Terms of Reference (ToR) for Environment and Social Safeguard Officer
Position title: Environment and Social Safeguard Officer
Project: Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM) for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Duty Station: Madhesh and Lumbini Province
Duration: One year
Reports to: Team Leader / Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist
1. Inroduction /Background:
The Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) in Nepal (DGM Nepal) is a World Bank-funded project designed as a complementary initiative to the Nepal Forest Investment Program (FIP) under the strategic climatic fund. The DGM Nepal Project is a USD 4,500,000 grant to strengthen the capacity of targeted IPLCs and to participate in Nepal’s REDD+ processes at the local, national, and global levels. More specifically, the project will be focusing on two major components: (i) Capacity Building of IPLCs and (ii) Small Grants support to the IPLCs primarily in selected communities of Madhesh and Lumbini Pradesh. The Dedicated Grant Mechanism is a Global initiative supported by the Climate Investment Fund and administered by the International Development Association (World Bank). Rural Reconstruction Nepal- RRN is the National Executing Agency (NEA) for the implementation of the DGM Nepal project starting from mid-November 2022 to August 2027.
2. Objectives:
To ensure that the DGM project is implemented in full compliance with applicable environmental and social safeguard policies, including the World Bank Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), national regulations, laws and policies.
3. Responsibilities:
The Environment and Social Officer shall perform the following tasks:
Environmental Safeguards
- Conduct environmental screening of proposed sub projects and classification of risks.
- Assist in the preparation and review of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and Environmental Code of Practices (ECOPs).
- Monitor the implementation of environmental mitigation measures and environmental performances of sub projects at the field level.
- Ensure proper waste management, pollution control and ecosystem protection practices.
- Promote climate-resilient and low-emission practices in community-level interventions.
Social Safeguards
- Identify social risks related to land access, customary rights, Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and vulnerable groups.
- Ensure Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is followed in all community engagement processes.
- Support the development and implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP) and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
- Monitor social inclusion (including gender and youth participation) in project planning and implementation.
4. Monitoring, Reporting and Capacity Building
- Conduct regular site visits and field-level monitoring of E&S safeguard implementation.
- Maintain records of consultations, grievance cases, mitigation measures, and compliance reports.
- Submit monthly/quarterly reports to the Environment and Social Specialist on safeguard performance.
- Organize trainings/orientations for community groups, local partners, and project staff on E&S safeguards.
- Coordinate with local government and stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.
5. Required qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences or related field (Master’s preferred).
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in implementing E&S safeguards in development or forest-based projects.
- Knowledge of World Bank ESMF, Indigenous Peoples’ rights and gender and social inclusion principles.
- Experience working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities and community-based organizations.
- Strong facilitation, report writing and communication skills.
- Willingness to travel in the field.
6. Deliverables
- Environmental and social screening reports for sub-projects.
- Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
- Stakeholder engagement and FPIC documentation.
- Safeguard monitoring reports (monthly, quarterly, annual).
- Capacity building / training session reports.
- Grievance datbase and status reports.
