[Hiring] Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Specialist – Sub-Saharan Africa Consultant @Dexis

Role Description

The Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Specialist – Sub-Saharan Africa Consultant supports a U.S. Government organization in assessing environmental and social risks across projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. This role contributes to ensuring that investments comply with international standards and promote sustainable development outcomes.

The consultant serves as a regional expert responsible for evaluating environmental and social impacts, supporting compliance processes, and monitoring project performance. The role requires strong familiarity with regional operating environments and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.

This is an Independent Consultant (IC) position.

Responsibilities

• Task 1. Environmental and Social Project Assessment and Monitoring
  • Focus on the environmental and social assessment and monitoring of DFC Sub-Saharan Africa projects, with potential support for projects in other geographies.
  • Coordinate across the E&S Divisions to ensure consistency in the assessment of environmental and social performance of DFC projects.
  • Assess environmental and social risks and performance against various assessment frameworks, including:
    • DFC’s Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP, April 2024).
    • The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards (January 2012).
    • Applicable local, national, and international environmental and social legislation.
    • Applicable World Bank Group EHS Guidelines and other relevant sector-specific IFC guidance documents.
  • Review the adequacy of environmental and social documentation for projects, including ESIA and management plans.
  • Prepare a gap analysis, draft approval memo, and action plan identifying actions required for compliance.
  • Provide guidance to prospective clients on environmental and social requirements.
  • Support the development of terms of reference for external support for addressing the E&S action plan.
  • Coordinate among the E&S Divisions and project investment teams for consistency in interpretation and application of requirements.
  • Review project reports and plans submitted as conditions of DFC contracts.
  • Monitor actual environmental, social, health, and safety impacts of previously approved DFC projects.
  • Prepare reports on the status of environmental and social performance of active DFC projects.
  • Liaise with DFC E&S Division staff and other stakeholders for project assessments.
• Task 2. Site Visits – Environmental and Social Due Diligence and/or Monitoring
  • Perform site-based due diligence or monitoring for environmental and social compliance.
  • Request meetings with appropriate organizations, including local government and affected communities.
  • Prepare a written report describing findings of each site visit and submit within 15 days of completion.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in conducting or reviewing environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs).
• Experience in applying the IFC Performance Standards.
• At least five years of experience working with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and/or the private sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Knowledge of procedures, techniques, and methods used in conducting ESIAs across various sectors.
• Ability to interpret and apply international, foreign, and U.S. Government policies and standards.
• Knowledge of effective environmental and social management systems.
• Ability to engage effectively with representatives of governments, U.S. industry, and NGOs.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of database management applications, GPS, and other technology tools used in assessments.
• Working knowledge of one or more official languages in DFC project countries preferred.

Benefits

• Healthcare insurance in addition to other staff welfare benefits and perks.