Environmental Impact Assessment & Social Sector Expert

About the Role

The Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist will be responsible for mainstreaming environmental and social (E&S) considerations into all disaster risk management activities supported under the project. This includes compliance with national/state regulations and donor-specific safeguard frameworks. The specialist will work closely with government stakeholders, technical consultants, implementing agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness across the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental & Social Planning and Management

• Support the preparation and review of Preliminary and Detailed Project Reports (PPRs/DPRs) to ensure integration of environmental and social (E&S) safeguards.

• Conduct screening exercises to identify environmental and social risks and classify projects accordingly.

• Lead the preparation of site-specific Environmental Management Plans (EMP) and Social Management Plans, including Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) where applicable.

• Ensure consistent application of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) throughout the project.

Implementation & Compliance

• Oversee the implementation of EMPs and RAPs by line departments and contractors.

• Liaise with State line departments, contractors, and implementing agencies to ensure adherence to safeguard protocols.

• Coordinate with MoEF & CC, State Pollution Control Board, and other regulatory authorities to facilitate timely environmental clearances.

• Conduct periodic field visits to monitor implementation and compliance of safeguard measures and document findings.

Training & Capacity Building

• Design and facilitate training programs on ESMF/EMP implementation for SDMA staff, contractors, and officials of line departments.

• Build awareness on climate-resilient infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion in disaster risk management.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Prepare and submit periodic reports on E&S performance, challenges, good practices, and corrective actions.

• Support the hiring and coordination of third-party social and environmental audits, review findings, and track implementation of audit recommendations.

• Maintain documentation and records of all safeguard-related activities, including community consultations and grievance redress mechanisms.

Community Engagement & Grievance Redressal

• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, particularly with vulnerable groups and Project Affected People (PAPs).

• Support the establishment and operation of project-level Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs).

• Assist in community mobilization and ensure effective participation in planning and implementation processes.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PMU teams working on Procurement, IEC, Capacity Building, and Emergency Preparedness to ensure E&S safeguards are cross-cutting.

• Support integration of climate risk assessments into project design and implementation.

• Contribute to the development of policies, manuals, and operational guidelines on environmental and social safeguards.

• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the PMU leadership or client.

Required Qualifications

Educational Background:

• Masters degree in Environmental Science, Social Work, Environmental Engineering, Public Policy, or a related discipline.

• Additional certifications in environmental law, disaster management, or social impact assessment are desirable.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in managing environmental and social safeguards in infrastructure, urban development, or disaster risk reduction projects.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing and reviewing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Resettlement Action Plans, and Environmental Management Plans.

• Experience with projects funded by multilateral or bilateral agencies (e.g., World Bank, ADB, UNDP) is strongly preferred.

• Sound knowledge of national and state-level environmental and social regulations, including EIA Notification, Forest Conservation Act, Land Acquisition and R&R frameworks.

• Familiarity with climate change adaptation and nature-based solutions is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, coordination, and communication abilities.

• Experience in stakeholder consultations and grievance redressal.

• Ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts and multidisciplinary teams.

• Fluency in English and Marathi preferred.