BACKGROUND

The USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) activity is an innovative, five-year, flexible buy-in mechanism that covers the entire Africa continent and is jointly managed by the USAID Africa Bureau, Middle East Bureau, and Africa Regional Missions. It was designed to mobilize enterprise-driven solutions that increase trade and investment in Africa, including North and Sub-Saharan Africa. It strengthens Africa’s markets by developing new trade and investment relationships, particularly between the United States and African continent. It also works to achieve development outcomes across all sectors.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Environmental and Social Risk Management Specialist will support the implementation of USAID-ATI Environment and Social Risk Management Framework. USAID policy requires implementing organizations to ensure their program activities do not have a negative environmental or social impact. This is done primarily through detailed analyses of program activities to identify potential impacts, and the development and implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize and monitor these risks.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and collect information required for the preparation and assist in drafting a project-level environmental monitoring and mitigation reports (ERRS) and environmental review checklists (ERCs) outlining activity specific compliance requirements.
• Ensure that all program activities, including grants and subcontracts, consider potential environmental and social impact, incorporate required environmental and social mitigation measures, and address any environmental concerns during project implementation.
• Support the environmental and social risk review, assessment, monitoring and reporting requirements for all ATI activities, including continuous maintenance/revision of the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP); ATI’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); and customized environmental and social compliance trackers, tools and templates.
• Support and provide training to build the capacity of project partners to identify potential environmental and social impacts and comply and monitor implementation of mitigation measures.
• Monitor and report the performance of environmental management strategies and plans through regular visits to project activities.
• Ensure timely completion of environmental/social deliverables and periodic reporting; maintain compliance documentation records for technical audits.
• Prepare quarterly program reports and include updates to the annual implementation plan on the status of the project’s environmental management systems.
• Support and oversee the work done by consultants over a broad spectrum of assignments for program environmental compliance.
• Any other tasks assigned that are relevant to the environmental compliance function within the USAID-ATI Activity.

REPORTING

The Environmental and Social Risk Management Specialist will report to the Environment and Social Risk Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Management or a closely related field and 9+ years of relevant work experience, preferably within USG programs.

• Experience in preparing or supporting development of Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Assessments and experience in monitoring environmental or social risk compliance in multiple sectors such as agribusiness and food security, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, extractives, conservation and ecotourism amongst others is highly preferred.

• Well-developed analytical writing skills, communications, and interpersonal skills including excellent English writing, speaking and reading skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving, fluid team setting with multiple stakeholders.

• An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, excellent judgment, sound problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Ability and willingness to travel for work across activity countries in West Africa since this position will require significant travelling that may include remote locations.

• Bilingual English and working knowledge of French.

  ABOUT DAI

• DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

• DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

• DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.