Individual Consultant for Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist

1. Background

The Nurturing Early Skills through Technology (NEST) Project is funded by the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) and administered by the World Bank. The Project is implemented by Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) of Cambodia.

The Project aims to enhance access to and quality of Early Childhood Education (ECE) through the promotion of learning through play and the integration of digital technology in target districts in Cambodia. The Project supports teacher professional development, establishment of an ECE digital resource platform, parental and community engagement, improvement of preschool learning environments through construction and renovation, and implementation of pilot school meal programs.

The Project is implemented in selected districts in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin provinces, targeting public preschools with the objective of strengthening equitable access to quality ECE services for young children aged 3–5 years.

As part of the Project implementation, SVA is required to implement the Project in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), and related Environmental and Social (E&S) instruments including the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Environmental and Social Codes of Practice (ESCOP), Labor Management Procedures (LMP), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).

The Project requires appropriate environmental and social risk management arrangements throughout the implementation period in accordance with the World Bank ESF requirements. This includes environmental and social compliance monitoring and reporting, stakeholder engagement, grievance management, contractor supervision, incident reporting, implementation of mitigation measures, and capacity building activities for project stakeholders and contractors.

To support these activities, SVA seeks to recruit a qualified National Individual Consultant – Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist to provide technical support for the implementation of the Project’s environmental and social commitments throughout the Project lifecycle.

2. Objectives

The objective of this assignment is to lead and coordinate the implementation of SVA’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) for the NEST Project, ensuring full compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and applicable Environmental and Social Standards (ESS1–ESS10) throughout all phases of Project implementation.

Specifically, the Consultant will:

• Lead and coordinate preparation, updating, disclosure, and implementation of all required E&S instruments, including the ESMF, ESMPs, ESCoP, LMP, SEP, and ESCP, consistent with applicable ESSs.
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to assess E&S performance of civil works and sub-grant activities, and prepare bi-annual E&S reports for submission to the World Bank.
• Manage the Project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and support implementation of the SEP, ensuring meaningful engagement with Project-affected communities including vulnerable groups.
• Support timely identification, notification, and reporting of E&S incidents and accidents to the World Bank, and prepare Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) as required under the ESCP.
• Build the capacity of PMU staff, E&S Focal Persons, contractors, and other stakeholders on ESF requirements, OHS, GBV/SEA/SH prevention, and grievance management, in line with the ESCP Capacity Building Plan.

3. Scope of Work

Upon commencement of the assignment, the Consultant shall undertake the following tasks, organized by thematic area:

a. Environmental and Social Risk Management

• Conduct environmental and social (E&S) screening of project activities and identify required mitigation measures and applicable E&S instruments in accordance with Project requirements.
• Lead the preparation, update, and implementation of relevant E&S instruments, including the ESMF, ESMPs, ESCoP, LMP, and SEP, in accordance with the World Bank ESF requirements.
• Coordinate implementation and monitoring of environmental and social mitigation measures across project activities.
• Coordinate incorporation of relevant E&S requirements into procurement documents and contracts, and monitor contractors’ compliance with applicable E&S obligations throughout Project implementation.

b. Monitoring and Compliance

• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to project sites and activities, including construction and renovation sites, to assess implementation of environmental and social (E&S) mitigation measures and compliance with relevant E&S instruments.
• Review E&S monitoring reports submitted by contractors and support preparation of periodic E&S compliance reports for the Project.
• Monitor implementation of occupational health and safety (OHS) measures and other relevant E&S requirements at project sites.
• Develop and maintain practical monitoring tools, checklists, and templates to support E&S monitoring and reporting activities.

c. Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Mechanism

• Coordinate implementation and periodic update of the SEP in accordance with Project requirements and the World Bank ESF.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and engagement activities with project stakeholders, including vulnerable groups, as relevant during Project implementation.
• Coordinate operation of the Project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), including documentation, follow-up, and tracking of grievances and resolution status.
• Maintain records related to stakeholder engagement and grievance management, and contribute to periodic E&S reporting.

