REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL)

VANUATU

VANUATU RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT STAGE II (VREP II)

Project No. P160658

Assignment Title: SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): VU-DOE-275507-CS-INDV

The Government of Vanuatu is implementing a US$14 million investment through Rural Electrification Project Stage II – VREPII (Project). The objective of VREP II is to support increased penetration of renewable energy and increased access to electricity services in the dispersed off-grid areas of Vanuatu.

The Department of Energy (DoE) is the Implementing Agency for VREP II with oversight support from the World Bank and is seeking a well-qualified and experienced Safeguard Specialist (SGS) to implement the safeguards activities of the Project.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include a part-time Port-Vila-based SGS for two and half years (subject to project extension by two years) and expected to commence as soon as possible. Nationals or Specialists living within Port Vila are preferred. The selected applicant may be interviewed.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website/link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zrawd9j96w35z46obb30k/22-04-19-VREPII_Safeguards_Specialist_TOR.docx?dl=0&rlkey=jav8tpc3ac4h8opd62qtcizrz

The DoE now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process.

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

1. A relevant tertiary qualification from a recognized institution in Environmental Science (or similar), Sociology, Anthropology or some cognate social science;
2. At least ten (10) years’ experience in safeguard monitoring and compliance of civil works projects, particularly in environmental, land access resettlement, community consultations and energy programs within project frameworks;
3. Practical understanding of the physical, operational and contextual environment of Vanuatu;
4. Ability to build relationships effectively and collaboratively will be of critical importance, as will cultural sensitivities and a personal style which affirms and respects the operational context of DoE and of Vanuatu;
5. Experience in gender mainstreaming and Gender-Based Violence;
6. Familiarity with project requirements and application of the World Bank Operational Safeguard Policies;
7. Experience in working in developing countries, particularly in the Pacific region will be an advantage; and
8. Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills in English, with demonstrable high-level reporting skills.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018  (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Further information can be obtained at vrep.procurement@gmail.com

Expressions of interest must be delivered by e-mail to the address above by May 4, 2022.