Port Harcourt Water Corporation Recruits Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer

As part of water sector reform initiatives to guarantee sustainable access to basic sanitation and basic water supply in Port Harcourt city, the Rivers Stale Government, through the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development (RSMWRRD), has identified the immediate need to recruit competent and suitably qualified professionals to fill top level positions in the newly established Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC) and Rivers State Water Services Regulatory Commission (RSWSRC).

In addition, the Rivers State Government and PHWC are implementing the first phase of the Port-Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project with support from the African Development Bank (AIDB) and the World Bank (WB). This project will provide water and public sanitation facilities for approximately 1.5million residents in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas (LGAs). In order to ensure the successful implementation of the project, the RSMWRRD has identified the immediate need to recruit competent and suitably qualified professionals to fill various mid-level positions within PHWC.

PHWC is recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Position: Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Ref: ES0049

Description

• Reporting to the Manager, Project Development & Planning the successful candidate will ensure that the
  project is implemented in compliance with environmental and social federal and state laws.
• This will also include ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguard policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, support and supervise the implementation of environmental and social safeguard processes, based on, but not limited to, the findings of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs); Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs); Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plans (ARAPs) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAPs) Studies.
• Ensure water and sanitation facilities audits are undertaken as required and monitor compliance with water and waste effluent quality standards.
• Assess the implementation of the safeguard measures and the capacity of the institutions and agencies responsible for social safeguards, as they relate to the project.
• Liaise with the National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA) and other federal and state government agencies and officials and other relevant parties on environment management issues.
• Advice on and communicate environmental issues, regulatory requirements and other relevant issues to technical staff, regulatory authorities, public interest groups and the public.

Key Requirements

• A master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Development Economics, Social Sciences or related discipline.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience as an Environmental, Social or Urban Development Specialist in similar projects, with at least two (2) years' experience as a Safeguard Specialist, with technical knowledge in both environmental and social
  safeguards processes and compliance.
• Knowledge of social, environmental and cultural issues affecting the implementation of urban development projects in Nigeria.
• Experience with AfDB or WB policies and requirements will be an advantage.
• Proven experience in providing guidance on negotiation and conflict resolution processes.

Application Closing Date
4th July, 2013

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications and CV's in Microsoft Word format, saved with your full names to: recruitment@hcp-ng.com quoting the reference number as the subject of your e-mail.

Note:

• Please include in your application, a statement of how you meet the advertised criteria, as well as names and contact details (including telephone and e-mail addresses) of three referees who are knowledgeable about your professional achievements and abilities.
• All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.