Environmental Management Specialist (EMS) 1. General Job Title Immediate Supervisor (Reports to) Position Division EnvironmentalManagement Specialist Head, Social Development, Environment & Communication Division Regional Social Development, Environment & Communication 2. Core Functions The Environmental Management Specialist (EMS) is responsible for mainstreaming and institutionalizing environment in ENSAP. The EMS will be in charge of inputting environmental considerations during ENSAP upstream work [in project identification and preparation] such as through the organization and facilitation of the conduct of Strategic Social and Environmental Assessments (SSEA) and support, as needed and when called upon, project specific feasibility study EIAs. The EMS will also be the lead person in ENSAP for the preservation and/conservation of key Eastern Nile environmental assets, ecosystems and biospheres. The EMS will lead the identification, characterization and monitoring of such resources, such as thru taking part in the preparation of the Nile-Sec led the State of the Basin Report. The EMS will also be developing concept papers, discussion papers and policy guidelines on EN environment. The EMS core function also includes the leading role h/she will play in mainstreaming Climate Change adaptation and mitigation in ENSAP. The EMS shall create and/or participate in various platforms at national, regional and international scales to promote environmental awareness, build capacities, exchange and internalize environment related best practices. 3. Duties & Responsibilities The Environmental Management Specialist will be responsible to undertake the following in close collaboration with ENSAP Regional Project Coordinators and other functional units of ENTRO. 1. Formulate Policy Guidelines and prepare discussion papers on Eastern Nile priority environment issues Spearhead the formulation of regional environmental guidelines, environmental standards for safeguard policies and quality control/monitoring of impact assessment studies and implementation of measures; Lead and coordinate ENSAP strategies and plans on Climate Change and ensure proper integration of climate change adaptation, mitigation and opportunities in the process of
project preparation and identifications; Highlight impacts of policies and regulatory measures of EN governments on the environment, particularly as related to water and natural resource management Support the formulation and eventual adoption of Transboundary Environmental policies and guidelines both at EN sub-basin level and Nile Basin wide. Periodically prepare discussion or occasional papers on EN environmental themes and issues that are of pressing nature including key environmental threats and drivers the basin is likely to face in the short, medium and long run. 2.Project preparation/development and financing Take part in ENSAP project identification and preparation work, leading the environment component of such preparation work (such as determining the type and scope of environmental studies appropriate for the study; identifying data needs and strategies to fill data gaps; ensuring the soundness of project proposals interms of their environment content, etc.) Support the resource mobilization effort for prepared projects thru ensuring the environment soundness of the proposals. Avail, when needed for project preparation or for consultations, the requisite information and technical data on environment related requirements of development partners and financing institutions such as pertains to Climate Change, environmental safety standards; safeguards policies, etc. Take part, and as needed, lead the review of project proposals and Consultant reports related to ENSAP project preparation work. 3. Environmental Assessment As ENSAP project identification and preparation work is, by and large, upstream and of transboundary dimension, Strategic Social and Environmental Assessments (SSEA) will be of critical significance. The EMS shall lead the conduct and organization of SSEAs and promote the adoption and mainstreaming of SSEA at national level as well. Lead the task of developing analytical framework for climate risk assessment in the EN. Assist in preparing content for the Climate Change Portal, Provide inputs to the environment sections of the EN State of the Basin and Nile Basin State of the Basin and EN Climate Change Reports, Periodically review and update ENSAP Environment Management Guidance and identify bottlenecks for its adoption. 4. Coordination Working closely with the NBI staff from other centers (Nile-SEC and NELSAP-CU), serve
as the Environment management focal point within ENTRO for coordinating NBI Environment Management activities and facilitating linkage with NBI Centers. Lead the task of establishing and strengthening National Environmental Focal Points. Provide link with entities within and outside the NBI on matters relating to climate change and environment management thus keeping ENSAP/ENTRO current and in step with the state-of-the art in environment policy making, environmental assessment, climate change assessment, etc. Represent ENSAP/ENTRO in regional and international environment forums and share experiences thereof with the wider ENSAP/NBI family thru extended or Back to Office Reports and/or presentations in seminars. 5. Capacity Building The EMS will be responsible for the conduct of trainings and overall capacity building of ENSAP Project Coordinators, ENTRO staff and Management; National Focal Persons/Points, Develop environmental training materials (script, digital, audiovisual, etc.) as necessary. To date African countries including Nile Basin countries have been lagging in accessing and utilizing Climate Change financing opportunities. The EMS will therefore focus on organizing and facilitating trainings and capacity building for ENTRO staff and National Focal points to enable accessing and utilizing Climate Change finances such Carbon Trade. 6. Relationships The EMS shall be the lead in ENSAP that develops networks and working partnershiops with researchers, academics and professionals within universities and think tanks and environmental government and non government organizations in EN countries. The EMS will also be the lead to cultivate partnership and exchange of experiences with River Basin Organizations in Africa and globally. 7. General Perform all other related functions as may be assigned by the Head, Social Development, Environment and Communication Division individually or as a member of a team. 4. Direct Reports None
5. Relationships& Coordination Head Water Resources Management Division Head Water Resources Development Division Regional Project Coordinators Modeling & Knowledge Management Specialist Geographical information System Specialist Regional Strategy and Partnership Development Officer Communications Specialist 6. Job Specifications 6.1 Essential 6.1.1 Education At least a Master s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, and /or Water Resources related fields. 6.1.2 Experience At least 10 years progressive working experience in Natural Resources Management with proven record in carrying out and/or overseeing Environmental management & Impact Assessment for large infrastructure and other projects, preferably in transboundary settings, at least 3 years of which must have been in Africa for a Master s degree holder. OR 4 years of relevant experience for a PhD holder of which at least 2 years must have been in Africa. 6.1.3 Competencies A demonstrated understanding of international and transboundary aspects of the management of shared watercourses Familiarity with and competence in strategic approach to environmental management including policy support, planning & implementation processes particularly policies related to river basin sustainability such as environmental flows, wetlands protection, biodiversity, watershed management, fisheries policy, etc. Proven ability in the application of environmental impact assessment tools and techniques; Proven ability to operate in a multi-cultural environment and to interact positively with a wide range of stakeholders within an international and multi-government context; Proven capacity to drive cross-cutting agendas across organizational boundaries.
High level of fluency in the English language Demonstrated ability of excellent written and spoken communications, and ability to transmit ideas and information in a clear, accurate and effective manner. 6.2Desirable Previous work with International funding agencies and/or in organizations funded by international development partners is an advantage; Knowledge of Climate Change Financing Previous experience of working in a river basin organization or in the water sector is an advantage. Knowledge of national languages (Arabic and/or Amharic) is advantage.