Posted November 6, 2026 Listing expires November 13, 2026

NATIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE COMMITTEE

Integrated Social Protection for Resilience and Opportunity (INSPIRE-O)
Credit /Grant No: P512324
Date of Issue: 6th November 2026

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR POSITIONS UNDER THE INTEGRATED SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR RESILIENCE AND OPPORTUNITY (INSPIRE-O)

The Government of Malawi (GoM) through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NGFC) has received financing from the World Bank Group and the Malawi Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund supported by the European Union, Ireland, the United Kingdom through FCDO, Germany through KIW, Iceland, and Norway towards the cost of Integrated Social Protection for Resilience and Opportunity (INSPIRE-O). The NGFC intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract to recruit various specialists and/officers on a three – year contract, renewable annually based on performance and availability of financial resources or as mutually agreed by both parties.

NGFC, therefore, invites applications from suitably qualified and interested candidates to fill various positions available at the NGFC Offices:

Environmental Safeguards Specialist (1 position)

Position Overview

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist is a senior technical expert within the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC). The primary role is to lead in the identification, assessment, and management of environmental risks and impacts for the INSPIRE-O projects. The Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all project activities are planned and implemented in an environmentally responsible manner, in full compliance with Government of Malawi regulatory framework, the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), and the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). This includes promoting positive environmental outcomes, managing risks related to pollution, biodiversity, and resource efficiency, and ensuring the effective implementation of environmental management instruments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist’s role encompasses the following key result areas, with core responsibilities including but not limited to:

Environmental Risk Assessment & Management

1. Lead the identification, assessment, and monitoring of environmental risks and impacts associated with all project activities, ensuring compliance with the World Bank ESF (particularly ESS1, ESS3, ESS4, ESS6), Government of Malawi regulations, and the project’s ESCP.
2. Oversee the preparation and implementation of site-specific environmental safeguards instruments, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plans (CESMPs), and other relevant plans.
3. Ensure that all environmental safeguards instruments are developed in a participatory manner, costed, and integrated into project design, procurement documents, and contracts.
4. Provide technical oversight to local authorities in conducting environmental screening and in the preparation of relevant environmental safeguards documentation.
5. Ensure the effective implementation of the Pest Management Plan (PMP) where applicable and promote sustainable land and water resource management practices.
6. Support the environmental screening and monitoring of microenterprise activities financed through cash grants, tools and equipment, including application of project eligibility requirements and exclusion criteria and management of waste, pollution, hazardous materials, resource-use and community health and safety risks.

Compliance Monitoring & Supervision

1. Develop and implement a robust internal administrative tracking system for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to monitor the progress of project activities in meeting environmental safeguard requirements.
2. Conduct regular site visits and spot checks to monitor contractors’ compliance with site-specific CESMPs, Labor Management Procedures (LMPs), Codes of Conduct, and other environmental requirements.
3. Review CESMPs and provide feedback to local authorities and contractors.
4. Prepare non-compliance reports and track the implementation of corrective and remedial actions to ensure closure.
5. Promptly identify, document and internally escalate environmental incidents and accidents in accordance with the ESCP timelines, and support appropriate investigation, preparation of corrective action plans and follow-up to verified closure, in coordination with the Social and OHS Specialists.
6. Coordinate the preparation of periodic Environmental Compliance Monitoring Reports and ensure their timely submission.

Capacity Building & Support

1. Design and deliver, or arrange for the delivery of, an environmental safeguards capacity building program for NLGFC, local authorities’ staff, contractors, and other relevant stakeholders.
2. Provide technical support and on-the-job coaching to local authorities’ staff on the implementation of environmental safeguards.
3. Support local authorities in understanding and implementing environmental requirements, particularly for sub-projects under Component 2 (INSPIRE-O’s CS-LIPW and related activities).

Integration & Coordination

1. Coordinate closely with the Social Safeguards Specialist to ensure integrated management of environmental and social risks, including areas of overlap such as community health and safety, livelihood restoration, and grievance redress.
2. Provide environmental inputs into the planning, design, and contracting of investments, including the preparation of tender documents and contracts.
3. Participate in official meetings with the World Bank, government agencies, and other forums related to the project’s environmental performance.
4. Contribute to the preparation of Terms of Reference for environmental safeguards-related consultancies and support the management of such assignments.

