Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP) – REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CVs): ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST FOR LREEAP

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CVs)

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST FOR LREEAP

Name of Project: Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP)

Project ID: P166936

Position: Environmental Safeguards Specialist for LREEAP Project Implementation Unit

Reporting to: Project Manager LREEAP

Selection Method: Individual Consultant Selection

The Government of Lesotho has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP). The LREEAP demonstrates the GoL’s commitment to advance the electrification agenda and the implementation of the Lesotho Energy Policy 2015 – 2025 by supporting the provision of off-grid electricity services as well as grid electrification of economic zones to enhance job creation. The project aims to accelerate electricity access along two (2) dimensions: (i) grid extension to economic development zones in peri-urban areas, and (ii) the deployment of mini-grids to reach rural and remote communities.

A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) established within the Ministry of Energy is responsible for the overall implementation of the LREEAP. Within the PIU, the Lesotho Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd is implementing Component 1 of the Project namely Grid Extension to Peri-urban Areas of Lesotho through a Technical Unit established as an implementation arm of the PIU. Component 1 of LREEAP finances the design, procurement of materials and construction of works required to electrify selected industrial and commercial loads in peri-urban areas of Lesotho, as well as providing connections to residential customers in adjacent areas.

The environmental safeguards function under the LEC Technical Unit within the LREEAP shall be led by an Environmental Safeguards Specialist who shall be responsible for the overall implementation and providing guidance on all the environmental safeguards activities. The LREEAP is therefore in the process of recruiting a capable individual for this key position in the LEC Technical Unit.

Objectives and Scope of the Assignment

 The key objective of this position is to ensure that environmental, health and safety aspects are adequately observed and addressed during the design and implementation of project activities. The selected consultant will be responsible for coordinating and leading in planning, technical supervision, compliance monitoring and analysis, and reporting implementation on environmental aspects of the project in line with environmental requirements of the Government of Lesotho and in conformance with the World Bank Operational Policies and international industry’s best practices.

The assignment involves monitoring the implementation of the Environment and Social (E&S) documents, Environment Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), the Project Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Health and Safety Plans (H&S Plans) developed for the project, ensuring compliance with national legislation and reporting on all environmental and health and safety issues relating to the project.

 The main responsibilities of the Environmental Safeguards Specialist are as follows:

• Provide necessary coordination and relevant input into the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and other safeguards documents deemed necessary during implementation;

• Undertake regular field visits to project sites to assess environmental impacts and verify environmental monitoring information provided in the reports of contractors and implementing partners, including photo documentation as applicable;

• Provide Environment and Social (E&S) oversight and support to the project in ensuring that the construction contractors prepare and implement the Contractors’ Environmental and Social Management Plans (CESMPs), Health and Safety plans (HSP) and related safeguard management plans prior to the commencement of project related activities;

• Review, supervise and monitor progress of the contractors’ occupational health and safety plan and ensure that the health and safety of the general public and the contractors’ workforce are not compromised as a result of the programme;

• Conduct environmental due diligence and impacts of projects and develop implementable environmental action plans for implementation;

• Coordinating recruitment of environmental safeguards consultants, including drafting TORs, estimating budgets, providing assistance in shortlisting and evaluation firms/individuals consultants proposals/qualifications, negotiating, and preparing contracts;

• Analyzing project implementation reports to ensure that all work is completed in full compliance with environmental and social standards under the Operational Policies (OPs); supervising contractors’ performance in handling specific environmental issues, such as Occupational Health and Safety, etc;

• Provide coordination support to review environmental instruments and liaise with the World Bank for clearance. Review for quality environmental risk management instruments (e.g., ESMP) as per the ESCP that are prepared by consultants prior to being sent to the World Bank for clearance and provide inputs and edits as needed;

• Build capacity of project teams and other stakeholders in identification and use of environmentally friendly practices including systematic implementation of environmental and social safeguards.

• Coordinate closely with the project team, including the Social Safeguards Specialist, consultants, contractors, and implementing partners in planning, managing, monitoring and reporting environmental risks and performance in the project, and provide necessary technical assistance;

• Support the Social Safeguards Specialist in the design and execution of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) with particular regard to environmental matters;

• Undertake stakeholder engagement and awareness creation on all environmental matters related to the programme in line with the E&S documents;

• Draft E&S documents as an when it is necessary;

• Monitor, coordinate and produce periodic (monthly and quarterly) performance reports on environmental and social safeguards of the programme;

• Any other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management or Environmental Sciences with at least seven (7) years’ experience in environmental field and relevant experience in managing complex teams and/or projects; conducting environmental impact assessments, reporting and monitoring

OR

A Master’s degree in Environmental Management or Environmental Sciences with at least five (5) years’ experience in environmental field and relevant experience in managing complex teams and/or projects; conducting environmental impact assessments, reporting and monitoring.

• Significant experience in the implementation of similar projects especially funded by the International Financial Institutions such as the World Bank;

• Proven experience in operationalizing environmental and Environmental standards, Environmental safeguard policies of major donor agencies, in particular the World Bank’s Operational Policy OP4.01 on Environmental assessments;

• Field experience highly desirable;

• Skill in Word, Excel and PowerPoint;

• Must possess a driving license with at least three (3) years driving experience in Lesotho terrain.

5. Other Competencies:

• Must speak Sesotho and English efficiently;
• Team player with strong leadership abilities and experience in working with large teams of people from different background;
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision;
• Must have good interpersonal skills;
• Skilled in organising and prioritising work schedule to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision;
• Must have good interpersonal skills;
• Skilled in organising and prioritising work schedule to meet deadlines;

Recruitment Process and Contract Type

The selection method shall follow the World Bank’s Individual Consultant selection method the procurement process shall be governed by the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers February 2025 (Sixth Edition). The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.15, and 3.16 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.  In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment: Consultants shall not be hired for any assignment that would be in conflict with their prior or current obligations to other clients, or that may place them in a position of being unable to carry out the assignment in the best interests of the Borrower. 

This is a time-based assignment. The incumbent shall be employed full time on the assignment at the Project’s office based in Maseru, Lesotho with frequent travel to other parts of the country. The assignment duration is 13 months and the envisages start date is no later than 1^st January 2026. The incumbent shall be selected on the basis of their relevant experience, qualifications, and capability to carry out the assignment. Candidates shall be considered if they meet minimum relevant requirements which shall be determined by the Client on the basis of the nature and complexity of the assignment, and assessed on the basis of academic background and relevant specific experience and, as appropriate, knowledge of local conditions such as national language, culture, administrative systems, and government organization.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e. 0800 to 1700 hours, local time.

Submission of Expressions of Interest

Interested candidates must submit their curriculum vitae with covering letter and certified copies of their educational certificates in a single PDF format to the email addresses mentioned below on or before 27^th November, 2025 at 17H00. The subject of the email must be “Application – Environmental Safeguards Specialist”. Hand delivered expressions of interest shall not be accepted.

Email addresses for submission and clarification requests:

Attention: The Project Coordinator LREEAP (ai)

120 Lancers Road, Opposite New State House, Maseru West

Emails: makhabanel@lec.co.ls with a copy to lmokhutsoane@yahoo.com

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