The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), alongside its sister AKDN agencies, has implemented innovative, community-driven solutions to development challenges for over 50 years. It brings together human, financial and technical resources to address some of the challenges faced by the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world. Special emphasis is placed on investing in human potential, expanding opportunity and improving the overall quality of life, especially for women and girls. It works primarily in six areas: Agriculture and Food Security; Economic Inclusion; Education; Early Childhood Development; Health and Nutrition; and Civil Society.
“The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations.
AKF also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check.
All employees of AKF are required to adhere to the organizational safeguarding standards and principles and at all times to act with dignity, respect and to contribute to a safe environment free from any type of harassment, abuse or discrimination.”
Position summary
AKF USA is seeking to hire a Environmental Compliance Consultant for the AKF and USAID jointly-funded Local Impact Leader with Associate (LWA) award. With an eye toward conflict prevention and resolution, Local Impact will target marginalized and vulnerable communities to: (1) Catalyze inclusive economic growth and ensure basic livelihoods; (2) Enhance infrastructure and access to basic services with a focus on clean energy; (3) Enhance the capacity of citizens and local institutions; and (4) Promote pluralism and social cohesion.
The Environmental Compliance Consultant will work closely with Country Managers on environmental compliance and sustainability. You will support the effective implementation of 22 CFR 216: Environmental Compliance Procedures by USAID Operating Units through adherence to international best practice environmental protection principles.
Travel: This position will ideally be based in Bishkek or Dushanbe. However, these challenges will span Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan and traveling often would be needed when it is safe and permissible.
Position Length: AKF is looking for someone to support part or full time for six to 9 months or longer (depending on if it is full time or part time.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. USAID Environmental Compliance
- Conduct environmental screenings of Local Impact annual work plans to identify procurement and other activities across AKF and implementing partners requiring in-depth environmental assessments.
- Work with local teams and partners to assess the potential environmental, human health and social impacts during USAID activity development and implementation, and identify and develop practical environmental protection and mitigation strategies, as required by USAID environmental compliance procedures.
- Lead on the Initial Environmental Examinations (IEEs) process, Scoping Statements, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs), and other formal 22 CFR 216 procedural reviews.
- Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL )Manager to ensure proper monitoring and reporting of the EMMP and IEE.
- Assess existing monitoring findings, evaluate efficacy of mitigation measures, and propose adaptive strategies to increase effectiveness of mitigation measures.
- Evaluate water usage, quality, and availability to support program, project, and activity planning and implementation.
- Coordinate with USAID operating units, resource agencies, and environmental and technical staff to prepare environmental documents and supporting technical studies for USAID projects.
- Ensure quality control and responsiveness of technical assistance.
- Perform environmental compliance assessments and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Provide general environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance as needed.
Project Management & Mentorship
- Serve as a primary author for complex sections and analyses.
- Support a multi-disciplinary team.
- Perform senior review of all documents, reports, presentation, technical memoranda, and other work products with a focus on regulatory compliance and technical adequacy.
- Write proficiently and effectively communicate with both internal staff and external clients.
- Manage multiple project schedules with competing deadlines and budget constraints.
- Engage with key project partners and donors to ensure they are bought-in and contributing to the IEE.
- Work closely with the local teams to train local environmental compliance leads.
- Work closely with the Country Managers and project staff to find opportunities and linkages to all aspects of AKF’s work. Listen and engage effectively with other stakeholders to co-create open mind solution.
- Document and share the progress, learnings, challenges, barriers, and other information with the Global Lead, country managers and project partners
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor degree in relevant field (e.g., natural resources management, environmental studies, environmental planning, environmental engineering, environmental management, international development). Graduate degree preferred.
- Spoken and written fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of Russian, Tajik or Dari is an asset.
- Ability to communicate succinctly and effectively in English. Writing skills in Russian, Tajik or Kyrgyz is also ideal.
- At least five years’ relevant technical experience working in developing countries.
- Management experience should include multi-country project management and successful oversight of project teams with complex delivery objectives.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of 22 CFR 216 Environmental Compliance Procedures and other environmental regulations (e.g., NEPA).
- Ability to travel internationally.
Values and Attitudes
- Diversity and Inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; sensitive towards others; open and understanding toward other people’s cultures, values, autonomy, and faiths; demonstrates compassion and empathy; is courteous to others with respect for their background, religion, gender and age.
- Integrity and Commitment: Demonstrates equity, transparency and integrity with high personal and organizational ethical standards; is fair, honest and trustworthy with respect for confidentiality; inspires and builds trust; values and advances community-level agency in decision-making for projects.
- Ethics and Safeguarding: Committed to acting ethically and upholding safeguarding standards towards all staff, volunteers and beneficiaries of the organization.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should apply through AKDN career website www.akdn.org/careers/1831641 not later than 2nd July 2021.