Audits, Reporting & Knowledge Management

1. Undertake periodic internal environmental compliance reviews and support independent consultants undertaking formal environmental and social audits, including tracking agreed corrective and remedial actions to closure.
2. Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual environmental progress reports for submission to the Project Coordinator and Executive Director, and provide environmental inputs for reports submitted by NLGFC to the World Bank.
3. Prepare quarterly compliance reports on CESMPs and other environmental instruments.
4. Provide inputs and materials to the Communications Specialist for devising communication strategies, knowledge products, and dissemination of results.
5. Document lessons learned, best practices, and implementation challenges related to environmental safeguards.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences; Environmental Engineering; Natural Resources Management; Environmental Policy and Analysis, Environmental Management; or a related field from an accredited institution.
2. Registered with a relevant professional body or regulatory authority.
3. A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in environmental assessment and management at a national or international level, including experience in infrastructure, public works, natural-resource management or climate-resilience projects.
4. Demonstrated experience in preparing, reviewing and supervising the implementation of ESIAs, ESMPs and other environmental instruments in accordance with the World Bank ESF and Malawi’s environmental regulatory framework. Experience with Paris Alignment assessment and climate co-benefits reporting will be an added advantage.
5. Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs on environmental safeguards.
6. Familiarity with environmental, social, and economic conditions prevailing in Malawi, including knowledge of the decentralized local government systems.

Essential Skills and Competencies

1. Technical: In-depth knowledge of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), particularly ESS1 (Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts), ESS3 (Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management), ESS4 (Community Health and Safety), and ESS6 (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources).
2. Regulatory: Working knowledge of environmental regulations in Malawi, including the Environmental Management Act, and experience in engaging with national environmental authorities (e.g., Environmental Affairs Department).
3. Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and local languages, with the ability to present environmental information clearly and concisely.
4. Computer: Proficient in using MS Office Suite and database management tools.
5. Personal Attributes: Highly motivated, self-starter, result-oriented and capable of working under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Must demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and a commitment to anti-corruption and anti-bribery ethics.

Deliverables and Performance Management

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist’s performance will be assessed against the timeliness, quality, and completeness of the following deliverables:

1. Environmental Instruments: All required environmental instruments (e.g., ESMPs, CESMPs) prepared, reviewed, and disclosed on schedule.
2. Compliance Reports: Monthly, quarterly, and annual environmental safeguards progress reports prepared and submitted on time, including updates on the ESCP.
3. CESMP Compliance Reports: Quarterly compliance reports on Contractor’s ESMPs, tracking implementation and any non-compliance issues.
4. Tracking System: A functional internal administrative tracking system for the PIU, monitoring the progress of project activities in meeting environmental safeguard requirements.
5. Field Monitoring Reports: Reports following site visits and spot checks, documenting compliance with environmental requirements and corrective actions taken.
6. Compliance Review and Audit Follow-up Reports: Reports on internal environmental compliance reviews and support provided to independent environmental and social audits, with agreed corrective and remedial actions tracked to verified closure.
7. Capacity Building Reports: Reports on the design and delivery of capacity-building programs for relevant stakeholders.
8. Non-Compliance Reports: Reports on any environmental non-compliance, with clear documentation of actions taken to address them.

Key Performance Indicators

1. 100% of required environmental instruments identified and technically reviewed within the agreed timelines, with their implementation regularly monitored and material delays or non-compliance promptly reported, escalated and followed up through corrective actions.
2. Timely submission of complete monthly, quarterly and annual social risk-management reports and inputs to consolidated E&S reports.
3. Timely submission of quarterly social compliance reports covering contractors’ and implementing partners’ compliance with applicable labour, stakeholder engagement, grievance management, social inclusion, ESS5 and GBV/SEA/SH requirements
4. Percentage of major environmental non-compliance findings reported on time, with corrective actions agreed and followed up to verified closure within the agreed timeframe.
5. Percentage of staff identified in the approved environmental capacity-building plan who complete the planned training within the agreed timeframe.

Reporting and Supervision

The Environmental Safeguards Specialist will report to the Deputy Project Coordinator for all administrative operations and to the Head of Environmental and Social Safeguards at NLGFC for technical issues. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Social Safeguards Specialist, local authorities, and other project staff.

Location of Employment

The consultant will be based at the NLGFC offices in Lilongwe. The position will require regular and extensive travel to all project implementation areas for INSPIRE-O.

Duration of Assignment

The assignment is for a period of three (3) years, with annual performance reviews and contract extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of project resources.

Selection and Remuneration

1. Selection Method: The applicant will be selected on the basis of the method of Individual Consultant in accordance with the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers,” Sixth Edition, February 2025.
2. Remuneration: The remuneration package will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Interested applicants who meet the specified requirements are encouraged to submit their application letters together with a concise Curriculum Vitae (CV), National ID, and copies of relevant original certificates to the address below not later than 17.00 hours on 13th November, 2026.

The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying Gender equality in its operations and strongly encourages women to apply for the above vacant positions.

The Executive Director
National Local Government Finance Committee
Area 14, Red Cross Building
Presidential Way
P.O Box 31162
LILONGWE 3
Or through the following email address: [email protected]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.

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