This activity includes undertaking and/or updating E&S assessments, as relevant, preparing E&S risk management instruments including those required for school infrastructure, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance.

The Government of Botswana is undertaking the Promoting Participation and Enhancing Learning (PROPEL) (P513800) project supported by the World Bank.

The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase participation in preprimary and senior secondary education and improve learning conditions in supported schools, particularly at the junior secondary level. The Project consists of the following four components:

Component 1: Increasing participation in education

Component 2: Enhancing the learning environment

Component 3: Strengthening system capacity for quality education service delivery

Component 4: Project management and implementation support

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education (MCWBE) is the implementing entity for the Project. A Project Delivery Unit (PDU) (or Program Coordinating Unit) is being established within MCWBE to support the effective implementation of project activities, including procurement and contract administration; monitoring, evaluation and reporting of progress under the project; fiduciary management; and environmental and social safeguards management. Specifically, the PDU will be responsible for ensuring that implementation of social risk management activities is conducted in an efficient, transparent, and compliant manner. To strengthen implementation capacity and support timely delivery, the MCWBE seeks to engage an Individual Social Development Consultant as a core member of the PDU.

The objective of this assignment is to ensure that project activities comply with relevant national regulatory requirements as well as the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and applicable Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). This includes identifying and mitigating potential social risks, instrument preparation, monitoring, and reporting, overseeing stakeholder engagement and grievance redress processes, and building the capacity of MCWBE to manage social issues effectively throughout project implementation.

The Social Development Consultant will perform duties that include, but are not limited to, the following: Social Risk Management: (i) Support PDU in establishing social risk management systems, screening tools, and procedures in line with Project Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) requirements, including contributions to the Project Operations Manual (POM); (ii) lead or support the preparation of E&S instruments required under the ESCP and oversee fulfillment of ESF commitments, review site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), conduct field visits, and maintain supervision records; and (iii) ensure E&S requirements (ESMP, LMP, Code of Conduct) are reflected in bidding documents and contracts prior to issuance; review contractor-submitted E&S plans and verify implementation on site. Gender Based Violence (GBV) and SEA/SH (Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment): Work closely with the GBV Specialist on the development and implementation of the SEA/SH Action Plan, and its integration into project activities. Stakeholder Engagement: Implement the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), lead consultations with stakeholders including communities, schools, and government partners, and ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups. Grievance Redress Mechanism: Facilitate establishment and operation of an accessible GRM, with appropriate channels to receive SEA/SH complaints, monitor resolution of complaints, and ensure confidential handling of SEA/SH cases, including adequate dissemination of information regarding GRM reporting channels to stakeholders and affected communities.

Labor and Working Conditions: Monitor contractor compliance with Labor Management Procedures (LMP) under ESS2.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Capacity Building: Prepare quarterly monitoring reports, contribute to mid-term and final evaluations, and strengthen capacity for MCWBE staff, school administrators, and project partners on E&S requirements. Develop guidance notes, checklists, and practical tools to support social risk management of the project. Perform any other related tasks assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the assignment.

The Social Development Consultant will work as an integral member of the PDU and report to the Project Coordinator. The Social Development Consultant will work in close day-to-day coordination with the Environmental Consultant, GBV Consultant and other PDU staff and will maintain regular communication with the MCWBE and the World Bank Social Specialist assigned to the project.

The duration of the assignment is an initial period of 2 years from contract signature with a probationary period of three (3) months. A formal performance evaluation shall be conducted at the end of the first twelve (12) months by the MCWBE evaluation committee. Continuation of the contract for the second year shall be subject to a satisfactory performance assessment and availability of project funding. The performance assessment will consider, among other factors, the quality and timeliness of deliverables, compliance with the Terms of Reference, and overall effectiveness in supporting project implementation. After the initial period of 2 years, the contract will be renewable for the duration of the project based on satisfactory performance and project needs. The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The Social Development Consultant shall have the following minimum qualifications: Master's degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social work, gender studies, development studies, human geography or another relevant discipline. Advanced training or specialization in areas such as social risk management, stakeholder engagement; training in gender and s