SOW.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Environmental and Social Performance Consultant

A. Introduction

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.

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 MCC funded programs. In collaboration with MCC, partner countries are striving to achieve sustainable economic development through their MCC-funded activities while at the same time minimizing environmental and social risks and enhancing environmental and social benefits.

B. Countries

Ghana, The Gambia, Tunisia, and any other MCC eligible country, if required.

C. Scope and Objectives

MCC seeks an Environmental and Social Performance technical expert (hereinafter referred to as “Consultant”) to advise on ESP impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with compact development, implementation, and closure. Additionally, the Consultant shall be asked to provide ad-hoc technical services to MCC’s ESP Practice Group.

D. Tasks

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

Due Diligence

1. Identify major environmental and social (including resettlement) impacts and opportunities associated with investment being considered by MCC. Advise MCC on any additional environmental and social studies that may be required as part of MCC’s due diligence process;

2. Propose mitigation measures for any negative impacts identified, recommendations for site selection, enhancing project design and/or benefit streams from an environmental and social perspective, and cost implications for assuming any of the Consultant’s proposed mitigation or enhancement measures; and

3. Assist in technical reviews of project-related documents including concept papers, feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments and management plans, work plans, etc. to ensure compliance with the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.

Implementation

1. Assist MCC in conducting oversight of project implementation and performance from an environmental and social perspective including conducting periodic (typically quarterly) visits to project sites;

2. Assist in technical reviews of project-related documents including consultant terms of reference, construction bidding documents, work plans, progress reports, and performance monitoring plans to ensure compliance with the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability;

3. Assist MCC in reviewing qualifications of key MCC-eligible country technical staff prior to their engagement;

4. Assist MCC in the oversight of any resettlement and livelihood restoration activities;

5. Carry out desk reviews to provide assurance that funding should be continued and that projects are on track to meet agreed-upon objectives, standards, specifications, schedules, and budgets;

6. Assist MCC in the development of, or reviewing, Terms of References for specific sector activities;

7. Assist MCC in reviewing the adequacy of all deliverables that are provided by country counterparts, contractor(s), Implementing Entity and Accountable Entity, and that the reports fulfill the reporting requirement obligations of these entities under their specific Program to assist MCC’s authorization of disbursement requests;

8. Assist MCC in identifying potential unforeseen impacts of implementation and provide recommendations for resolution;

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

10. Maintain a productive, collaborative working relationship with key sector actors, donors, donors’ consultants, MCC and MCC’s partner countries.

Closure

1. Assist MCC in the verification exercise that all environmental, social, health and safety risks have been addressed prior to project completion and handover and that relevant ESHS impacts are fully considered in sustainability planning:

2. Asist in technical reviews of closure-related documents including the Compact Closure Plan, Resettlement and Livelihood completion reports, ESH&S audits, and other documents as required; and

3. Assist MCC in the development of, or reviewing closeout letters to country partners, government officials, and MCC Management.

Other Technical Assistance

From time to time, and as required, the Consultant may be required by the MCC COR or PM to provide other advice and counsel. This may include but is not limited to:

1. Provide input and recommendations for strengthening MCC ESP Practice Group guidance documents;

2. Present environmental and social best practice and any lessons learned from MCC programs;

3. Review proposal evaluation reports from technical panels and procurement agents and document evaluation findings; and

4. Provide ad-hoc environmental and social oversight support to ESP Practice Lead Senior Director or staff members.

The Consultant would be precluded from bidding on work and services (design, assessment, program implementation) to be procured by the host country’s Compact program management entity or using funds advanced under a Compact or Threshold Program in the counrtry where services are being provided to MCC. The designated Consultant would be expected to coordinate with local authorities responsible for MCC Compact implementation as well as other donors, where relevant. However, designated Consultant would report directly to the designated COR/PM.

E. Deliverables

The Consultant will provide services to MCC on an as needed basis. To support MCC in the flexible and timely manner needed to meet the evolving needs of Compact development and implementation, technical directives under this statement of work will be issued and the Consultant deployed each time the Consultant’s services are needed over the course of this contract. No additional tasks shall imply any additional costs to the Government beyond the amount allowed for in the initial call order; however, this call order may be amended to reflect additional costs associated with implementation planning and oversight requirements in additional countries.

Deliverable 1: Trip reports, ad hoc reports or information as may be requested by the COR/PM.

Deliverable 2: Final report, including comments by MCC, due as per agreement.

F. Place and Period of Performance

All work shall be completed between the dates of the award through a three year period of performance.

The estimated level of effort is estimated at up to 4,500 hours (1,500 hours per year) with an estimated 5 trips per year. MCC anticipates this level of effort but does not guarantee this level of effort as it may increase or decrease.

Consultant will perform the tasks under this contract in MCC-eligible countries, in MCC offices in Washington DC, and at Consultant’s own facilities.

G. Contracting Officer Representative/Project Monitor

The COR/PM shall have technical responsibility over the Consultant. Any change in the terms of the Call Order must be made in writing and approved by the Contracting Officer. No representation of the COR/PM shall serve as a basis for an alteration in the general scope of this Contract or of the terms and conditions of the Contract unless confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer. The Consultant must communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters that pertain to the Contract terms. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment for that work.

H. Qualifications

Mandatory

· An advanced degree in international development, environmental management, natural sciences, planning or a related field;

· Proven ability to work as part of multi-disciplinary project teams involving environmental, social, legal and construction activities typically associated with the sectors noted above;

· Minimum (5) years of experience providing technical and administrative support on the assessment of environmental and social risks/impacts and/or promoting sound environmental and social performance of development projects;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; and

· Excellent diplomatic skills.

Preferred

· Previous experience working with MCC and MCC country partners

· French language skills