Consulting services for the role of Social Safeguard Specialist (Delivery Unit) — Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment Project

MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE Request for Expressions of Interest Country: Zambia Project: Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project Project ID: P514247 (Consulting Services – Individual Consultant Selection) PROJECT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION The Government of the Republic of Zambia is preparing and implementing the Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) project (P514247) with support from the World Bank. STRIVE is proposed as a US$80 million IDA Grant and will be implemented as an Investment Project Financing (IPF) operation with Performance-Based Conditions (PBCs), as Phase 3 of the Skills for Economic Transformation and Jobs (SET4Jobs) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) in Eastern and Southern Africa. The Project Development Objective is to strengthen the skills ecosystem for increased job creation in priority value chains, with a focus on increasing access to job-relevant skills for Zambian youth. The project prioritizes mining, agribusiness, and hospitality and emphasizes employer co-design, outcomes and employability, sustainability of core financing mechanisms, and future-oriented innovations, including digital, blended learning, and AI-enabled tools. The project will be implemented through three components: (1) Building industry-led skills systems, including the development of a TEVET Management Information System and a strengthened Labour Market Information System, and support to sector management and coordination functions such as quality assurance, occupational standards, and instructor supply (including selected PBC-supported reforms); (2) Preparing youth for better jobs, including performance-oriented institutional grants for TEVET institutions (including Centres of Excellence and hybrid learning for ZQF Levels 5-7), competitive grants to improve the quality of programs up to Level 4, a pilot TEVET student loan scheme, and results-based contracts for short-term skilling; and (3) Growing employment opportunities in value chains, including support to business development services and sector-specific upskilling for firms. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) will be the lead implementing agency for STRIVE. Day-to-day coordination will be carried out through a dedicated Project Coordination Unit (the 'STRIVE PCU') hosted by MoTS. Implementation will require close coordination with the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED), the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), and other relevant stakeholders. The project will be supported by a high-level Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Technology and Science, to provide strategic oversight and ensure cross-agency and private sector coordination. The Steering Committee will include, inter alia, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, MoLSS, MSMED, TEVETA, HELSB, and private sector representatives. Technical working groups and/or component-level committees may be established to provide technical oversight and support results monitoring. The core functions of the STRIVE PCU will include: preparation of annual work plans and budgets; monitoring and evaluation and periodic progress reporting; coordinating Steering Committee and technical working group meetings; supporting recruitment and management of technical assistance; preparing required financial reports and disbursement documentation; facilitating internal and external audits; providing procurement planning and contract management support consistent with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and use of STEP; coordinating implementation support missions and preparation of mission documentation; ensuring compliance with legal covenants; ensuring implementation of environmental and social risk management measures under the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress); and implementing a communications approach for internal and external stakeholders. The STRIVE PCU will be headed by a Project Coordinator, who will provide oversight for day-to-day management and coordination of the project and supervise PCU staff and consultants supporting fiduciary, M&E, environmental and social risk management, communications, and technical implementation functions. The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for ‘Individual Consulting Services’. MoTS now invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services for the consultancy position of STRIVE Social Safeguards Specialist Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. 3. JOB PURPOSE The Social Safeguards Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the planning and implementation of social risk management measures for STRIVE, consistent with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the project’s Environmental and Social (E&S) instruments. The Specialist will ensure that social risks and impacts associated with STRIVE activities (including institutional grants, short-term skilling, sector partnerships, and any works or equipment supported by the project) are identified, mitigated, and monitored. The Specialist will also support meaningful stakeholder engagement, inclusion of vulnerable groups, labor and working conditions requirements, management of risks related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH), and effective grievance redress. 