Consulting Services for the role of Environmental 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 Environmental Specialist Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. MAIN DUTIES OR ACCOUNTABILITIES Key results area and principal accountabilities are as follows: Key Result Area Principal Accountabilities Environmental assessments and compliance Conduct environmental screening of project activities at the earliest opportunity in accordance with the requirements of the ESMF. Support preparation and/or review of environmental assessments and management instruments as required (e.g., ESIA/ESMP, Environmental Management Plans (EMP), and related plans). Ensure compliance with national environmental laws and regulatory requirements (including applicable clearances and permits) and with the ESF and the ESCP. Lead implementation of the environmental dimensions of the ESCP across project activities. Provide technical support on environmental risk management to the STRIVE PCU, implementing agencies, participating TEVET institutions, supervising engineers, contractors (where applicable), and other entities involved with project implementation. Contribute to the environmental risk management sections of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) and participate in relevant meetings, seminars, workshops, and implementation support missions. Environmental risk mitigation and instruments implementation Develop, or manage the development of, site-specific instruments and management plans as required, ensuring incorporation of applicable World Bank and Government of the Republic of Zambia requirements. Ensure that ESMPs and related plans inform the final design and implementation of works and activities. Review and clear contractor Environmental and Social Management Plans (C-ESMPs) and Health and Safety Management Plans (HSMPs) or equivalent, and monitor implementation during pre-construction, construction, and operation phases. Provide technical input on pollution prevention, waste management (including e-waste where relevant), resource efficiency, biodiversity considerations (where applicable), and climate change adaptation and resilience measures. Ensure timely notification and reporting of environmental incidents/accidents and support preparation of ToRs for incident investigation as required. Monitoring, reporting, and evaluation Design and implement environmental compliance monitoring arrangements, including environmental monitoring indicators and regular site visits. Prepare and submit high-quality environmental monitoring and compliance reports in accordance with ESCP timelines, including inputs to bi-annual environmental performance reporting. Facilitate and report on implementation of the ESMF and any site-specific environmental risk management instruments. Maintain an organized filing and documentation system for environmental instruments, permits/approvals, monitoring records, incident logs, and related correspondence. Stakeholder engagement and coordination Coordinate with the Communications Specialist and the Social Safeguards, Gender/GBV, and GRM Specialists to ensure environmental risks and mitigation measures are communicated appropriately to stakeholders. Engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders (e.g., Zambia Environmental Management Agency and local authorities) as needed to support compliance and responsiveness to environmental concerns. Support the GRM in addressing environment-related grievances and ensure feedback from stakeholders informs corrective actions. Capacity building and technical support Provide training and on-the-job support to STRIVE PCU staff, implementing agencies, participating institutions, and contractors on environmental risk management, OHS and EHS requirements, and implementation of environmental instruments. Develop and/or adapt practical environmental guidelines, checklists, and templates for STRIVE implementation. Support integration of EHS requirements into procurement documents and contract management processes, in coordination with the Procurement Specialist and relevant technical teams. Support to supervision missions and results monitoring Provide environmental inputs to project progress reports and support preparation of documentation for World Bank implementation support missions. Support follow-up on mission recommendations related to environmental performance and compliance. Where relevant, support collection and organization of evidence related to Performance-Based Conditions (PBCs) that include or rely on E&S performance and compliance. Any other duties Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the STRIVE Project Coordinator, MoTS leadership, and the World Bank task team, as relevant to effective implementation of STRIVE. 4. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS The Environmental Specialist reports to the STRIVE Deputy Project Coordinator within the MoTS-hosted STRIVE PCU. Contacts: The Environmental Specialist will maintain close working relationships with MoTS designated officers and PCU staff and liaise regularly with TEVETA, MoLSS, MSMED, HELSB, participating TEVET institutions and training providers, supervising engineers and contractors (where applicable), relevant regulatory authorities, cooperating partners, and other stakeholders as required. 5. OUTPUTS AND REPORTING OBLIGATIONS The main deliverables for the assignment are; Environmental screening of project-supported activities completed and documented, consistent with the ESMF. Site-specific environmental instruments prepared/reviewed and implemented as required (e.g., ESIA/ESMP, EMP, and related plans). Contractor C-ESMPs and HSMPs (or equivalent) reviewed and monitored, and corrective actions tracked to closure. Environmental monitoring indicators defined and implemented; regular monitoring/site visit reports prepared. Environmental reporting delivered in accordance with ESCP timelines (including bi-annual environmental performance reporting inputs). Environmental guidelines/checklists and training materials developed/adapted and capacity building delivered to relevant stakeholders. Timely incident notification and reporting arrangements operational, including support for incident investigation ToRs when required. 6. RESPONSIBILITIES Safety and health of others: Nil. Responsibility for Government resources: Responsible for office equipment under the job holder’s charge. Level of Authority and Decision Making: Makes technical recommendations related to environmental risk management and compliance; escalates non-compliance and incident risks to the Project Coordinator and relevant authorities as required. Consequence of Error: Errors may result in inadequate mitigation of environmental risks, delays in implementation, reputational risk, and non-compliance with project requirements and the World Bank ESF. 7. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENT a) Minimum professional qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any of the following; Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Arts in Education (with a major in environmental or related subjects) Public Health (environmental focus), or a related field. b) Minimum Relevant Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental management and/or environmental safeguards, preferably in development or donor-funded projects. Proven experience conducting environmental screening and supporting preparation, review, and implementation of ESIA/ESMPs and related management plans. Strong familiarity with Zambia’s environmental laws, regulations, and permitting requirements; experience engaging with relevant regulatory authorities. Knowledge of the World Bank ESF and technical Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines and Good International Industry Practice is an added advantage. Experience supervising contractors’ environmental and OHS performance (including review of C-ESMPs/HSMPs) and undertaking site monitoring. Experience with waste management and resource efficiency; experience with e-waste management is an added advantage. Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including communities and training institutions; experience in education/skills sector projects is an added advantage. c) Communication skills: · Written Skills: must possess strong writing skills, including ability to prepare clear monitoring and compliance reports’ · Oral Skills: must possess strong oral communication and facilitation skills. d) Other skills/Attributes: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify risks and propose practical mitigation measures. High integrity, adherence to processes, transparency, and accountability. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to work in diverse cultural environments. Computer literacy with skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint; ability to manage simple databases/spreadsheets for monitoring. 8. KEY COMPETENCIES Environmental safeguards and risk management: ability to apply ESF requirements and national regulations to diverse project activities, including works at training institutions. Monitoring and reporting: ability to design practical monitoring arrangements and deliver timely, high-quality reports. Stakeholder engagement: ability to communicate environmental requirements and respond to concerns effectively. Judgment and ethics: ability to maintain professional standards and advise on incident response and escalation. Teamwork and coordination: ability to coordinate across PCU functions, implementing agencies, consultants, and contractors. 9. SUPERVISION The Environmental Specialist will 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