Region / Country: Africa | Mauritania
Sector: Energy (Rural Electrification)
Services: Social Safeguards | Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) | Social Risk Management | Gender Analysis
Client Type: International Organization

Project Overview

Provision of technical assistance for the preparation of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the Rural Electrification Program using solar mini-grids in Mauritania. The program aims to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity services through the deployment of decentralized renewable energy infrastructure. The assignment included the design of a comprehensive environmental and social management system to ensure that program activities comply with national legislation and international good practice. The ESMF was developed in accordance with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Social and Environmental Standards (SES), the IFC Performance Standards, and other applicable international standards.

Role and Key Responsibilities

Role: Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist

• Lead the preparation of the social components of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
• Conduct a gap analysis between Mauritanian environmental and social legislation and applicable international standards.
• Develop environmental and social risk screening and classification procedures for program activities.
• Design procedures for the management of environmental and social risks and impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare guidelines for the development of project-specific environmental and social management instruments.
• Develop stakeholder engagement procedures, grievance mechanisms, labor management procedures, community health and safety measures, and environmental and social monitoring arrangements.
• Contribute to the preparation of the environmental and social baseline, including the assessment of socioeconomic conditions, vulnerable groups, and institutional capacity.
• Coordinate technical inputs from multidisciplinary specialists to ensure the integration of environmental, social, and technical components.

Project Scope

• Development of an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for a national rural electrification program.
• Coverage of approximately 200 villages across seven wilayas.
• Development of environmental and social screening procedures, management instruments, monitoring systems, and implementation tools.