge Compact on September 27, 2024, valued at USD $480 million. The Compact aims to reduce poverty and promote economic growth in Sierra Leone by strengthening the country's electricity sector. It consists of three projects: (i) the Transmission Backbone Project, which expands Sierra Leone's electricity transmission network; (ii) the Distribution and Access Project, which improves the reliability of electricity supply and expands access in selected communities; and (iii) the Power Sector Reform Project, which improves the financial sustainability, governance, and performance of the electricity sector. The Management Oversight, Social and Environmental Support (MOSES) contract supports MCA-Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone, and the Compact's implementing entities, including the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), and the Ministry of Energy. Ultimately, the Compact aims to benefit Sierra Leonean citizens through improved access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Responsibilities

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The Environmental and Social Lead provides expert leadership over all environmental and social performance (ESP) functions of the MOSES team. The role ensures that all Compact activities comply with the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), and applicable IFC Performance Standards. The E&S Lead coordinates environmental and social risk identification, monitoring, and mitigation across all project components, working closely with the Design Engineers, Supervising Engineer, Contractors, and MCA-SL counterparts. The Environmental and Social Lead will manage a multi-disciplinary team of environmental and social specialists.

→Lead the development and update of MCA-SL's Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) in line with IFC Performance Standard 1.
→Review and provide technical oversight of ESIAs, ESMPs, and project-specific sub-plans prepared by Design Engineers, and assess compliance with MCC Environmental Guidelines and IFC Performance Standards.
→Oversee the Contractors' Environmental and Social Management Plans (CESMPs) during construction, ensuring alignment with project ESMP requirements.
→Identify, assess, and develop risk response and monitoring plans for environmental and social risks across all project components, including risks related to biodiversity, water resources, cultural heritage, and community health and safety.
→Coordinate with the Social Analysis Lead on the integration of Social Analysis considerations (including Trafficking in Persons, SEA, and labor exploitation under IFC PS 2) into the E&S program.
→Supervise the Environmental and Social Specialist, Biodiversity/Ecology Specialist, Wetlands/Aquatic Specialist, and other relevant technical staff.
→Provide technical input to the Quarterly Progress Reports, the ESMS update, and other mandatory deliverables.
→Engage with MCA-SL, EPA-SL, the Ministry of Energy, and other regulators on E&S compliance matters.
→Develop and deliver E&S training programs for Contractors, MCA-SL staff, and implementing entity personnel.
→Support MCA-SL in responding to MCC's environmental and social due diligence inquiries.

Requirements

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A master's degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, environmental management, or a related field;
A minimum of 10 years of experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in conducting environmental and social impact studies, environmental analyses, and in coordinating and/or providing oversight of environmental and social risk mitigation and protection program implementation;
Extensive knowledge of international best practices in risk and impact identification, management, avoidance, and mitigation, including ISO environmental standards, Equatorial Principles, and/or IFC Performance Standards;
Experience in the energy sector, including at least two similar projects over the past five years of similar nature and complexity to this assignment;
Knowledge and experience in environmental risk analysis, including development and/or application of ESMS frameworks (in line with IFC Performance Standard 1), including risk response and monitoring plans, ESIAs, and ESMPs;
Knowledge and experience in social risk analysis, including Trafficking in Persons and labor exploitation (in line with IFC Performance Standard 2), including risk response and monitoring plans;
Experience working closely and collaboratively with local counterparts and with a diverse set of stakeholders, including government regulators, communities, and civil society;
Experience working in low-income developing countries.
Proficiency in English (written and spoken) required;
Experience in Sierra Leone and/or West Africa on projects of similar size and complexity is highly desirable; and
Demonstrated experience using IFC Performance Standards and experience on greenfield energy transmission line projects are highly desirable.