Environmental & Social Safeguards Expert at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Environmental & Social Safeguards Expert (AfCDC)

Requisition ID: 1866
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Reports to:Project Coordinator
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Preparedness and Response
Job Grade: P3

Purpose of Job

• The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide.
• Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

Main Functions
Environmental and Social Safeguards:

• Develop and implement environmental and social safeguard plans to ensure compliance with World Bank policies, Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) and procedures.
• Conduct regular environmental and social (E&S) assessments to identify and mitigate potential negative impacts of project activities on the environment and local communities.
• Ensure that all project activities are carried out in accordance with applicable environmental and social standards and regulations.
• Ensure technical assistance activities will be undertaken following the relevant ESF ESS standards and ESCP requirements and those of OESRC Advisory Note on Technical Assistance so that potential downstream risks will be properly managed.
• Ensure measures in the Labor Management Procedure (LMP)are implemented
• Ensure occupational health and safety risks to consultants or project workers are managed in compliance with the requirements of ESS2.
• Carry out awareness raising such as informing deployed staff on available vaccines for endemic diseases in the country of deployment during capacity building for the Project staff and other implementing entities.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and operationalize Environmental and Social safeguards policy and procedure for Africa CDC.
• Develop, and update the E&S tools, manuals and Templates
• Monitor changing laws, regulations and corporate directives relating to E&S and update the relevant documentation.
• Conduct environmental and social due diligence; and monitor the Africa CDC’s environmental and social performance.
• Support the development of SOPs and contribute to quality assurance systems, establishing guidelines and surveillance mechanisms
• Track Project activities that could have downstream E&S impacts and implement them in compliance with the WB TA advisory note;
• Study ToRs prepared for the Project activities and contribute for E&S input for ESF ESS compliance
• Review all materials related to project environmental and social impacts and hazards, conduct an E&S appraisal of all prospective projects, as well as the ongoing supervision of E&S performance of the World Bank projects in compliance with the policies and procedures.
• Prepare and review reports on the E&S issues identified and the corresponding actions recommended for the projects/Africa CDC.
• Implement the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for the project in close coordination with relevant teams and stakeholders.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Social Science or a related field with 7 years of continuous experience in Environmental and Social safeguards, out of which three years should be at expert level.

OR

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, social science, or a related field with 10 years of continuous experience, out of which three years should be at expert level in Environmental and Social safeguards.
• Experience should be in environmental and social safeguards in a World Bank or other donor-funded project context.
• Experience in conducting environmental and social impact assessments and developing environmental and social safeguard plans.
• Excellent experience in successfully interacting with stakeholders and decision-makers in technical and other professional settings;

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of World Bank safeguard policies and procedures, environmental and Social standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent diplomatic, representational, interpersonal and communication skills,
• Able to operate in a multicultural environment;
• High level of autonomy at work, yet with profound teamspirit;
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of public health programs and policies in Africa is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability with regard to computer skills, including excellent word processing capabilities, proficiency with email and internet applications and experience in using office software applications such as MS Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Ability to deliver under tight deadlines and works well under pressure;
• Proven ability to plan, delegate and direct subordinates.
• Ability to use clear, concise language in correspondence as well as including content fitting for the purpose and audiences when preparing written briefs and reports;
• Adaptive, patient, resourceful, resilient and flexible;
• Proactive and solutions-oriented
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required (English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Portuguese or Spanish). Fluency in English and knowledge of any additional language is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationships
• Accountable and Complies with Rules.Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence:

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
• Drive for Result
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Tenure of Appointment

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lumpsum of US$  96,921.34  (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 78,461.08 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
13th July, 2023 at 11:59pm (EAT).