Job Description

Director, Environmental & Social Performance - Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Belize

About MCA

The Government of Belize (GoB), together with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”), is in the process of establishing an independent executing agency called the Millennium Challenge Account – Belize (MCA-B). MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries and is dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. The MCA-B will be created by an act of Parliament to undertake the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the Government of Belize under the Compact, which is expected to be signed in September 2024. The MCA-B is located in Belize City.

Belize compact

In December 2021, MCC’s Board of Directors selected Belize as eligible to develop a five-year grant agreement known as a “compact” that will include two separate projects:

1. The $73.8 million Education Project aims to equitably increase the number of post-primary graduates with the competencies relevant to labor market demands
2. The $21.1 million Energy Project will address the root causes of the high costs of wholesale electricity.

Position Objective

The Director of Environmental & Social Performance (ESP) , under the supervision of the Executive Director, will lead the ESP Unit and with the support of the Executive Director, provides technical input and guidance to ensure the environmental and social performance objectives of all Compact-funded activities. This involves ensuring compliance of the Compact activities with relevant national environmental and social laws and regulations, MCC Environmental Guidelines, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on Environment and Social Sustainability (IFC PS).

Responsibilities

The ESP Director will be expected to carry out the following among his/her primary responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility for ensuring that the activities undertaken by MCA Belize meet the environmental and social performance requirements stipulated in the Compact, for example MCC’s Environmental Guidelines, including IFC’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, MCC Gender Policy, MCC Climate Change Strategy, Counter-Trafficking in Persons Policy and applicable Belize Laws and regulations.

• Represents MCA Belize to senior government officials and a variety of other stakeholders, both domestic and international, on environmental and social performance issues related to Compact implementation.

• Lead, manage and oversee the development and review of ESP documents including, but not limited to, Environmental and Social Management Systems, and Environmental and Social Management Plans that are prepared to achieve the environmental and social objectives of Compact activities. Coordinate reviews with other MCA-B Directors as relevant.

• Manage consultants providing environmental and social services to MCA Belize and ensure that deliverables and work products are acceptable. Prepare and review terms of references, budgets, timelines, and cost estimates for procurements that include ESP activities.

• Engage MCA Belize staff, MCC staff, and other government counterparts to effectively integrate environmental and social performance objectives into project planning, development, and implementation.

• Coordinate closely with MCA Belize staff to ensure proper oversight of the implementation of all Compact-funded projects and activities. Participate in field oversight missions.

• Serve as the main counterpart to the MCC Environmental and Social Performance staff, prepare reports and provide information as required and upon request.

• Participate in Compact stakeholder engagement processes to ensure that there is transparency in the requirements associated with environmental and social performance, and to solicit the opinions of stakeholder on environmental and social issues and concerns.

  Required Competencies

• A bachelor’s degree in natural or social science, environmental planning, natural resource management, environmental engineering, agricultural sciences, ecology, or similar discipline. An advanced degree, such as a master´s or certification in any environmental or social field is a plus.

• At least ten (10) or more years of professional experience in an ESP related field, including approximately five (5) years of experience in environmental and social impact assessment and in leading efforts to integrate environmental and social considerations into design and implementation of infrastructure projects.

• At least 3 years program or Project Manager experience in environmental/social related fields.

• Advanced knowledge of Belize's environmental laws and regulations, and international best practices such as the IFC PS, the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies, the Equator Principles, or similar.

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective oversight and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and institutions, including technical experts, government officials, project-affected parties, and civil society.

• Experience in stakeholder engagement processes across a diversified stakeholder landscape.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of tasks with minimal supervision.

• Fluency and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Preferred Competencies

• Experience working on infrastructure projects funded by the World Bank, IFC, ADB, or other international organizations is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated similar work experience in Belize, and experience coordinating with government institutions is an advantage.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://belize-jobs.tenderwell.app/. The following documents should accompany applications:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability;
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

If you encounter challenges when applying online, please contact belize@developmentaid.org for assistance.

The closing date for receiving applications is September 19th, 2024. Only applications received through the online portal (Tenderwell) will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.