Environmental and Social Consultant

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Region: Central Asia, Aral Sea Basin

Countries: Republic of Kazakhstan (the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Project Implementation Unit are currently based in Astana; on 1 January 2027, the three-year chairmanship of IFAS will be transferred from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, and the Project Implementation Unit is expected to be established in Uzbekistan under the Executive Committee of IFAS no later than 1 May 2027), Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Republic of Uzbekistan. Project: Central Asia Water Efficiency Cooperation Project under Phase 3 of the Multiphase Programmatic Approach (hereinafter referred to as the “Project” or “CAWEC”)

Grant No.: E709-7C

Assignment Title: Environmental and Social Consultant for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Contract No.: CAWEC-4-CS-IND-4.2

The Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC IFAS) received funding from the International Development Association (World Bank) for implementation of the Central Asia Water Efficiency Cooperation Project (CAWEC) and intends to use the funds to pay for advisory services under the Project. The Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC IFAS) is the Implementing Agency of the Project (hereinafter referred to as “EC IFAS”). The Project Development Objective is to facilitate climate-resilient investments and strengthen the capacity of regional water resources management institutions in Central Asia. The Project is part of a Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) and comprises three components: (i) Preparation of Transboundary Projects; (ii) Information Support and Digitalization for Improved Regional Water Resources Management and Climate Resilience; and (iii) Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building. The Project aims to strengthen and expand cooperation among countries in the Aral Sea Basin. To ensure efficient implementation of the Project, EC IFAS intends to hire an individual consultant for the position of Environmental and Social Consultant The objective of the assignment is to ensure effective and integrated support of the Project implementation, including evaluation of risks to environment and society, including relevant vulnerable groups, to build capacity in member countries' water resources management and irrigation sectors, and implementation of principles and standards of International and Industry Best Practice and promoting sustainable practices in the water resources management and irrigation sectors.

Qualification Requirements: university degree in environmental studies, social sciences, or a related field; knowledge of the environmental and social standards of international financial institutions, including the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF); experience in environmental and social risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and the delivery of training activities; experience working on projects in the water sector, climate change adaptation, or regional cooperation; and proficiency in MS Office. Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and familiarity with the institutional framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) will be considered an advantage.

The Consulting Services (the "Services") include the following main functions : Identifying and promptly addressing environmental and social issues arising during Project implementation; Compliance with applicable national laws and World Bank Group rules, procedures and standards; Participation in the preparation of the Project Operations Manual (POM) within the scope of their responsibilities; Reviewing, as necessary, the Project Procurement for Development Strategy (PPSD), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan, (ESCP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); Preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) where required in accordance with the Project requirements; Preparing relevant reports; Maintaining regular communication and coordination with the environmental and social specialists of the national Project Implementation Units (PIUs) on matters related to compliance with the Project’s environmental and social requirements; Other related tasks (detailed information is attached in the Terms of reference).

The Environmental and Social Consultant is expected to carry out preparations and deliver the following results: 1. Develop, coordinate, review, submit, and, where necessary, revise environmental and social documentation in accordance with the approved Work Plan and decisions of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC). 2. Develop and implement relevant documents and procedures in accordance with the World Bank’s operational policies and Environmental and Social Standards, including the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), and Labour Management Procedures (LMP), as well as applicable national legislation. 3. Develop training materials and deliver training programmes, including training on the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), Project documentation, and issues related to gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment (SEA/SH). 4. Prepare timely reports on capacity-building activities and the results achieved. 5. Prepare coordination plans and reports on engagement with relevant stakeholders and national project implementation teams. 6. Maintain timely and constructive engagement with the World Bank and obtain the necessary clearances and approvals. 7. Assess environmental and social complaints and grievances in a timely manner in accordance with World Bank procedures and prepare periodic reports for the World Bank. 8. Monitor, document, and report on the impacts, risks, and outcomes of Project implementation.

9. Provide recommendations on environmental and soci