REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (CONSULTANT SERVICES) SOCIAL SPECIALIST

COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA
DISASTER VULNERABILITY RISK REDUCTION PROJECT (DVRP)
Project ID No. P129992

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
(CONSULTANT SERVICES)
SOCIAL SPECIALIST

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GoCD) has requested the World Bank for assistance to develop a project to contribute to the reduction of vulnerability to natural hazards in Dominica. The proposed project will be part of the regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction APL (RDVRP) for the Eastern Caribbean Region.  The Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) which aims to measurably reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change impacts in Dominica will include various activities related to institutional strengthening and training as well as the execution of various civil works to retrofit or protect national assets.

The GoCD recognizes the need to provide support to the social development and social safeguards aspects of the project in terms of supervision and oversight throughout the implementation of the DVRP program. Towards this end the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica wishes to engage the services of a Social specialist.

The Social Specialist will provide social support to the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) during project implementation to ensure compliance with the Bank’s Social Safeguard Policies (Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4/12 and Indigenous Peoples 4.10) and the laws of Dominica, as described in the RPF and IPP + SA (Resettlement policy Framework and Indigenous Peoples Plan and Social Assessment) prepared for the DVRP.  The consultancy is also to ensure that other social impacts are identified and mitigated as necessary.

MAIN TASKS

1. The consultant is expected to implement, and report upon, the activities described in the IPP and RPF.
2. Screen and scope (examine and evaluate) all activities proposed by individual subprojects to evaluate and assess the potential social risks or impacts and to determine which mitigation measures are needed,
3. Screen and scope proposed projects for land acquisition (as per OP/BP 4.12) and the presence of indigenous peoples (OP 4.10).
4. Develop, and coordinate the development of, sub-project Resettlement Plans (RAP’s) (and conduct the associated consultations) for submission and clearance by the Bank, prior to sub-project financing.
5. Coordinate the implementation of the RAP’s and ensure due diligence.
6. Implement and report on the Grievance Redress Mechanism
7. Implement and report upon the Indigenous Peoples Plan in full consultation with the Carib Council and Ministry of Carib Affairs.
8. Conduct consultations with the relevant project beneficiaries on a regular basis to ensure that issues are addressed in a timely manner and that project beneficiaries are kept abreast of development.
9. Conduct field supervision, monitoring and inspection of individual subprojects to insure compliance with the mitigation measures required, to ensure compliance with World Bank policies, and to insure compliance with the laws of Dominica.
10. Report on project activities and social issues/concerns as they arise to serve as documentation of compliance and to support periodic reporting to the PCU.
11. Assist the PCU in review and preparation of the social aspects of quarterly and/or annual reports as necessary.

CONTRACT DURATION

One (1) year; annually renewable, subject to satisfactory performance

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Prospective Candidates should have a minimum of the Following

1. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences (geography, anthropology, sociology, economics, law) or related discipline. A Master’s Degree would be an asset.
2. Demonstrated experience of a minimum of 5 years in the field of social development, project planning and project implementation.
3. Excellent knowledge of English with fluency in reading, preparation of technical reports and general writing.
4. Demonstrated ability to work in teams and communicate effectively.
5. Qualitative research skills and experience in community consultation would be an asset.
6. Knowledge of World Bank Social Safeguards policies would be an asset.
7. Work experience in the Caribbean would be an asset, specifically in Dominica.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Salary is negotiable and will depend on qualifications and experience

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning b& Fisheries now invites eligible candidates to express their interests in providing the service. Interest individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CV’s; similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, clients references, etc.

Expressions of interests together with CV’s and other documents may be sent via, mail, email, or fax and delivered to the address below by 18 July 2014 to:

Harold Guiste
Permanent Secretary

Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning & Fisheries
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