WAPDA Seeks Experienced Social Safeguards Specialist for Decade of Dams Project

Further Details

WAPDA, a government organization, is seeking a dedicated Social Safeguards Specialist for its "Decade of Dams" project, focusing on "Building Environmental and Social (E&S) Capacity in Hydropower Development in Pakistan" under a World Bank Grant Facility. This role involves extensive work on social risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and the development of robust social safeguard policies. Ideal candidates will possess a Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields and at least ten years of experience in social assessment, resettlement, and community development within large infrastructure projects. This government job opportunity emphasizes a commitment to sustainable development and institutional strengthening in Pakistan's hydropower sector.

WAPDA Announces Career Opportunities for Social Safeguards Specialist

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is offering a significant career opportunity for a highly qualified and experienced Social Safeguards Specialist. This role is integral to the "Decade of Dams" project, specifically focusing on "Building Environmental and Social (E&S) Capacity in Hydropower Development in Pakistan," supported by the World Bank Grant Facility. This government sector position is offered on a contract basis, providing a competitive lumpsum pay package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Ideal candidates will possess a Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant disciplines and a minimum of ten years of hands-on experience in social assessment, resettlement, stakeholder engagement, and community development, particularly within large infrastructure projects. A strong understanding of World Bank ESF and Pakistan's legal framework is essential. This is a prime opportunity for professionals looking to contribute to critical national development projects and advance their careers in the public sector.

Key Highlights of the Social Safeguards Specialist Role:

• Position: Social Safeguards Specialist
• Project: "Building Environmental and Social (E&S) Capacity in Hydropower Development in Pakistan"
• Funding: World Bank Grant Facility
• Location: Lahore / Islamabad with travel to Hydropower Project sites as required
• Contract Duration: 01 year initially, with a 03 months probation period
• Qualifications: Master's / Bachelor's (Hons.) degree in Social Sciences/Development Studies/Environmental Sciences/Gender Studies/Business Administration or related field.
• Experience: At least Ten (10) years of relevant/specific experience.
• Key Responsibilities: Reviewing social safeguard processes, designing capacity-building programs, implementing risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Sector: Government

WAPDA is an equal opportunity employer, and all shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Educational degrees must be from HEC recognized Universities/Concerned Boards duly verified. Original documents must be presented by the candidates at the time of interview.

Skills

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, Gender Studies, Business Administration, or related fields
• At least ten (10) years of relevant/specific experience in social assessment, resettlement, stakeholder engagement, and community development
• Strong familiarity with World Bank ESF and Pakistan's legal framework
• Experience in social capacity building and institutionalization
• Ability to review existing social safeguard processes and systems
• Proficiency in designing social capacity-building programs
• Skill in developing and implementing social risk mitigation strategies
• Capability to conduct social risk assessments and grievance redressal
• Experience in delivering training and coaching
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review existing social safeguard processes, practices, and systems across hydropower projects
• Identify operational needs for LA&R, project management, finance, and senior management
• Design a comprehensive social capacity-building program for hydropower covering land acquisition, resettlement, livelihood, labor, gender, GBV/SEA risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and grievance redress to address complaints to international banks/donor agencies requirements and World Bank CPF
• Undertake project activities design, planning, and implementation throughout the project stages
• Develop tailored central and project-level social procedures, manuals, and tools specific to hydropower
• Prepare standard TORs for social assessment, surveys, RAPs, livelihood, labor, and gender/GBV risk studies
• Design, deliver, and arrange training/coaching for WAPDA staff on ESF social standards, consultations, RAP, GRM, Labor and GBV/SEA mitigation
• Support the piloting of improved social risk practices and grievance mechanisms, documenting lessons and best practices
• Provide technical assistance to WAPDA ESS on reviewing and improving social instruments for hydropower projects
• Support integration of social risk management into WAPDA's project cycles and central polices
• Design and support social monitoring frameworks to trace resettlement, livelihood, GRM performance, and stakeholder engagement quality
• Support implementation of social risk mitigation per the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)
• Advise on social risks that could cause or worsen community conflict or impact vulnerable groups throughout the project
• Ensure implementation and reporting of gender-tagged actions in the project
• Develop, deliver, and arrange awareness sessions with the Environment Specialist, with resource material and assessment
• Conduct site supervisions during project implementation and provide feedback to leadership
• Develop and maintain practical guidelines for an effective Grievance Response and Redressal Mechanism
• Design and deliver training for regular WAPDA technical programs
• Recommend relevant short courses from international institutions for WAPDA staff
• Coordinate with GIS/MIS & Environmental Specialists for ESF support and reporting needs
• Participate in Project meetings and contribute to progress reports and presentations
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Project Director/Authority

How to apply

• Application Form: The prescribed application form is available on WAPDA's official website: https://www.wapda.gov.pk/.
• Submission Method: Candidates are required to submit their applications along with a detailed CV, attested copies of all educational/experience certificates, domicile certificate, CNIC, and 02 recent passport size photographs to the Director (Recruitment).
• Address for Submission: B-26, WAPDA House, Lahore.
• Mode of Delivery: Applications can be submitted through courier or postal service.
• Deadline: Applications must be received within 10 days of the publication of this advertisement.
• General Conditions:
• The recruitment process will be governed by World Bank regulations.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview; no TA/DA will be admissible.
• WAPDA is an equal opportunity employer.
• Educational degrees must be from HEC recognized Universities/Concerned Boards and duly verified.
• Original documents are mandatory for presentation at the time of the interview.
• Candidates who have been weeded out of service on disciplinary grounds or dismissed/debarred for future employment are not eligible to apply.
• Services on a lumpsum pay package are not subject to regularization at any stage.
• Incomplete applications or those received after the last date of receipt will be rejected.
• WAPDA reserves the right to withhold or cancel the recruitment process at any stage without assigning any reason.
• For Inquiries: For any information or queries, candidates may email dgrectt@wapda.gov.pk or contact +92-42-99200483.

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