Job Description

Project/Consultancy Title: Recruitment of Expert to conduct an Environmental Assessment for SIDA’s Inclusive Finance for Somalia’s Livestock Sector (IFSLS) program

Project Location(s): Somalia

Background:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Purpose / Project Description:

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) emphasizes the integration of environmental considerations into all development initiatives. To create prerequisites for better living conditions for people living in poverty and oppression, SIDA mandates that key environmental factors be integrated into all their financed projects and programs through an environmental assessment. The environmental assessment serves as the basis for integrating environmental concerns into planning, implementation and monitoring of projects and programs and ensures program alignment with sustainable development principles, thereby mitigating potential environmental risks.

This Scope of Work (SoW) outlines the scope, objectives, and responsibilities for engaging an environmental expert to conduct an environmental assessment for the SIDA-funded Inclusive Finance in Somalia’s Livestock (IFSLS) program. The Inclusive Finance in Somalia’s Livestock Sector (IFSLS) Activity is an 18-month program funded by SIDA and implemented by Mercy Corps in Somalia. IFSLS aims to increase the income, resilience and assets for micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) in Somalia’s livestock value chain through improved financial inclusion. Somalia’s unique socio-economic and environmental context necessitates a robust assessment of how the IFSLS program may interact with the local environment, including potential risks and opportunities

Objectives:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment for the IFSLS program in Somalia, ensuring full adherence to SIDA’s Environmental Assessment Guidelines. The assessment will:

1. Identify opportunities for positive environmental impact from the project/program on the environment;
2. Identify risks for negative environmental impact from the project/program that can harm the environment;.
3. Identify potential risks from environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity affecting the sustainability of the program.
4. Propose mitigation measures and environmental safeguards to address identified risks, ensuring that the IFSLS program design incorporates sustainable and environmentally sound practices.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will:

Review Existing Program Documentation:

1. Analyze the IFSLS program’s objectives, activities, and implementation framework to identify potential environmental risks and opportunities that can impact program delivery and SIDA’s reputation.
2. Review relevant policies, legal frameworks, and guidelines in Somalia’s economic, financial and livestock sectors.

Conduct an Environmental Context Analysis:

1. Analyze the current state of IFSLS’s target areas from an environment lens, focusing on natural resources, biodiversity, climate vulnerabilities, and existing environmental challenges.
2. Identify sensitive ecosystems or protected areas within the program’s operational zones.

Identify Potential Environmental Impacts:

1. Analyze how program activities (e.g., digital financial services, microfinance, capacity building) may directly or indirectly impact the environment.
2. Assess risks such as deforestation, resource overuse, or greenhouse gas emissions from expanded economic activities.

Engage Relevant Stakeholders:

1. Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, financial institutions, and agricultural value chain actors, to gather insights on potential environmental concerns and opportunities.

Develop Mitigation Measures and Recommendations:

1. Propose practical and context-specific mitigation measures to minimize environmental risks.
2. Identify opportunities to enhance positive environmental outcomes through the IFSLS program.

Prepare the Environmental Assessment Report:

1. Submit a comprehensive report detailing findings, mitigation measures, and recommendations.
2. Provide an executive summary and clear action points for program leadership to use to initiate a dialogue with SIDA on achieving environmental integration.

Consultant Deliverables:

During the engagement the consultant will provide:

1. An Inception Report:
2. Work plan and methodology.
   1. Initial findings from the document review and stakeholder consultations.
3. Draft Environmental Assessment Report:
   1. Detailed analysis of potential impacts, risks, and opportunities.
4. Proposed mitigation measures and an environmental management framework that promotes SIDA’s environmental integration ideals.
5. Final Environmental Assessment Report:
   1. Incorporating feedback from SIDA and relevant stakeholders.
6. Executive summary and actionable recommendations that contribute to environmentally sustainable development.

Duration of the Assignment

The consultancy is expected to take approximately 15 working days, including inception, data collection, analysis, report drafting, and finalization. The tentative timeline is as follows:

• Inception Phase: 3 days
• Data Collection and Stakeholder Engagement: 8 days
• Draft Report Submission: 3 days
• Final Report Submission: 1 day

Experiences and Qualifications

The consultant should meet the following qualifications:

1.       Education:

o    Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

2.       Experience:

o    At least 5 years of experience in conducting environmental assessments, preferably in the context of international development.

o    Proven experience with SIDA’s Environmental Assessment Guidelines or equivalent.

o    Experience working in fragile contexts, particularly in Somalia or similar environments.

3.       Skills:

o    Strong analytical and report-writing skills.

o    Demonstrated ability to engage and consult with diverse stakeholders.

o    Familiarity with environmental legislation and policies in Somalia or the Horn of Africa region.

4.       Language:

o    Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of Somali is an advantage.

7.  Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Director of Programs, Mercy Corps and work closely with the Program Manager of the IFSLS program and SIDA’s Environment and Climate Advisor. Regular updates and consultations will be required to ensure alignment with program goals and expectations.

Skills Required

Follow us on social media