Terms of Reference

 1. Introduction

The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the lead apex institution for community-driven development in the country. Set up as a fully autonomous not-for-profit private sector organization, PPAF enjoys facilitation and support from the Government of Pakistan, World Bank, Government of Italy, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), KfW Entwicklungsbank (Development Bank of Germany), UN Agencies, European Union (EU), and other statutory and corporate donors. PPAF aims to be the catalyst for improving the quality of life, broadening the range of opportunities and socio-economic mainstreaming of the poor and disadvantaged, especially women.

The understanding and experience of PPAF about the dynamics and dimensions of poverty has grown to recognize that poverty is not just about low-income levels but is endemic in households and communities which have limited opportunities, few assets, low education and health status, lack of access to basic infrastructure and suffer from lack of social, economic, and political participation. This refined understanding has enabled PPAF to expand its vision to encompass Pakistan without hunger and poverty and its mission is to reduce poverty in the country through a multipronged strategy which enables poor rural households to increase their productive potential, reduce their vulnerability through investments in assets, skills and access to services and increase their social, economic. and political participation.

The core operating units of the PPAF deliver a range of development interventions at the grassroots/community level through a network of more than 137 Partner Organizations (POs). These include social mobilization, livelihood support, access to credit, infrastructure and energy, health, education, climate change and disaster management. Externally commissioned independent studies have demonstrated positive outcomes and impact of PPAF interventions on the lives of benefiting communities related to their economic output, household incomes, assets, agricultural productivity skills, and other quality of life indices. The complete profile and description of PPAF are available at the Program institutional website:  http://www.ppaf.org.pk/.

2. Background and Rationale

In the dynamic landscape of project implementation, the imperative for an individual Environmental and Social Safeguard consultant arises from the evolving intricacies embedded in the operationalization of the 6^th version of the Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The nuanced nature of this framework necessitates a professional adept in deciphering its intricacies and ensuring its seamless integration into both donor and PPAF’s own funded projects. Technical expertise becomes paramount as the consultant is tasked with providing indispensable assistance in navigating the multifaceted terrains of project execution, offering key insights into the effective formulation of ESM Plans for each programme. Furthermore, the role extends beyond mere advisory, incorporating a crucial capacity-building component for both the PPAF and its partner organizations' staff. This holistic approach ensures a sustainable and resilient implementation of environmental and social safeguards, underscoring the strategic importance of securing a consultant well-versed in the technical nuances and collaborative dimensions of this vital role.

2. Consultancy Objective

The key objective of this assignment is to create/improve, implement and monitor social and environmental safeguards and plans to promote sustainable development. The individual consultant will also carry out social and environmental audits and assessments, identifying and resolving social and environmental challenges, and ensuring necessary changes are implemented.

3. Scope of Work

The scope of work for the consultancy assignment is underlined: 

• Review project proposals received from Partner Organization (POs) considering Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS) of the donor(s).
• Conduct frequent field visits to program areas across the country to verify project sites, and assess prevailing environment/baseline information, determine sensitive receptors, the nature, and the magnitude of anticipated environmental and social Risks.
• Conduct orientation session of the POs regarding environmental and social requirements of the project.
• Carry out stakeholder consultations by visiting respective physical infrastructure scheme/sub-project sites, disclose project, its significance, purpose of the intervention and their role at the planning, execution, and operation phase of the project.
• Provide technical assistance to all POs regarding the nature of the sub-project(s), environmental and social management system and its applicability during all levels of the sub-project(s), rapid social and environmental assessment and occupational health and safety.
• Visit and verify the environmental aspects of disaster risk mitigation schemes with a view to authenticate the information provided in monthly and quarterly progress reports (QPRs) submitted by the respective POs.
• Verify information pertaining to environment and social being provided by POs on monthly and quarterly basis.

4. Specific Responsibilities

• Identify environmental and social risks associated with implementation of KFW-funded Livelihood and community infrastructure programme (LACIP) climate resilience interventions.
• Provide support to POs in preparation of Environmental and Social Mitigation Plans (ESMP) and Environmental and Social Mitigation Monitoring Plans (ESMMP) for individual projects/ interventions.
• Ensure the compliance of ESMP and ESMMP by POs through field visits to project sites.
• Facilitate POs in voluntary land donation cases and determining site specific Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) requirement in implementation of IAUPs.
• Analyze infrastructure projects and sites regarding Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) requirements and facilitate field teams on preparing site-specific layouts and adopting measures.
• Prepare monitoring reports on ESMMP for submission to the senior management and donor(s).
• Conduct periodic training sessions of POs’ staff on environment and social screening of all interventions as per the approved checklist/Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).

5. Qualification and Experience

• At least 16 years of education or master’s in environmental sciences, social sciences or relevant disciplines from a HEC recognized institute.
• Minimum 4 years of work experience in the same field in development sector.
• Have sound knowledge of ISO concept and mechanisms.
• Excellent team working skills to work in a team-oriented working environment.
• Exhibit excellent negotiation skills and problem-solving skills.
• Sound data management and presentation skills.  
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Must possess excellent written communication and presentation skills with proficiency in MS Office environment.
• Excellent adaptability skills to work in a fast-paced environment with different departments/sections.
• Must be highly skilled in time management and multi-tasking.

6. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant, in the execution of his/her responsibilities, will directly report to Operations Lead - LACIP and maintain a seamless coordination mechanism with the designated official(s) responsible for overseeing the implementation of this assignment. This collaboration aims to ensure a structured and efficient flow of communication, aligning the consultant's efforts with the overarching goals and expectations set by PPAF. Regular updates, feedback loops, and strategic discussions will be integral components of this coordination, fostering a collaborative environment that maximizes the impact and success of the assignment.

7. Duration

The assignment is slated initially for a duration of 6 months, with the anticipated commencement date in December 2023. The specific timeline for the consultancy period can be mutually agreed upon and calendared with PPAF at the time of contract stipulation. Importantly, the immediate part of assignment is set to conclude by May 2024. However, provisions are in place to consider extensions based on satisfactory performance and emerging necessities of PPAF work. This flexibility underscores the commitment to ensuring that the consultancy is responsive to evolving needs and can adapt to unforeseen circumstances, thereby maximizing its effectiveness and impact.

8. Selection Method  

The individual consultant will be selected in accordance with PPAF’s Procurement Manual and Guidelines.

9. Ethical Considerations:

The consultant will hand over all the data and along with the final report/ deliverables. PPAF will hold the ownership of all data and information collected under this assignment and the consultant will have no right to use or quote data/information from the assignment without prior written permission from senior management of PPAF.