NGO JOBS

OIC International

HEALTH, AGRICULTURE, AND NUTRITION DEVELOPMENT FOR SUSTAINABILTY (HANDS) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

Position Title :
Environmental ConsultantDescription: Conduct environmental assessment of HANDS Program interventions and develop an Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) for program interventions
Locations : River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties, LiberiaApplication Deadline : December 1, 2012Starting Date : December 15, 2012Duration of Contract : 6 weeks

Purpose: The following Terms of Reference (ToR) describe the nature and conditions of work for an external consultant (hereafter referred to as “The Consultant”) to be contracted by Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OICI). The Consultant will lead the planning and development of OICI’s HANDS program EMMP.

Background: Liberia is in the process of economic, social, and infrastructural recovery from 14 years of civil war. As a consequence of the country’s ongoing political turmoil, Liberians experience limited access to food, water, and sanitation services which led to chronic malnutrition and diminished livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where households and communities depend largely on agricultural practices for survival.

In June 2010, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Food for Peace (FFP) awarded Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OICI) a five-year, Title II Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) Grant in Liberia. Together with Liberia OIC (LOIC), the World Initiative in Soy and Human Health (WISHH), and Malnutrition Matters (MM), OICI is now implementing the Health, Agriculture, and Nutrition Development for Sustainability (HANDS) program with the goals of increasing food security, reducing malnutrition, and increasing educational attainment among some of Liberia’s most vulnerable rural populations in the southeastern counties of Grand Gedeh and River Gee.

Scope of Work: The Consultant will identify potential environmental issues of HANDS Program interventions in terms of their nature, magnitude, extent and location, and timing and duration. These impacts may relate to the project design stage, construction stage and/or the project implementation. Based on impact prediction methods and as the result of public consultations, the Consultant will screen adverse environmental impacts for inclusion in mitigation measures and environmental management plan. The Consultant will propose appropriate mitigation measures for the adverse environmental impacts. These measures shall explore possible alternative implementation approaches to achieve program objectives including changes in the project design and/or improved monitoring, and management practices. Specifically the consultant shall:

• Conduct an environmental evaluation. The Consultant will review the available literature, visit the project area and consult with HANDS Program staff and key stakeholders to establish the baseline conditions in terms of physical and biological environment conditions in the project area. The Consultant will prepare maps of suitable scale to highlight the socio-environment resources of the project area. The baseline will also identify the target intervention areas with the program impacts• Identify adverse environmental impacts associated with HANDS Program interventions by identifying project stakeholders and hold consultations with them to delineate the appropriate boundaries of the environmental assessment and to screen potential adverse environmental issues. The consultations will also receive feedback on the expected environmental related to the project impact and suggested mitigation measures. The stakeholders will include the primary stakeholder (beneficiaries) and secondary stakeholders (benefitting communities excluding action program beneficiaries) the Consultant will document the proceedings of the consultations along with the list of participants and photographs.• Develop an Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for the adverse environmental impacts.• Ensure that the EMMP reflects on compliance with the governing national laws & regulatory framework on environment and the donor’s regulations. • Suggest monitoring, auditing and evaluation tools and formats of a monitoring plan including frequency and methodology of monitoring.

Deliverables: • Environmental evaluation according to USAID guidance• Environmental Management and Monitoring according to USAID guidance• Presentation of the results of the environmental evaluation and the EMMP to OICI personnel at the conclusion of the contract.

Candidate Profile:• Advanced degree in environmental management, sustainable development, or related field from an accredited institution• At least 5 years’ experience working in environmental management, with experience in developing countries preferred• Familiar with USAID Environmental Evaluations and Management and Mitigation Plans• Ability to develop and communicate key concepts verbally and in written form• Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines, and develop and deliver based on a multifaceted work plan• Excellent writing, analytical, and presentation skills• Fluent in English

Timeline: The consultant will be required to be available for the period of December 15 – January 25, 2012 adhering to the following timetable:

• Week 1-5: Research, evaluation, development, design • Week 6: Present program design and finds to OICI program management team

Application ProcessPlease e-mail resume, cover letter specific to this position, and relevant writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to hands@oici.org. Applications without these materials will not be considered. Please include “Lead Consultant” in the subject of your email. No phone calls please.

OICI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, handicap, gender, or sexual preference.