2 Job Positions of Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist at Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD): (Deadline 18 March 2024)

1. Background Information

Job Title: Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist

Job Grade: 6

Department: Credit & Enterprise Risk Management Department

Dual Reports: Administratively to the SPIU department and functionally to the Enterprise Risk Management department

2. Contract Terms: 5 years renewable Fixed Term

3. Purpose of the Job

BRD is seeking a highly qualified Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist to play a crucial role in coordinating, overseeing, and assessing Environmental and Social (E&S) risks associated with our investments. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with National and Partners’ E&S standards, as well as meeting the requirements set by donors and international funders, such as the World Bank’s safeguard tools. This role includes monitoring the environmental performance of financed projects/subprojects and supporting the implementation of E&S aspects in all financed projects. The primary focus will be on ensuring compliance with national and international standards and requirements set by donors.

4. Main Responsibilities of the Job

• Conduct the risk management process related to Environmental and Social risks of projects seeking financing from BRD. (Identify, assess, propose mitigation measures, monitor and report project risks);
• Coordinate and work with PFIs, clients and local authorities in assessing E&S risks and impacts, designing appropriate measures for managing all environmental issues associated with subprojects.
• Conduct capacity building needs assessment and administer safeguard training to PFIs, project beneficiaries/borrowers, and stakeholders to ensure that the clients understand and comply with National environmental regulations, BRD’s E&S Policy, and Donors’ E&S performance standards;
• Establish project GRMs and monitor their operationalization by Undertaking field visits to ascertain if the grievance redress mechanisms for the financed projects are functioning appropriately and if the individual projects are implemented in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner;
• Collaboration in building BRD’s internal capacity for understanding and managing environmental and social risks;
• Develop and update environmental and social safeguard documents with relation to Partners’ (Donors) Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), Project Aide Memoires, safeguards meetings, progress reports, etc);
• Work with other departments within BRD to ensure that appropriate resources and capacity are well deployed to cover the environmental aspects of all financed projects or sub-projects.
• Provide technical support to all projects/subprojects to ensure full compliance with implementation of adequate E&S mitigation measures in all projects/subproject sites;
• Carry out E&S monitoring visits to financed projects to assess the implementation status of recommended mitigation measures and conditions.
• Prepare periodic reports (quarterly and annually) on the status of environmental and social compliance of investment projects funded.
• Work on any other assignment from either BRD’s Management or immediate supervisor regarding the environmental and social standards of the Bank.
• Contribute to the development and updating of BRD’s Environmental and Social Policies
• Provide internal and external clients with capacity building on ESG-related topics by designing and piloting information-sharing schemes, supporting management on the ESG Market shaping concept.
• Provide support to PFIs in preparing and implementing environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) as per National and international requirements.
• Review safeguard instruments prepared by consultants and ensure E&S safeguard instruments are integrated into the bidding documents and all BRD’s financed operations.
• Report the Bank’s E&S portfolio compliance to Management (E.g., preparing E&S board papers Bank’s E&S annual report, etc..); The candidate will play a key role in conveying intricate E&S information to stakeholders, donors, and partners in a clear and comprehensible manner.

5. Working relationships

Across the Internal and External stakeholders of BRD (BRD Business departments, external stakeholders such as funders, shareholder companies, national stakeholders among others).

6. Professional, academic qualifications and experience

A master’s or bachelor’s degree in social or environmental sciences, environmental engineering Natural Resources Management, or any other related disciplines.

The experience and skills shall include but not limited to the following:

• A minimum of five (5) years for bachelor’s holders and Three (3) years for master’s holders of relevant experience in environmental and/or social management sector.
• Knowledge and Experience in Rwandan Regulations related to Social Risk Management
• Strong capability in management and reporting of project Grievances.
• Demonstrated ability to Independently conduct capacity building to partners.
• Familiarity with the Occupational, Health and Safety procedures and regulations
• Familiarity with World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards Policies will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently, to develop and present sound technical information skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in teams and multiple groups of people.
• Excellent reporting and data analysis with the ability to translate complex data into user-friendly information and reports.
• Excellent management of conflicts and ability to influence decision making at all levels.
• Mastery of computer skills sufficient to monitor the implementation of E&S aspects and prepare reports and presentation of results.