SOW.docx

Statement of Work

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PERFORMANCE

A. Introduction

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. For more information on the MCC, please visit www.mcc.gov. On January 23, 2003, the United States established the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an innovative foreign assistance program designed to reduce poverty by promoting sustainable economic growth. MCC, a U.S. government corporation, is based on the principle that aid is most effective in countries that promote good governance, economic freedom, and investments in people. Key MCC operating principles relating to the award of grants include emphasis on economic impact, reward for performance, partnership with recipient countries, and focus on results. Eligible countries are invited to develop and submit grant proposals to MCC for consideration. MCC will seek to enter into a Compact for assistance with those countries that submit quality proposals for poverty reduction through economic growth. All proposed projects and activities are subjected to MCC’s comprehensive project appraisal process prior to approval of a Compact, including the requirement for an environmental and social review. Once a Compact is signed and has entered into force, MCC continues to conduct reviews, analyses and assessments in consultation with the host country accountable entity and it’s implementing partners on an as-needed basis to carry out post-Compact oversight responsibilities.

MCC recognizes that the pursuit of sustainable economic growth and a healthy environment are related. Economic growth that doesn’t adequately address the associated risks of environmental degradation can leave the poor particularly vulnerable. MCC’s Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) Practice Group works with partner countries to integrate internationally-accepted principles of environmental and social sustainability into the design and implementation of compacts. In collaboration with MCC, partner countries are striving to achieve sustainable economic development through their compact-funded activities while at the same time minimizing environmental and social risks and enhancing environmental and social benefits.

MCC requires consultant services to support MCC’s ESP Practice Group to assess environmental and social (including resettlement) impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with the development and implementation (including compact closure) of MCC-supported projects. MCC may award up to two (2) contracts under this solicitation.

B. Scope

The Consultant shall support MCC’s ESP team members in their efforts to assess environmental and social (including resettlement) impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with compact development and implementation (including compact closure).

C. Country Niger and other MCC eligible countries

D. Tasks and Deliverables

The Consultant may be asked to do any or all of the following tasks:

Due Diligence: The Consultant shall identify major environmental and social (including resettlement) impacts and opportunities associated with the investments being considered by MCC. The Consultant shall propose mitigation measures for any environmental and social risks/impacts identified, along with recommendations for enhancing project design and/or benefit streams from an environmental and social perspective. The Consultant will be requested to conduct site visits to proposed project areas and carry out a review of existing documentation to identify the range of relevant environmental and social issues potentially associated with the project. The Consultant will be expected to advise MCC on any additional environmental and social studies that maybe required as a part of MCC’s due diligence and/or cost implications for assuming any of the Consultant’s proposed mitigation or enhancement measures.

Compact Oversight: The Consultant shall assist MCC in conducting oversight of project implementation and performance from an environmental and social perspective. The Consultant may be asked by MCC to conduct periodic (typically quarterly) visits to project sites and carry out desk reviews to provide assurance that funding should be continued and that projects are on track to meet agreed-upon specifications, schedules, milestones, and budgets related. Additionally, the Consultant shall assist in identifying potential unforeseen environmental and social impacts of implementation and provide recommendations for resolution.

General Technical Advisory Support: In addition to the above, the Consultant may be asked to provide general technical advisory support, including:

· Assist MCC in determining requirements and scope for Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS); Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and/or Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs); other environmental analyses; Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) in accordance with MCC’s Environmental Guidelines and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards;

· Assist in technical reviews of project-related documents including concept papers, feasibility studies, environmental and social and management plans, consultant terms of reference, construction bidding documents, work plans, and performance monitoring plans to ensure (a) compliance with the IFC Performance Standards;

· Verify environmental and social considerations are appropriately taken into account in the design, feasibility, implementation, timing, and costs of Compact activities.

· Assess the coverage or consistency of local environmental laws and regulations as compared to MCC Environmental Guidelines and the IFC Performance Standards;

· Provide guidance and oversight to MCC Country Partners in environmental and social Program Management, QA/QC, construction works, FIDIC contracting and other similar topics;

· Provide appropriate guidance, tools, and assistance and, where necessary, help to strengthen institutional capacity and policies to integrate internationally accepted principles of environmental and social sustainability and social equity into the design and implementation of MCC-funded projects;

· Draft terms of reference (TOR) for ESIAs/ESMPs and RPFs/RAPs where such studies are required by MCC;

· Provide general technical advice and assistance on the development and implementation of training programs on environmental and social management and IFC Performance Standards for Core Team, implementing entities, and others as necessary;

· Other requirements specific to environment, resettlement, and social activities of the Compact as necessary; and

· Support the development and completion of ESP Practice Priorities

The Consultant shall assist MCC in conducting project due diligence, appraisal and implementation oversight activities in MCC eligible countries as needed, and Washington, DC. The consultant shall provide services to MCC on a regular but intermittent basis, as required.

Acceptance Criteria Deliverables will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

· Thoroughness and timeliness in complying with all of the elements in the tasks specified.

· Quality and clarity of analyses and work produced.

· Timeliness and efficacy of communications with relevant counterparts at MCC, MCA, and other relevant organizations.

· All reports are to be submitted in English in hard and electronic copy (in MS Word), with tables, data and calculations in MS Excel.

E. Technical Directive

To support MCC in the flexible and timely manner needed to meet the evolving needs of Compact development and implementation, tasks under this statement of work will be communicated in writing to the Consultant by the Contracting Officer’s Representative and/or Project Monitor (COR/PM) each time the consultant’s services are needed over the course of this contract. The technical directive will provide clear and concise instructions on tasks and deliverables requested of the consultant, as well as expected level of effort. Should the Consultant be expected to travel to an MCC partner country, a detailed scope of work will be provided at least two weeks prior to travel and include specified deliverables. The Consultant shall acknowledge acceptance of the technical directive in writing (email is acceptable) to the COR/PM. The consultant shall not conduct any specific work under this contract unless such a technical directive is issued and acknowledged in writing. The consultant will notify the PM/COR if the tasks appear to fall outside the scope given herein. The consultant is expected to submit electronic copies of all written deliverables in English and to brief MCC staff verbally upon request. No technical directive shall imply any additional costs to the United States Government (USG) beyond the amount allowed for in the initial statement of work; however, this statement of work may be amended to reflect additional costs associated with appraisal and/or oversight requirements in additional countries.

F. Period and Place of Performance All work will be completed between the dates of the award through a five year period of performance.

The estimated level of effort is estimated at up to 580 hours per year with an estimated 6 trips per year. MCC anticipates this level of effort but does not guarantee this level of effort as it may increase or decrease.

The consultant shall work from his/her home office and/or any MCC eligible country.

G. Evaluation Criteria

Mandatory:

Demonstrated project / program management experience – including tracking work plans, milestones and budget as well as monitoring the implementation of an international Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high visibility, high-pressure environments and operate in a complex office environment Demonstrated experience in developing reports and guidance to various stakeholders.

Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Preferred:

Self-starting attitude in order to ensure that required system users fulfill their responsibilities Excellent communication, analytical and writing skills, including in an international context Experience working with MCC Some degree of proficiency in accounting is preferred. Be able to understand basic accounting principles and understand issues communicated and potential solutions presented