d. Capacity Building and Training

• Coordinate and deliver environmental and social (E&S) capacity building and training activities for PMU staff, E&S Focal Persons, contractors, and other relevant stakeholders in accordance with Project requirements and the World Bank ESF.
• Conduct orientation and awareness activities related to occupational health and safety (OHS), incident reporting, grievance management, workers’ Code of Conduct, and community health and safety measures at project sites.
• Develop and maintain practical training materials and tools to support implementation of E&S requirements throughout Project implementation.
• Provide refresher training and technical guidance as needed during Project implementation.

e. Incident Reporting and Corrective Action

• Coordinate identification, documentation, and reporting of environmental and social (E&S) incidents and accidents in accordance with Project requirements and the World Bank ESF.
• Facilitate review of incidents and preparation of corrective actions and follow-up measures, as required.
• Monitor implementation of corrective actions and contribute to periodic E&S reporting related to incident management and resolution status.

f. Coordination and Reporting

• Serve as the primary environmental and social (E&S) focal point for the NEST Project and coordinate with the SVA Project Manager and Senior Coordinator, World Bank task team, E&S Focal Persons, contractors, and relevant government counterparts on E&S matters.
• Prepare and contribute to periodic E&S compliance reports and other Project reporting requirements in accordance with the ESCP and World Bank requirements.
• Coordinate disclosure and documentation of relevant E&S instruments and updates, as required during Project implementation.
• Contribute E&S-related data, findings, and analysis to the Project’s overall monitoring and evaluation activities.

4. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected over the course of the assignment. Timelines are indicative and subject to agreement at contract signing.

5. Work Supervision

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the SVA Project Manager and Senior Coordinator for the NEST Project and in close coordination with SVA PMU and the World Bank E&S team.

The Consultant will coordinate and liaise with:

• PMU members and field staff;
• Relevant government counterparts, including MoEYS and sub-national authorities;
• Contractors, consultants, schools, community representatives, and other relevant stakeholders involved in Project implementation.

The Consultant shall submit deliverables and periodic progress updates to the SVA Project Manager for review and approval, and participate in regular coordination meetings as required.

6. Contract Term and Location of Assignment

The initial contract period is one (1) year, with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance, project needs, and availability of funding.

The Consultant will be engaged as an Individual Consultant (IC) under the NEST Project and is expected to provide regular technical support throughout the assignment period.

Key arrangements are as follows:

• Duty Station: Phnom Penh or Battambang Province, Cambodia (to be determined based on operational arrangements and the selected candidate), with regular travel to target provinces and project sites, including Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin.
• SVA will provide office space at the assigned duty station. The Consultant is expected to provide their own computer and personal working equipment.
• Payment Modality: Payment shall be made on a monthly basis upon submission and approval of progress reports and agreed deliverables.
• Travel costs directly related to project implementation and approved by SVA, including travel to project sites and meetings, will be covered in accordance with SVA travel policy.

7. Consultant Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Social Development, or other related fields.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social risk management, safeguards, or compliance monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience with World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) requirements and implementation of E&S instruments.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, grievance management, environmental and social monitoring, and contractor supervision.
• Experience working with government counterparts and World Bank-financed projects is an advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Good knowledge of World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) and E&S risk management principles.
• Ability to prepare and review E&S instruments, monitoring reports, training materials, and related documentation.
• Strong analytical, coordination, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to conduct field monitoring and coordinate with multiple stakeholders in project implementation settings.
• Fluency in English and Khmer, both written and spoken, is required.
• Familiarity with World Bank procurement processes and contractor E&S management is desirable.

Other Considerations

• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly to project sites in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin provinces.
• The Consultant must not hold a government position during the contract period..

8. Guidelines for Applying

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to the contact below, with the subject line:

“Application for IC –E&S Specialist – NEST Project: [Your Full Name]”

Required submission documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly demonstrating qualifications and relevant experience.
• Cover letter outlining suitability for the role, expected monthly rate, and availability.

Submit to:

Ms. Chea Sopheavy

Position: Procurement and Operation Officer, Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)

Address: No. 8, Street 424, Sangkat Tomnob Teuk, Khan Boeng Keng Kang, Phnom Penh

Email: info@sva-cambodia.org

Copy to:

Ms. Ayano Kikuchi

Position: Project Manager, NEST Project, SVA

Email: kikuchi@sva.or.jp

Applications will be accepted until June 23, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Revised February 2025), under the Individual Consultant (IC) selection method.