4. MAIN DUTIES OR ACCOUNTABILITIES Key results area and principal accountabilities are as follows: Key Result Area Principal Accountabilities Project coordination and management Facilitate a holistic and integrated approach in implementing social safeguards activities to ensure that all planned actions are implemented on time and to required quality standards. Coordinate day-to-day with STRIVE component leads, implementing agencies, TEVET institutions and training providers, and (where applicable) contractors to ensure compliance with E&S requirements. Identify project needs and support procurement and management of specialized services (e.g., consultants) required for effective social risk management and implementation support. Work closely with the World Bank Social Development Specialist on technical options for social development, including social risk mitigation measures, labor issues, inclusion strategies, institutional strengthening, and other ways to improve social outcomes for the project. Facilitate short-term social safeguards training programs (continuous professional safeguards training; in-service training; and field-based training at implementation sites) for relevant stakeholders. Monitor and report progress on safeguards-related issues including the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). Work closely with the Gender/GBV Specialist, the Environmental Safeguards Specialist, and the GRM Specialist to address emerging issues and ensure coordinated risk management. Prepare periodic social safeguards updates for management and participate in meetings as needed. Work plans, budgets and disbursements Ensure preparation and consolidation of annual, quarterly and monthly work plans, reports, and budgets related to social safeguards activities, and submit the same to the Project Coordinator in a timely manner. Ensure all required approval processes (e.g., for budgets, activity clearances/no objections where applicable) are obtained in a timely manner. Support alignment of safeguards implementation with procurement plans and implementation schedules, including for consultants/contractors and for participating institutions. Technical assistance and capacity building Provide high quality technical support and capacity building to STRIVE PCU staff, staff of implementing agencies, and participating TEVET institutions and training providers on social safeguards and related issues. Plan and execute capacity building activities in a timely manner as described in the project documents and E&S instruments. Support establishment and strengthening of safeguards focal points and reporting processes across implementing agencies and participating institutions. Financial management and procurement Provide oversight on financial management and procurement aspects related to social safeguards activities, and manage risks to ensure adherence to fiduciary standards when implementing safeguards activities. Support preparation of required documentation related to safeguards activities (e.g., procurement inputs for consultants, terms of reference review, and contract management inputs). Social safeguards and ESF instruments Ensure that social safeguard measures are fully implemented as prescribed in project E&S instruments and relevant legal covenants. Review project documents for compliance with inclusion and SEA/SH risk management requirements as applicable. These may include Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) where relevant, Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), Labor Management Procedures (LMPs), SEA/SH action plans, and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). Support screening of subprojects/activities (including institutional grants and any minor works/equipment) for social risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are identified and implemented. Monitor labor and working conditions requirements for project workers and contracted workers, including codes of conduct and worker GRM arrangements. Support monitoring of stakeholder engagement implementation, including consultation, disclosure, and feedback loops with beneficiaries, employers, and communities. In collaboration with the Gender/GBV Specialist, support SEA/SH risk mitigation measures and safe referral pathways, including training of focal points as appropriate. Supervision missions and reporting Contribute to organization of, and participate in, bi-annual and intermittent World Bank implementation support missions. Contribute to preparation of required pre- and post-mission reports and provide safeguards information to the World Bank as required. Ensure mission recommendations related to social safeguards are implemented in a timely manner and progress is reported. Synergy building Build synergies with other World Bank projects and other counterpart projects, including cooperating partners implementing similar programs, to maximize outputs and outcomes and strengthen learning on social inclusion and safeguards. External partners engagement Build and maintain working relationships with various partners including civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, traditional leaders, and faith-based organizations, as relevant to stakeholder engagement and safeguards implementation. Dissemination and visibility of project achievements Contribute to dissemination and visibility of project achievements and support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels, including on safeguards performance and stakeholder feedback. Any other duties Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator and MoTS leadership to support effective project implementation. 5. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS a) The Social Safeguards Specialist reports to the STRIVE Deputy Project Coordinator within the MoTS-hosted STRIVE PCU. b) Contacts: The Social Safeguards Specialist will maintain close working relationships with MoTS designated officers and PCU staff. It is also expected that external contacts, including implementing agencies, TEVET institutions and training providers, contractors (where applicable), cooperating partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders are maintained as required. 