Environmental and Social Safeguards Lead

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future. Program Summary Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004, and currently has a country office in Port Sudan and field offices in South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, River Nile, Northern and Gedaref states. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WASH, health, nutrition, resilience, and Market Systems Development. Mercy Corps’ Sudan crisis response seeks to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Sudanese and other conflict-affected people across the country. Mercy Corps Sudan is recognized as a leader in market systems, agricultural, and food security and building on this experience, the Mercy Corps Sudan humanitarian program will layer in resilience and other program activities where appropriate and feasible to do so. The Sudan Somoud - Enhancing Community Resilience Project is an initiative funded by the World Bank which has two interlinked components: Component 1: Community Led Basic Service Delivery. This component supports: (i) delivery of improved community led basic services; (ii) temporary engagement of frontline workers and volunteers in select sectors; (iii) project management and technical assistance costs; and (iv) technical assistance and training to select local authorities. Component 2: Improving Food Security. This component supports: (i) increased resilience and production of select crops and protection of livestock assets in rural areas that supply food to the target communities; (ii) agricultural value chains; (iii) the scaling-up and strengthening of community consumer cooperatives and organizations and community food centers that distribute agricultural outputs and provide affordable food to vulnerable groups; and (iv) project management and implementation costs. General Position Summary The Environmental and Social Safeguards Lead will ensure that the SOMOUD program complies with all relevant World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies. The role involves overseeing the integration of environmental and social safeguards into all program activities, ensuring that potential risks are identified and mitigated. As a core member of the PMU, the Lead will provide technical expertise, manage environmental and social assessments, and ensure compliance with national and international standards. The position requires close collaboration with technical teams, stakeholders, and local communities to promote sustainable, inclusive development practices. Essential Job Responsibilities Environmental and Social Safeguards Management:

• Ensure compliance with World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies and other relevant regulations throughout the SOMOUD program's lifecycle.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and related safeguard instruments (e.g., Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Environmental and Social Management Plans).
    • Identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and social risks associated with program activities, ensuring that mitigation measures are integrated into project designs and implementation.
      • Oversee the integration of environmental and social considerations into project planning, design, and execution, ensuring alignment with global best practices and local regulations. Planning and Policy Compliance:
        • Lead the preparation and review of environmental and social safeguard documents, including assessments, reports, and compliance frameworks.
          • Ensure that all project activities comply with relevant national laws, World Bank safeguard policies, and international environmental and social standards.
            • Work with program teams to ensure that environmental and social risks are considered in program planning, design, and implementation stages.
              • Support the development of policies and procedures that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and gender equality in program implementation. Project Monitoring and Reporting:
                • Lead the monitoring of environmental and social safeguard activities across the SOMOUD program, ensuring that agreed-upon safeguards are effectively implemented and maintained.
                  • Conduct regular environmental and social audits, field visits, and risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with safeguard policies.
                    • Provide technical input into program reports, highlighting progress, challenges, and risks related to environmental and social safeguards.
                      • Prepare and submit timely environmental and social safeguard reports to donors, stakeholders, and the PMU, ensuring transparency and accountability. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:
                        • Engage with local communities, government authorities, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation in program activities.