REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CVs)
SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST FOR LREEAP
Name of Project: Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP)
Project ID: P166936
Position: Social Safeguards Specialist for LREEAP Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
Reporting to: Project Manager, LREEAP
Selection Method: Individual Consultant Selection
Background
The Government of Lesotho has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP). The project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to advance the electrification agenda and the implementation of the Lesotho Energy Policy 2015–2025 by supporting the provision of off-grid electricity services as well as grid electrification of economic zones to enhance job creation.
The project aims to accelerate electricity access along two (2) dimensions:
(i) grid extension to economic development zones in peri-urban areas, and
(ii) deployment of mini-grids to reach rural and remote communities.
A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) established within the Ministry of Energy is responsible for the overall implementation of the LREEAP. Within the PIU, the Lesotho Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd (LEC) is implementing Component 1 of the project, namely Grid Extension to Peri-urban Areas of Lesotho, through a Technical Unit established as an implementation arm of the PIU. Component 1 finances the design, procurement of materials, and construction of works required to electrify selected industrial and commercial loads in peri-urban areas of Lesotho, as well as providing connections to residential customers in adjacent areas.
The social safeguards function under the LEC Technical Unit within the LREEAP will be led by a Social Safeguards Specialist, who will be responsible for the overall implementation and guidance of all social safeguards activities. The LREEAP is therefore seeking to recruit a capable individual for this key position in the LEC Technical Unit.
Objectives and Scope of the Assignment
The main objective of the position is to manage all social safeguards aspects under the project in adherence with good governance and international best practices, and in strict accordance with project documents and relevant safeguards instruments. These include the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), national legislation, and the social safeguard policies of major donor agencies — in particular, the World Bank’s Operational Policy OP 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement.
Key Responsibilities
a. Develop Terms of Reference and scope of services for social assessments and social management plans required to inform the project during preparation and implementation.
b. Oversee the management of all social programs under the project.
c. Lead the development and review of social instruments such as Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plans (ARAPs), checklists, guidelines, and tools relevant to social safeguards implementation, ensuring quality and data accuracy.
d. Support staff and consultants with the identification of stakeholders, baseline data sources, and documentation relevant to the project.
e. Ensure that consultants’ technical proposals and contracts conform to national and World Bank social standards and guidelines.
f. Coordinate the mainstreaming of social issues in project design and implementation in accordance with agreed safeguard instruments (ESMF, ESMP, and RPF/RAP).
g. Assess and guide the consultation process required for the preparation and implementation of Resettlement Action Plans.
h. Supervise land acquisition and involuntary resettlement activities in subprojects under implementation.
i. Provide technical input to procurement planning and processing to ensure that:
- social safeguard requirements are properly reflected in procurement plans;
- relevant provisions are included in bidding documents and contracts; and
- contractors’ bids are adequately evaluated for social safeguards compliance.
j. Oversee orientation and training for counterpart staff and agencies involved in sub-projects to ensure understanding of social safeguards.
k. Work closely with the Environmental Safeguards Specialist to establish, support, and supervise the implementation of environmental and social safeguard processes based on ESMF findings and sub-project-specific ESMPs and ESIAs, ensuring mitigation measures are implemented.
l. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and promote access to information for effective compliance with social safeguard measures, ensuring inclusivity and equity.
m. Contribute substantively to analyses and strengthening of cross-cutting social aspects such as gender, child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), HIV/AIDS, social inclusion, land acquisition, and compensation.
n. Advise LEC and related government ministries on social impact issues related to subprojects.
o. Assist in policy dialogue with counterpart ministries and agencies.
p. Manage labour and community grievance procedures (GRM) and stakeholder engagement under the project.
q. Oversee impact assessment and progress reporting on social safeguards.
r. Advise and/or participate in project teams to ensure that operational mechanisms account for social opportunities, impacts, constraints, and risks.
s. Undertake site visits to assess and enforce compliance, recommending necessary corrective actions.
t. Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Project Manager.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
a. Master’s Degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Urban Planning, Socio-Economics, or a related discipline, with a minimum of seven (7) years’ relevant experience.
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields, with a minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience.
b. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience managing complex teams or projects, conducting socio-economic surveys, social assessments, public consultations, resettlement and compensation processes, and other social development activities.
c. Proven experience operationalizing environmental and social standards and implementing social safeguard policies of major donors, particularly the World Bank’s OP 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement.
d. Field experience highly desirable.
e. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
f. Specific experience with projects implemented in Lesotho is an advantage.
Other Competencies
• Fluency in both Sesotho and English.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with experience managing diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Recruitment Process and Contract Type
The selection method will follow the World Bank’s Individual Consultant Selection Method, and the process will be governed by the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (February 2025, Sixth Edition).
Interested consultants are advised that the World Bank’s conflict-of-interest policy, outlined in Section III, paragraphs 3.14–3.16, applies. Consultants shall not be hired for any assignment that conflicts with their prior or current obligations or that may affect their impartiality in carrying out the assignment.
This is a time-based, full-time assignment based at the Project Office in Maseru, Lesotho, with frequent travel to project sites. The assignment duration is 13 months, with an expected start date of no later than 1st January 2026.
Candidates will be evaluated based on their relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated capacity to perform the assignment. Knowledge of local context, including language, culture, and administrative systems, will be an added advantage.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (08:00 – 17:00 local time).
Submission of Expressions of Interest
Interested candidates must submit their curriculum vitae, cover letter, and certified copies of educational certificates in a single PDF file via email on or before 18th November 2025 at 17:00.
The subject line must read: “Application – Social Safeguards Specialist”.
Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
Email addresses for submission and clarification requests:
Attention: The Project Coordinator, LREEAP (Acting)
120 Lancers Road, Opposite New State House, Maseru West
Emails: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]