Social Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP) Consultant in England

The overall objective of this consultancy is to ensure that project activities are planned and implemented in a manner consistent with IFAD's SECAP and applicable national environmental and social guidelines. The consultant will work to identify potential social, environmental, and climate risks and impacts, and ensure that appropriate preventative, mitigation, and monitoring measures are incorporated into project design and implementation.

Review of the project's Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and assessment of their alignment with IFAD SECAP standards; Assess IFDC's existing environmental and social policies, procedures, and management systems against IFAD SECAP requirements; Review of planned project activities against SECAP's nine standards: biodiversity conservation; resource efficiency and pollution prevention; cultural heritage; Indigenous Peoples; labour and working conditions; community health and safety; physical and economic resettlement; financial intermediaries and direct investments; and climate change; Identify activities that may cause significant environmental, health, or safety hazards as defined under SECAP, with particular attention to prohibited uses of funds; Assess IFDC's capacity to implement, monitor, and report on environmental and social safeguards; Review IFAD's mainstreaming themes of youth, gender, nutrition, environment, and climate and how they are integrated into the current project design.

Gap Analysis and Guidance

Based on the assessment findings, the consultant will:

• Prepare a gap analysis mapping current practices and project design against IFAD SECAP requirements and relevant national guidelines for environmental and social impact assessment;
• Develop a prioritized, time‑bound action plan for addressing identified gaps and strengthening safeguard systems;
• Provide guidance on determining appropriate mitigation measures for identified negative social, environmental, and climate impacts;
• Advise on the implementation of environmental and social safeguards as defined in the ESMF and RPF;
• Provide guidance on procurement implications of SECAP requirements as relevant;
• Advise opportunities to maximize development gains by incorporating environmental, social, and climate solutions throughout the project cycle.

System Design Support and Tools Development

The consultant will support IFDC and the project team in establishing compliant safeguard systems, including:

• Draft or revise the project's Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) as needed, consistent with the ESMF;
• Develop screening tools and checklists for assessing environmental and social risks of project activities at the sub‑project or activity level;
• Prepare templates and guidance for SECAP implementation quarterly reporting to be submitted to IFAD as required;
• Establish procedures for timely reporting of serious incidents related to environmental, social, health, and safety practices, consistent with IFAD's Incident Procedure;
• Provide guidance on IFAD's Enhanced Complaints Procedure, including how affected people may file complaints regarding SECAP non‑compliance;
• Support the development of staff orientation materials on SECAP obligations and safeguard responsibilities.

Follow‑On Support (As Needed)

Subject to satisfactory performance and project needs, the consultant may be engaged for follow‑on support, including:

• Provide capacity building for IFDC and project staff on SECAP implementation and environmental and social risk management;
• Review and quality assurance of SECAP implementation quarterly reports prior to submission to IFAD;
• Review periodic safeguard compliance through project implementation;
• Advise on any project activities that may require updated environmental or social assessments.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in environmental science, social science, sustainable development, natural resource management, or a related field;
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in environmental and/or social safeguards management, with at least 3 years on IFAD‑funded or comparable multilateral development bank projects;
• Demonstrated knowledge of IFAD's SECAP framework, including its nine standards, mainstreaming themes, and complaint and incident procedures;
• Experience developing or reviewing ESMFs, RPFs, ESMPs, and safeguard monitoring and reporting tools;
• Familiarity with relevant national environmental and social impact assessment guidelines for South Sudan or comparable fragile/conflict‑affected contexts;
• Experience integrating gender, youth, nutrition, and climate considerations into safeguard frameworks;
• Strong analytical and report‑writing skills in English;
• Experience in South Sudan/East Africa strongly preferred;
• Familiarity with the agricultural development sector is an advantage.

Key Deliverables

The assignment is expected to span approximately four to six weeks.

Location and Duration

This is a short‑term consultancy to be conducted either in Juba, South Sudan or remotely.

Reporting and Work Relationship

The role will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with IFDC and project staff.

Payment Fees and Terms

The consultant will receive payment for their work in accordance with the terms of the contract.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.