Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist at Business Development Fund(BDF Ltd): (Deadline 9 June 2023)

Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist at Business Development Fund(BDF Ltd): (Deadline 9 June 2023)

JOB OPORTUNITY

Background 

The Business Development Fund (BDF) is implementing Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience (AFIRR) and Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation (CDAT) Projects. The two projects are both from World Bank and are for five years.

Among others AFIRR project is supporting the transformation of the partial credit guarantee with a view to enhance and scale up consumption of the partial credit guarantee by PFIs. To support the above transformation and ensure that the changes are communicated properly, a quality assurance program for Partial Credit Guarantee/Bridge Lending Window operations are implemented and achieve the targeted uptake, BDF needs staff in charge of relationship management on the two products.

Under the Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation (CDAT) Project, BDF is implementing a Matching Grant operation. A matching grant is a non-refundable financial support converted in kind to project beneficiaries to co-finance their eligible subprojects. To support the matching grant operations BDF needs additional staff to support the implementation of the project.

The following are the position:

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARD SPECIALIST

1. Purpose of the Position.

The Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist will ensure the compliance of Environmental and Social Safeguards in all BDF’s operations as per BDF’ Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). S/he will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing environmental and social policies and procedures as well as reviewing and appraising received application for compliance with the national and World Bank E&S instruments. He/she will also provide technical assistance to the technical departments, particularly in relation to Environmental and Social Safeguard issues. The Environmental and Social safeguard specialist reports to the CDAT Project Coordinator and will closely work with all other technical departments.

2. Main responsibilities

Key roles and responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Work closely with all stakeholders including but not limited to PFIs, local authorities, beneficiaries, and others to ensure the compliance of E&S safeguard standards;
• Conduct environmental and social safeguards assessments for subprojects proposals, including initial risk screening, mitigation measures and post finance monitoring activities;
• Ensure that key departments and countrywide BDF branches have sufficient knowledge and skills to implement the requirements of Environmental and Social Management System and other E&S Safeguards instruments;
• Prepare periodic reports (Monthly, Quarterly and annually) on the status of environmental and social compliance of investment projects funded under the CDAT project;
• Develop & provide quality control of training materials for internal staff and for PFIs & delivery of training on environmental aspects to internal staff and PFIs and maintaining training records.
• Identify and report on environmental and social safeguards implementation performance of sub-projects/investments, particularly those with high safeguards sensitivity;
• Contribute significantly to advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building, with regard to the National and World Bank’s environmental and social safeguards policies;
• Resolving environmental issues in case of non-compliance, and where needed, preparing a time-bound corrective action plan with specific follow-up procedures.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

3. Contract duration

The contract term is two years renewable upon satisfaction.

4. Qualification and professional experience

Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Social Development, or related field. A professional certificate in Environmental and social safeguards is an added value.

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

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in environmental and Social management sector;
• Familiarity with World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards Policies will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in teams and multiple groups of people;
• 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.
  • Results-oriented;
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Ability to coordinate group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear;
  • An in-depth understanding of the local, regional and international social and environmental contexts and challenges;
  • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Experience with the World Bank funded project would be an advantage.
  • Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision;
• Excellent written and spoken command of English and Kinyarwanda. Knowledge of French is an added value.

How to apply

Interested candidate should send their application file to the BDF Chief Executive Officer (including Curriculum Vitae, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter, names of three previous supervisors’ emails and telephone). The application should be submitted at BDF office or through email: info@bdf.rw no later than 09/06/2023.

Done in Kigali, 24^th May 20

Vincent MUNYESHYAKA

Chief Executive Officer