Background
The International Development Company, a Research & Development firm headquartered in Canada, is seeking several experts to conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Plans (RPs), and Biodiversity Management Plans in Madagascar.
Overall mission objective
This will involve:
- Complete and deepen the preliminary environmental and social analysis (PESA) through field investigations and a detailed assessment of the specific risks and impacts of the Project.
- Evaluate the cumulative, direct, indirect and residual environmental and social impacts associated with all the infrastructure planned in Phase 2, including the reservoir, the irrigation network, the hydroelectric power plant, the electrification infrastructure and the rural developments (tracks, roads, etc.).
- Analyze the technical and location alternatives for the project, in accordance with the requirements of the World Bank’s NES 1.
- Develop a realistic, operational and budgeted Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), including mitigation measures, environmental and social monitoring and follow-up plans, training actions, as well as institutional and community capacity building activities.
- Develop a Resettlement Plan (RP) in accordance with the World Bank’s NES 5, covering all infrastructure located downstream of the dam (reservoirs, hydro-agricultural developments, main and secondary pipelines, access roads and associated infrastructure), including the census of affected persons, inventory of assets, compensation and livelihood restoration arrangements, as well as the implementation schedule and budget.
- Take into account the dimensions related to gender, vulnerable groups and potentially marginalized peoples, in particular by assessing the risks of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation and abuse, and by proposing appropriate prevention measures.
- Pay particular attention to risks related to dam safety (NES 4), ecosystem services (NES 4), involuntary displacements (NES 5), biodiversity (NES 6), cultural assets (NES 8).
- Ensure inclusive stakeholder engagement, incorporating the contributions and concerns of affected communities, local authorities, CSOs and other key actors, in accordance with NES 10.
- Contribute to the sustainability of the project by integrating into the analysis the issues related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, as well as land tenure security and land use rights.
- Provide the technical elements required to obtain the Environmental Permit from the National Office for the Environment (ONE), in accordance with the MECIE Decree in force.
- Provide technical assistance to the UGP in the context of the case evaluation and environmental permit granting process by the competent national authorities.
- A study on the appropriate compensation areas to ensure a net gain in biodiversity based on residual impacts and the need or not for an action plan on the restriction of access to resources (PARAR) ideal in the context of ecological compensation projects or in protected areas in rural and multicultural contexts.
- In the event that PARAR proves necessary, develop this plan relating to the choice of sites retained as offsets and in coordination with local stakeholders.
- Identify the impacts and pressures of the current community around the compensation sites and then identify the pressures and impacts that the relocation of the Mahaly population to these potential compensation sites could generate.
- Develop the Resettlement Plan (RP)
- Develop a Biodiversity Management Plan
Introduction, expected role
- The biodiversity specialist is responsible for assessing the impacts of the project on fauna, flora, natural habitats and sensitive ecosystems in the project’s areas of influence, both terrestrial and aquatic.
- It helps to identify conservation issues, design biodiversity management measures, and ensure compliance with national and international requirements, including the World Bank’s NES 6.
Qualifications and experience
- Holder of a Master’s or Doctorate in ecology, conservation biology, zoology, botany, biodiversity management, or any other equivalent discipline in biological or environmental sciences.
- Specific training in rapid ecological assessment, taxonomy or protected area management is considered an asset.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in environmental impact assessment.
- 5. Ecological impact studies for large-scale projects, ideally dams, roads, pipelines or other infrastructure located in ecologically sensitive areas.
- Proven experience in sub-Saharan Africa, with good knowledge of tropical ecosystems, endemic and endangered species of the region, as well as local ecological dynamics.
- At least 3 similar missions to Madagascar, ideally in the southern ecosystems.
- Participation in the development and implementation of biodiversity management plans, ecological compensation plans or ecological rehabilitation measures.
- Good knowledge of the World Bank’s NES 6, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the IUCN Red List, and critical or natural habitat requirements.
How to apply
Interested candidates are requested to send their CV, diplomas and work certificates to recrutement@sdi-qc.org with a copy to diandissa@gmail.com with the subject line indicating the position sought.