Environmental Specialist- Independent Consultant

Project Description

USAID Trade and Competitiveness (Udhyam Nepal) Activity is a five-year project to increase Nepali private sector participation in targeted global value chains by making them competitive, resilient, and sustainable. The Activity will chart a new growth path for private companies by supporting them to capitalize on global opportunities – targeting quality and high value exports (of products and services). It aims to foster sustainable growth, in selected value chains, by incentivizing actors (both private and public) through investments, innovations, employment, and a business enabling environment to expand their integration into the global market. The Activity is working to achieve the goal through the following objectives:

• To increase access to market-based financial and non-financial services;
• To increase productivity in sectors with high growth and employment potential; and
• To improve the investment climate and business enabling environment, for targeted sectors.

We are seeking a qualified candidate to fill the short-term consultancy role of Environment Specialist based in Kathmandu, Nepal, for a one-year contract (100 days).

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Environmental Specialist will support the work related to environment in tourism, agriculture, and potentially digital services and other matters related to the environment. 
In order to carry out activities under this Activity, the Environmental Specialist will require in-depth expertise in Nepal’s tourism and agriculture sectors including knowledge about the impact of these sectors on the environment, steps required to mitigate environmental risk, environmental compliances, and environmental related studies. The Specialist will be required to provide support to the private sector for development and mitigation and monitoring measures for ecotourism and agro-processing value chain support. This includes developing requirements related to environmental and social safeguards (ES&S) compliance for USAID Trade and Competitiveness grantees and sub- awards.

The Consultant will report to the Chief of Party and work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Grants Manager, and Objective Leads.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the USAID approved Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for USAID
• Trade and Competitiveness and check for program compliance with relevant Nepalese environmental regulations
• Work with technical team to monitor implementation of activities to identify potential adverse environmental effects of program activities and propose appropriate mitigation measures
• As appropriate, work with technical team to implement environmental mitigation measures for program activities
• Complete program environmental reporting requirements (as required)
• Complete Environmental Review Checklist (ERC) assessments, for grant activities and other program activities required in the USAID Trade and Competitiveness (EMMP)
• As necessary, develop EMMPs for grants activities that based on the ERC are determined to have potential environmental impacts
• Assist in analyzing and interpreting environmental laws, regulations, and policies related to ecotourism and agro-processing value chain as they relate to program activities
• Assist in developing and monitoring SOPs/protocols to ensure compliance with approved local government counterparts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering or Environmental Management or in a relevant discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including 3 years in similar role(s) for ecotourism and agro-processing value chain sectors environmentalist-related activities for donor projects in development work (USAID experience is preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Nepali context and Nepali legal requirements as it relates to agro-processing value chain sectors.
• Experience in environment management and environmental risk mitigation in agro-processing value chain sector and ecotourism, and report preparation.
• Familiarity with IFC and World Bank performance standards
• Experience coordinating and implementing environmental mitigation and monitoring for international development programs (USAID experience preferred).
• Strong writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Team player; willing to take direction from project management and work with others.
• Flexible and adaptive personality.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Self-starter, willing to take initiative, remain accountable, take ownership of work product and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Dedicated to professional development, improvement and open to receiving constructive feedback.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Location: Kathmandu, with travel to other locations of the country as required. Note that Deloitte Consulting

Overseas Projects, LLC will reimburse for lodging and transportation based on actuals for required field visits outside of the home base.

Please ensure resume/application DOES NOT INCLUDE personal information such as gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, religion. DCOP LLC is an equal opportunity employer.  This position is open to Nepali nationals only.