REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REoI)
(Individual Consultant)
Consultant Services for Environmental and Social Specialist
Country: Kingdom of Lesotho
Project: Public Sector Foundations for Services Delivery Project (P174171)
Loan No.: 74920‑LS
Assignment Title: Environmental and Social Specialist
Activity Reference No.: LS‑MOFDP‑540491‑CS‑INDV
Issue Date: March 05, 2026
Introduction
The Kingdom of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MoFDP), has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Public Sector Foundations for Service Delivery Project (PSFSDP). Part of the proceeds will be used to procure consulting services for an Environmental and Social Specialist.
The Services include ensuring that the project is implemented in compliance with Government of Lesotho (GoL) and World Bank environmental, social, health, and safety (ESHS) guidelines, including the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).
Scope of Work
The Environmental and Social Specialist will undertake, among others, the following tasks:
• Act as focal point and coordinator on environmental and social impact issues related to PSFSDP activities
• Ensure and monitor compliance with national regulations, institutional frameworks, and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs)
• Ensure implementation of project environmental and social instruments, including ESCP and SEP
• Identify and assess emerging environmental, social, health, and safety issues
• Notify Government and World Bank promptly of any incidents likely to have significant adverse effects
• Provide advice on corrective measures and monitor their implementation
• Prepare and submit regular ESHS performance monitoring reports
• Notify the World Bank and Management immediately of serious incidents, including SEA/SH cases and major accidents
• Contribute E&S inputs into project reporting
• Share knowledge with PIU members to ensure awareness of E&S issues
• Ensure public disclosure and visibility of environmental and social standards
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Project Coordinator
Duration
• Two years, subject to satisfactory performance
• Expected start date: June 01, 2026
The detailed Terms of Reference are available on the Government of Lesotho Tenders website or by request from the email addresses listed below.
Eligibility and Application
The Ministry invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest. Expressions of interest must demonstrate required qualifications and relevant experience (CV + evidence of similar assignments).
Staff from firms may apply through their employer; only the individual’s qualifications will be evaluated.
Selection Criteria
a) Academic Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Public Administration, Project Management, or related fields
b) Professional Experience
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in environmental and social risk management for World Bank or similar donor-funded projects
• Experience in project implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Strong report-writing skills
• Experience with safeguarding standards, including risk assessment, GBV/SEA/SH considerations, stakeholder engagement, and grievance mechanisms
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working under pressure with competing priorities
• Familiarity with data analysis or GIS tools (advantage)
c) Knowledge and Skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and motivational skills
• Knowledge of ESF, ESSs, and international best practices
• Capacity to conduct stakeholder consultations and community engagements
• Ability to prepare E&S performance indicators and management plans
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities
d) Communication Skills
• Strong coordination and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication in Sesotho and English
e) Computer Literacy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint
f) Language
• Fluency in English required
Conflict of Interest
Attention is drawn to paragraphs 3.13, 3.15 and 3.16 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Fifth Edition, September 2025).
Selection will follow the Individual Consultant Selection (INDV) method.
Submission Details
Deadline: March 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Submissions must be made as follows:
Hard Copy Submission
Submit 1 original + 5 copies to:
LPSFSDP Tender Box
3rd Floor, Finance House
Government Complex
Kingsway
Maseru, Lesotho
Email Submission
Email: [email protected]
Copy: [email protected]
Required Documents
a) Curriculum vitae
b) Certified academic certificates
c) Certified identity documents
Submissions must be clearly titled:
“Environmental and Social Specialist”
Contact Details
Attn: Director Human Resource
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning
3rd Floor, Finance House
Government Complex, Kingsway
Maseru, Lesotho
Tel: +266 22324115
Email: [email protected]