Advance funds have been provided by the International Development Association (IDA) towards the costs of the project’s preparation phase.
The project is being prepared for seeking financial support of the World Bank and therefore must comply with the World Bank Safeguards Policies and Performance Standards (see the concept project information document stage at the WB website). Accordingly, the Mphanda Nkuwa Project needs to comply with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) – Community Health and Safety (ESS4[2]). To this effect two panel of experts (PoEs) need to be formed: (i) Panel of Experts for Dam Safety (PoE-DS); and (ii) Panel of Experts for Environmental and Social Management (PoE-ESM).
The Environmental Expert as part of the ESRM Panel will be responsible for environmental and social (E&S) oversight of all components of the project involving civil works on the project, which include the dam and ancillary works, and the associated transmission infrastructure. The expert and ESRM Panel will also carry out a review of project instruments and ensure that the design is fully aligned with the Government of Mozambique’s key objectives for sustainable energy supply. The ESRM shall review all E&S instruments for compliance with their Terms of Reference, the country requirements and the World Bank ESF, EHS Guidelines and relevant World Bank Group Good Practices Notes. The expert and ESRM Panel shall review the full suite of investigations prepared to comply with Mozambique Decree 54/2015, which include initial registration, the Scoping Report (EPDA), the ESIA and ESMP, and all specialist studies and associated records of stakeholder consultation. Specific subjects on which the PoE is expected to comment, but not limited to, are listed in the Terms of Reference.
The assignment is for a period of six years, covering project preparation, construction, and initial reservoir filling. The initial contract will be signed for a period of two years, with the potential for an extension to cover the full duration of preparation and implementation. The contract will be time-based, with an annual ceiling of 20 working days, subject to extension if needed.
Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services including:
- A Ph.D. or master’s in environmental science/engineering, Natural Resources Management, or related field with at least 15 to 20 years of relevant experience in environmental management of large hydropower projects, particularly dams;
- Experience of working in Eastern and/or Southern Africa over and above any other international experience;
- Proven understanding of the World Bank ESF, former Safeguard Policies, IFC Performance Standards, and the World Bank Group EHS Guidelines;
- Familiarity with relevant international best practices, such as the Hydropower Sustainability Standard/Protocol, IFC Good Practice Handbooks, and the Equator Principles; (v) Knowledge of Mozambique’s national environmental and social regulations and permitting requirements. Evidence must be attached as supporting documents.
Detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below.
The attention of interest is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” – September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting for the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with ICS – Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Expression of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 15 April, 14:00 local time, and be clearly marked “Individual Consultancy Services to Provision Project Advisor for undertaking the review of the Environmental studies of the planned Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower Project.” For further information, contact: Carla Costa, Gabinete de Implementação do Projecto Hidroeléctrico de Mphanda Nkuwa, Rua dos Desportistas, No918, Edifício JAT V-3, 1o Andar, Maputo, Mozambique; Tel.: +258 21 42 3873; Email: carla.costa@gmnk.co.mz; geral@gmnk.co.mz.
