The Government of Ethiopia, as part of the Africa Centres for Disease Control & Prevention Regional Investment Financing Project (ACDCP), has received financial support from the World Bank   to strengthen continental and regional infectious disease detection and response systems. The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), as the sub-recipient of the Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for the administration of a good portion of   the project fund which needs considerable efforts to plan, administer, and follow-up. The Project Implementation Unit at EPHI is responsible for the administration of the project fund transferred to the institute and executing procurement activities which require considerable efforts to plan, prepare TORs, evaluate-tenders, award contracts and follow-up on implementations.

For the effective implementation of these activities MOH and EPHI is looking for Environmental Safeguards Specialist with strong qualification and experience.

2.  OBJECTIVE

The objective of this post is to ensure that the implementation of ESIA, ESMF and ICWMP which were prepared to address the potential environmental and social risks associated with  BSL 3 National Reference Laboratory (NRL), and regional BSL 2 Reference Laboratories to ensure compliance with National and international standards and regulatory requirements. As part of the project, it will contribute to the success of the project as a whole. Thus, MOH/EPHI is seeking to recruit a qualified and experienced Environmental Safeguards Specialist who will provide technical support on Environmental and Social (E&S) aspects for ONE year with possibility of extension depending on performance.

3.   SPECIFIC TASKS / ACTIVITIES /

Environmental Safeguards Specialist will be primarily responsible to oversee the implementation of ESIA, ESMF and ICWMP which were prepared to address the potential environmental and social risks associated with the BSL2 laboratories and BSL3 National Reference Laboratory (NRL), which will be financed by the Project. The Environmental Safeguards Specialist will provide the overall technical support to the project and MOH/EPHI and she/he will be the focal person responsible for Environmental Safeguards aspects of the project and will work closely with project team and MOH Public Health Infrastructure Directorate and EPHI biosafety and biosecurity team and key national stakeholders.

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist will be accountable to the Director General of EPHIand the roles and responsibilities of the Specialist which include but not limited to the following:

·         Facilitating updating of environmental and social impact assessment document and infection control plan which were prepared for the proposed BSL3 laboratory;

·         Oversee the implementation of environmental and social risk management measures which are specified in the ESIA during the implementation of the Project;

·         Conduct periodic field visits (to BSL2 and BSL3 Project sites) for environmental and social safeguards compliance monitoring;

·          Assist in preparation of site specific environmental and social management tools for the BSL2 labs (including the BSL2 labs to be equipped by the Project);

·         Facilitate the assignment of focal persons for the BSL2 labs to be financed by the Project;

·         Write quarterly and annual environmental and social safeguards compliance report which will shared with the Bank and the Ministry

·         Facilitate environmental and social auditing of the BSL2 and BSL3 labs, as appropriate

·         Report to the Bank and the Ministry immediately if any unanticipated environmental or social risk arise (including accidents or fatalities, if any, related to the Project activities)

·         Make sure that annual planning and budgeting sufficiently considers environmental and social risk management activities.

·         Conduct periodic E&S compliance monitoring and propose remedial measures for any outstanding environmental and social safeguards issues.

·         Follow up the status of implementation of remedial actions which may be proposed during compliance monitoring in order to address outstanding safeguards issues, if any

·         Make sure that occupational health and safety issues are duly considered during the implementation of the Project so that the likelihood of occurrence accidents or fatalities (incidents) due to the Project activities could be avoided.

·         Support the establishment of an appropriate grievance redress system for the Project.

·         Undertake any other relevant activities as deemed necessary by the Project Coordinator

4. METHODOLOGY

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist will work closely with project team, MOH Public Health Infrastructure Directorate and EPHI biosafety and biosecurity team to assist in the on Environmental and Social activity and improve the efficiency /quality of work in accordance to Government of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia regulations & procedures and World Bank guidelines and procedures.

5.   REPORTING

§  The Environmental Safeguards Specialist will report to the Director General of EPHI and MOH Public Health Infrastructure Directorate

§  The expert will base in the EPHI in Addis Ababa and will travel to regions when it is necessary.

CONTRACT DURATION AND REMUNERATION

§  The contract will be for one year but extendable depending on the satisfactory performance and the need of business continuity.

• At least Master’s degree in Public Health, Clinical Laboratory Science, Environmental Health, Health Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or in a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in Environment and Social risk management, laboratory/health system management.
• Proven track record of supporting, advising and collaborating with government institutions / project offices
• Proven experience and knowledge in environmental and social impact assessment and management.

o   Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in implementing the World Bank projects

o   Ability to work independently and as part of a team; organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines

o   Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal/external partners in a multicultural environment.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of management
• Ability to think critically and creatively

o   Fluency in English and Amharic.