1. Background

To address challenges hindering the agriculture sector in Rwanda, The Government of Rwanda secured a financing agreement for the implementation Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation (CDAT) Project, aiming at increasing the use of irrigation and commercialization among producers and agribusiness firms in supported value chains, and to increase access to agricultural finance. The target beneficiaries will be farmers’ cooperatives, commercial farmers and small and medium-sized agri-enterprises (agri-SMEs). Under CDAT project, BDF was tasked to manage Matching grant. Matching grants will help draw private investments and investors into growing or underserved markets by addressing specific barriers to market entry for certain target groups, technologies or service providers. The CDAT matching grant facility provides grants to support beneficiaries to access formal markets, including national and regional markets.

2. Purpose of the Position.

The Social Safeguards Specialist will ensure the compliance of Social Safeguards in all BDF’s operations under CDAT project as per BDF’ Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). S/he will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing social policies and procedures as well as reviewing and appraising received application for compliance with the national and World Bank E&S instruments. He/she will also provide technical assistance to the technical departments, particularly in relation to Environmental and Social Safeguard issues. The Social safeguard specialist reports to the CDAT Project Coordinator and will closely work with all other technical departments.

3. Main responsibilities

Key roles and responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Conduct the risk management process related to Social risks of projects seeking financing from BDF. (Identify, assess, propose mitigation measures, monitor and report project risks);
• Support and guide the activities of Social Safeguards at institutional level.
• Ensure effective integration of social Safeguards considerations into all aspects of identification, consultation, planning and implementation of CDAT project activities;
• Undertaking reviews and preparing monthly progress reports on social Development assignments.
• Establish and redress grievance mechanisms as well as consolidating a grievance database of all project sites under which the project is implemented and maintain it updated.
• To be part of the training and raising awareness sessions with the communities about GBV, SEA, VAC, HIV/AIDS, Labor Influx prevention.
• Coordinate and liaise with the development partners to ensure effective mainstreaming of social Safeguards issues into the implementation of CDAT project activities;
• Ensure that CDAT Project activities are consistent in their approaches to social Development issues, thereby supporting full blending at the operational level;
• Enforce the compliance with the Environmental, Social, Health and Safety development partner policies;
• Ensure that social Development related modules are incorporated in the training and capacity building programs at all the levels;
• Follow up the Grievance Redress Mechanisms in place and the major issues related to the CDAT projects;
• Defining, and subsequently monitoring, suitable social Development indicators for Projects;
• Ensuring regular interaction with the External Consultants / Development partners Mission / stakeholders on Social Safeguards aspects;
• Ensure that key departments and BDF branches countrywide have sufficient knowledge and skills to implement the requirements of Environmental and Social Management System and other E&S Safeguards instruments;
• Prepare periodic reports (Monthly, Quarterly and annually) on the status of environmental and social compliance of investment projects funded under the CDAT project;
• Develop and update environmental and social Safeguards documents with relation to Partners’ (Donors) Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), Project Aide Memoires, Development meetings, progress reports, etc);
• Develop & provide quality control of training materials for internal staff and for PFIs & delivery of training on social aspects to internal staff and PFIs and maintaining training records.
• Identify and report on social Sefeguards implementation performance of sub-projects/investments, particularly those with high Development sensitivity;
• Contribute significantly to advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building, with regard to the National and World Bank’s environmental and social Development policies;
• Resolving social issues in case of non-compliance, and where needed, preparing a time-bound corrective action plan with specific follow-up procedures.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor
• Report to CDAT Project Manager
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

4. Qualification and professional experience

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Sociology, Social Works, sciences, social administration, anthropology, applied social sciences or any other related disciplines. A professional certificate in social Development is an added value.

The experience and skills shall include but not limited to the following

• A minimum of ten (10) years for bachelor’s holders and seven (7) years for master’s holders of relevant professional experience in social Development management.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the World Bank best practices and/or guidelines and procedures on social Development, social assessment, social analysis, effective stakeholder participation and complaint resolution systems, and the regulations and legal framework governing environmental and social management
• Familiarity with the Occupational, Health and Safety procedures and regulations
• Proven ability to plan, execute, and monitor social Development activities within project timelines and budgets.
• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Proven Expertise in conducting public consultations, community engagement, and grievance redress mechanisms.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders, including vulnerable groups.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in teams and multiple groups of people;
• Excellent management of conflicts and ability to influence decision making at all levels;

Mastery of computer skills sufficient to monitor the implementation of E&S aspects and prepare reports and presentation of results.

• Results-oriented;
• Ability to coordinate group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear;
• An in-depth understanding of the local, regional and international social and environmental contexts and challenges;
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience with the World Bank funded project would be an advantage.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision;
• Excellent written and spoken command of English and Kinyarwanda. Knowledge of French is an added value.
• Experience in conducting socio-economic surveys and preparing technical reports on social impacts.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and report writing software is an asset.

5. Contract duration

The contract term is two years renewable upon satisfaction.

How to apply

Interested candidate should send their application file to the BDF Chief Executive Officer (including Curriculum Vitae, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter, names of three previous supervisors’ emails and telephone). The application should be submitted at BDF office or through email: info@bdf.rw not later than 24/01/2025 at 12h00.

NB: - The Email subject should indicate Position title.

• BDF will contact only those who will be shortlisted

Done in Kigali, 09 January 2025

Vincent MUNYESHYAKA

Chief Executive Officer