Ətraf mühit və sosial təhlükəsizlik üzrə aparıcı mütəxəssis

Lead Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist to support a major infrastructure project.

This is a senior specialist position intended for professionals with substantial hands-on experience in Environmental & Social (E&S) safeguards, particularly within MDB-financed transport infrastructure projects.

Minimum Input: 6 person-months

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Social Science (Anthropology/Sociology), Development Studies, or a closely related discipline.
• Specialization and demonstrated expertise in Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be considered a strong advantage.
• Professional certification or accredited training in the Environmental & Social safeguard policies/standards of at least one major Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), such as:
• AIIB Environmental and Social Framework
• World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)
• ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS)
• EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements (2019/2024)
• Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory, including the ability to prepare high-level safeguard documentation, technical reports, and formal correspondence.
• Proficiency in Azerbaijani, Turkish, or Russian is essential for stakeholder engagement, field activities, community consultation, and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) management.
• Proficiency in relevant technical tools, including GIS/spatial analysis, data-management tools, and standard office applications.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Applicants must have:

• Minimum 12 years of post-graduate professional experience in the design, implementation, supervision, and monitoring of environmental and social safeguards and E&S management systems for large-scale and complex infrastructure projects.
• Minimum 8 years of specific experience in the transport sector, preferably involving railway, metro, and/or highway projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex/high-risk E&S matters, including involuntary resettlement, livelihood restoration, biodiversity impacts/offsets, and community health and safety.

MDB SAFEGUARDS LEADERSHIP

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory E&S safeguards role.
• Direct responsibility for ensuring compliance with MDB safeguard requirements on at least two (2) MDB-financed infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated involvement across the full project lifecycle, from due diligence and ESIA preparation/review through implementation, construction supervision, monitoring, and reporting.

CORE SAFEGUARD INSTRUMENTS

Candidates must demonstrate hands-on experience in leading the preparation, implementation, and/or rigorous technical review of key E&S instruments, including:

ESIA – Environmental & Social Impact Assessment

ESMP – Environmental & Social Management Plan

RAP – Resettlement Action Plan

LRP – Livelihood Restoration Plan

SEP – Stakeholder Engagement Plan

BMP – Biodiversity Management Plan

GRIEVANCE, MONITORING & COMPLIANCE

Proven experience is required in:

• Establishing, operationalizing, and managing project-level Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs)
• Conducting E&S compliance audits and field/site monitoring
• Identifying non-compliance and recommending corrective actions
• Monitoring contractor E&S performance
• Preparing periodic E&S performance and compliance reports for Clients and MDBs

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING

Candidates should have extensive experience in designing, leading, and documenting meaningful stakeholder engagement and consultation processes involving:

• Project-affected persons and communities
• Government authorities
• Local institutions
• Civil society organizations
• Contractors and other project stakeholders

Experience in delivering E&S safeguards training and capacity-building for Client and Contractor personnel will be considered a strong advantage.

LOCAL REGULATORY EXPERTISE

In-depth knowledge of applicable national/local environmental regulations, social legislation, permitting requirements, and institutional procedures in the project region is mandatory.

IMPORTANT

This is a senior-level specialist assignment. Candidates whose experience does not substantially meet the minimum requirements regarding 12+ years of E&S experience, 8+ years in transport infrastructure, MDB safeguards, and leadership on MDB-financed projects are kindly requested not to apply.

📩 Application: Please submit your updated CV highlighting relevant MDB-financed projects, your specific E&S safeguards responsibilities, project sector, financing institution, and role.

Only candidates whose profiles closely match the above requirements will be contacted.