6. OUTPUTS AND REPORTING OBLIGATIONS The main deliverables for the assignment are: Updated social safeguards implementation plan aligned with STRIVE E&S instruments and annual work plans. Training materials and records for short-term social safeguards training programs and capacity building for relevant stakeholders. Inputs to development, review, and implementation of relevant E&S instruments and mitigation measures (including SEP implementation and labor-related measures). Consolidated progress reports and field monitoring notes on the implementation of social safeguards and stakeholder engagement activities, including GRM performance. Documented follow-up actions on social risks/issues identified during implementation, including corrective action plans where needed. 7. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENT a) Minimum professional qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any of the following; Anthropology, Sociology, Political Economy, Social Development, Human Resource Management/Development, Development Studies, Gender Studies or equivalent. Other relevant fields. A Master’s degree in a relevant filed will be an added advantage. b) Minimum Relevant Experience: Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience with relevant experience in social sustainability, social standards/safeguards and or social development (voice and participation, gender, community-driven development, citizen engagement). Knowledge and experience in addressing issues covered by the World Bank ESF and social safeguards policies or similar policies in other international finance institutions in complex and challenging settings, and across sectors. This includes experience with: social assessments and analyzing social risks and impacts for different population groups; involuntary resettlement in different socio-economic contexts and tenure systems; vulnerable groups’ issues; coordination of transparent consultative and stakeholder engagement processes; grievance redress mechanisms; integration of relevant planning instruments (e.g., RAPs, SEPs, LMPs) in overall project planning and implementation; labor and working conditions; community health and safety; and cultural heritage. Experience in social sustainability and risk management policy development, including dialogue with governments, collaboration in these areas with other international development agencies, and corporate reviews and improvement efforts. Experience in specific areas of social inclusion such as gender, disability, and conflict/fragility/violence contexts is an added advantage. Proven track record in similar assignments including, management and monitoring of programs. Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, facilitating communication between employee, management and external partners, ensuring inclusive participation and transparency. Experience working with stakeholders in the skills development/education sector is an added advantage. Strong background in grievance redress mechanisms, handling workplace complaints, conflict resolution and ensuring fair outcomes, relevant to community grievance systems. Experience in capacity building and training, organizing awareness programs on workplace ethics, safety and inclusion, relevant for community sensitization and stakeholder training. Experience in technical report writing and presentation. Work experience with donor-funded projects, including the World Bank, is an added advantage. c) Communication skills Written Skills: must possess excellent writing skills. Oral Skills: must possess good oral communication skills. d) Other skills/Attributes: Good team player. Self-starter; ability to work under minimum supervision. Maintenance of good relationships and strong interpersonal skills. Project management skills. Computer literacy with skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint. 8. KEY COMPETENCIES Very high level of energy and initiative. Ability to present complex social safeguards and social development issues in a simple way to people of different technical backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to work in and actively contribute to teams and foster a positive team dynamic. Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills; ability to think innovatively and strategically to find solutions to complex development problems. Experience conducting social development analyses and deriving results that resonate with clients and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs in the field and engage in policy discussions with government and non-government partners to develop strategies to meet these needs. Demonstrated ability to create, apply and share knowledge from a range of sources to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions. Achieves results and identifies mission-driven solutions for the client. 9. SUPERVISION The Social Safeguards Specialist shall be supervised by the STRIVE Deputy Project Coordinator. 10. CONTRACT DURATION The appointment for this position is five years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance. 11. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND RENEWAL OF CONTRACT This position is performance based. Therefore, the incumbent’s performance will be evaluated by a committee set up by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) and may include relevant Directors (or equivalent). Based on the satisfactory recommendation of the committee the contract will be annually renewed. Submission Interested candidates are requested to submit the Application, relevant experience and qualification accompanied by a comprehensive CV. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.15, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the ‘Individual Consultant Selection’ method set out in the Procurement Regulations (World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025). Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (from 8:00 hours to 17:00 hours) Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form by person (or by mail, or by e-mail) at the address below by 19th June, 2026 Ministry of Technology and Science Attn: Director Human Resource and Administration Maxwell House, Los Angeles Boulevard P.O Box 50464 E-mail: George.matulula@mots.gov.zm ; mundubi.magolo@mots.gov.zm