Social Safeguards Specialist - Ghana Water Company Limited

Job Title: Social Safeguards Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Assess from social point of view. which of the GWCL project activities will need screening and specific management nnd action plans to mitigate negative socia and environmental impacLs of the subproject.
• Lead the implementation of involuntary resettlement activities under component 2
• Prepare TORS to guide Consultants to prepare site specific social safeguards instruments required for mitigating social impacts of proposed projects prior to commencement ofcivil works.
• Provide intensive on-site support to consultants or agencies involved in preliminary resettlement studies or preparation of resettlement action plans.
• Ensure the timely and appropriate liaison between MSWR. EPA, and Metropolitan/Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on social issues within the Project components 2.
• Supervise. Coordinate and facilitate consultants engaged to carry out social impact assessments and resettlement planning and monitoring of safeguards instruments implementation.
• Prepare internal social guidelines for preparation. review, implementation, monitoring and reporting on various safeguards Instruments.
• Review ESIAs/RAPs/ARAPs and other social documents prepared by consultants to ensure compliance with relevant safeguards policies of the World Bank and Ghana.
• From social point of, review Environmental and Social Impact Analysis (ESIA) reporls and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) from consultants in collaboration the Environmental Specialist and EPA and work with consultants or appropriate agencies in formulating recommendations on alternatives so as to avoid implementing activities that could generate social repercussions and to intervene with actions that minimise/mitigate negative social impacts.
• Submit all dran Resettlement Action Plans (o GAMA. PCU and World Bank forreview and clearance.
• Lead the disclosure of RAPs/ARAPs related to GWCLcomponent of the Project.
• Propose for partner NGOs, approaches to be undertaken for successful community mobilization programs on soc ial issues.
• Lead the implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism developed for the project by the GWCL and keep accurate records of grievances received and addressed
• Prepare and implement a comprehensive orientation and training program introducing social safeguard policies, principle and procedures to GWCL and other project implementing agencies, supervising engmeering consultant and contractors.
• In collaboration with the Environmental Specialist and other technical officers, monitor compliance with safeguards requirements and inc lusion of safeguards requirement in the revised standard bidding document of the World Bank and civil works contracts and devise a corrective action plan to address Ki gn incant non-compliance issues where required.
• Coordinate and facilitate the work of consultants engaged to carry outsocial impact assessments and preparation of or implementation ofresettlemenl action plans and monitoring of these instruments.
• Coordinate gender issues for GWCL component of the GAMA Project and on how the project can be sensitive to meet the priorities of both men and women beneficiaries in GWCL project
• Ensure zero tolerance for sexual Exploitation and Abuse by project workers (including the contractors and implementing agency staff); facilitate HIV/AlDs orientation programme at construction sites; issues related to labour influx (people coming into the project area for project related work). etc and others as may be required.
  
• Undertake frequent field visits project sites to assess the efficiency of the grievance redress mechanisms established for the project.
  
• Lead periodic social safeguards audit of the implementation of the RAPs.
  
• Facilitate the implementation of the project's Grievance Redress mechanism by monitoring the status of grievances, facilitating their resolution. maintaining documentation. and reporting progress.
  
• Coordinate World Bank Specialist visits to field to review safeguards compliance.
  
• Develop and maintain the project's information database on social safeguards aspects. including a system to track the projects relevant documents.
  
• Prepare up-to-date andaccurate resettlement program statistics. periodic resettlement reports and needs assessments and submit safeguards report
  to the GAMA PCU on monthly, quarterly and annual basis: in addition, the Consultant will bc required to prepare or contribute to the preparation
  of other reports, as and when needed.
  
• Perform any other social safeguards duty assigned by the GWCL.
  

JOB SPECIFICATION

Education

• Have a minimum of a Masters Degree in Social Sciences or related field
  
• At least 3 years' experience safeguards specialist on similar projects
  
• Have at least 5 years of post —qualification, practical experience in socialsafeguards assessment and management, sustainable development,social protection, project implementation and capacity building.
  
• Be familiar with World Bank Safeguard policies, procedures andapplication: and conversant With Ghana EPA's environmentalassessment regulations and procedures
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Creative and innovative team player
  
• Exceptional organisation problem sol v ing and analytical skills
  
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence at all levels
  
• Proven leadership skills and motivate team members to deliver excellent results.
• Strong team building. decision making and people management skills
  
• Ability to work under pressure und achieve targets
  
• High level of organization and attention to detail
  
• Good human relation skills