Government Jobs – Environmental Specialist at Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

Reports to: Manager Investment Planning and Promotions
About REA:
The Government of Uganda established the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as the Secretariat of the Rural Electrification Board which manages the Rural Electrification Fund (REF). The REF was established by Statutory Instrument No. 75 of 2001 as provided for under the Electricity Act 1999. This Fund has been used to finance the Rural Electrification Programme which covers all the regions of the country. The projects supported by the Fund cover grid extensions, off-grids and renewable energy generation projects. REA now wishes to fill the following full time positions to provide additional support in the area of construction and implementation of on-going and new projects.
Job Summary: Coordinating and leading in the technical supervision, compliance monitoring and reporting implementation of environmental and social aspects of all investment projects in the Rural Electrification Programme in line with environmental requirements of the Government of Uganda and in conformance with the Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies of Development Partners funding specific projects.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
·         Coordinate environmental and social impact studies of Rural Electrification Projects in accordance with the GoU and Donor Environmental/Social requirements and Safeguard Policies. This may involve acquisition and supervision of Consultants to undertake the environmental and social impact studies or may require the Environmental Specialist to undertake studies of Rural Electrification Projects whose implementation time is critical.
·         Participate in the preparation of Feasibility studies of packaged Rural Electrification Projects by undertaking Environmental Screening and/scoping of the projects. .
·         Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) for Environmental and Social Impact Studies of Rural Electrification Projects.
·         Review Consultants Inception Reports, Project Brief Reports and/or Environmental Impact Study Reports on Environmental and Social impacts and provide guiding comments on technical adequacy of the reports and advise Management..
·         Develop Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan for each Rural Electrification project, and ensure the inclusion of the implementation arrangements and associated costs in the Bidding documents, for hiring of services for Construction Works and the Supervising Consultants.
·         Undertake monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring of all Rural Electrification projects on Environmental and Social management aspects and compile reports.
·         Participate in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of participatory Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs).
·         Liaising with NEMA, UNRA and other relevant Government Agencies on Environmental and Social Management aspects of the Rural Electrification projects.
·         And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Management of REA.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
·         A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science Field and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science/Management area from a recognised University are essential requirements.
·         A qualification in energy efficiency, renewable energy and/or general energy management is a distinct added advantage.
·         At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in environmental management from a reputable organisation, of which 3 years’ experience must be in the field of environmental and social impact assessment and monitoring.
·         Knowledge of low carbon energy technologies, climate change issues in energy and Clean Development Mechanism will be an added advantage.
·         Knowledge and experience of Key Environmental Management Tools, notably Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Audit, Environmental monitoring, and reporting in electricity related projects.
·         Understanding and knowledge of Environmental Laws, Regulations and Guidelines (National Environment Act Cap.153, National Tree Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1998, The National Environment (Audit) Regulations, 2006, among others), applicable to energy projects.
·         Practical Knowledge of Environmental and Social Safeguard requirements of a wide range of funding agencies such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, Norway, JICA etc is an essential requirement.
·         Knowledge of Way leaves acquisition and the process of compilation of a Resettlement Action Plan.
·         Ability to work in a multicultural environment and in an inter-disciplinary team, having well developed interpersonal, communication, public relations and community mobilization skills.
·         Must not be more than 35 years old.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in any of the above positions please submit your applications which should include cover letter, CV, names and addresses of 3 reputable referees and copies of relevant academic certificates and testimonials to:
The Executive Director
Rural Electrification Agency
2nd Floor House of Hope
P.O. Box 7317 Kampala, Uganda
Deadline: Thursday, 28th March 2013
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