Ministry of Agriculture - Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP)
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROGRAM (P177816)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)
COUNTRY: Malawi
NAME OF PROJECT: Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP)
PROJECT ID: P177816
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Recruitment of Assistant Social Safeguard Specialist
REFERENCE NO.: MW-MOA-506863-CS-INDV
DATE OF ISSUE: 24 October 2025
1. Introduction:
The Government of the Republic of Malawi has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The Ministry of Agriculture – Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include consultancy services as an Assistant Social Safeguard Specialist for Project Implementation Unit.
2. Objective of the Assignment
The Assistant Social Safeguard Specialist (ASSS) will be part of a larger Project Management Team comprising the National Project Coordinator (NPC) and other specialists. Specifically, the ASSS shall be responsible for supporting the day-to-day facilitation and coordination of all activities related to social safeguards under the MERP, including ensuring compliance with social safeguard guidelines established in the Programme’s approved and disclosed safeguard instruments, namely the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), Labour Management Procedures (LMP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). The ASSS is expected to work under the supervision of the Social Safeguards Specialist (SSS).
3. Scope of the Services
The ASSS will be responsible for supporting the implementation of all safeguards measures as described in the ESMF, SEP, LMP and RPF, including compensation for resettlement, loss of access to land, and livelihood restoration activities. The ASSS will provide the necessary support to the entire Programme team to ensure compliance with social safeguards requirements on the Programme.
The tasks and responsibilities of the ASSS shall include, but not be limited to the following:
- Review the Programme-related documentation to better understand the social implications of the Programme on the communities;
- Interface with relevant national authorities to ensure effective implementation of social safeguards by the Government and World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) requirements;
- In coordination with the Environmental Safeguards section, facilitate the development of ESIAs, ESMPs, LMPs and RAPs for the sub-projects under the Programme to ensure conformity with national and World Bank requirements. The sub-projects include but are not limited to the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, rehabilitation of feeder roads, construction of rural warehouses, and installation of electricity and potable water facilities;
- Supervise all sub-projects including infrastructure sub-projects to ensure compliance with social safeguards requirements during implementation;
- Support the establishment and maintenance of an effective
- Grievance Redress Mechanism to ensure that Programme-related grievances are handled and resolved promptly;
- Undertake an assessment of Programme Affected Persons (PAPs) (defined as those who may be relocated, or whose incomes or livelihoods may be displaced or disrupted, by the Programme) including determining the socio-economic status of potential PAPs and provide guidance on eligibility, valuation, compensation and other resettlement assistance, as needed, or when a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) may need to be prepared;
- Assist in providing oversight for RAP formulation and its implementation, including ensuring that resettlement compensation for replacement of lost assets and land access, as well as livelihood restoration activities, are successfully carried out;
- Conduct consultations with key stakeholders about the Programme, and acceptable resettlement and other alternatives, as appropriate;
- Assist in preparing social safeguards information materials in line with the Stakeholder Engagement Plans
(SEP) and disseminating the information to the relevant stakeholders especially affected communities and other key stakeholders; - Facilitate community sensitization meetings to ensure that communities are continuously aware of social safeguards issues including HIV/AIDs, GRM, GBV, SH, CAE etc;
- Conduct consultations with key stakeholders throughout the Programme cycle social impacts as stipulated in the SEP;
- Facilitate integration of relevant cross-cutting issues including gender, nutrition, disability and HIV/AIDs during Programme implementation;
- Assist in designing and implementing a GBV, SEA, SH and VAC community prevention and response program in the Programme area;
- Enhancing mechanisms to mitigate risks of GBV, SEA, TIP and VAC due to the Programme;
- Conduct a Stakeholder Mapping for GBV Stakeholders respond to and provide required support to GBV, SEA, TIP and VAC survivors within the Programme area;
- Provide adequate attention to the disadvantaged and marginalized groups so that they benefit from the Programme and minimize their risks;
- Support SSS in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to be submitted to the management as a follow-up on the implementation and monitoring of the sub-project social safeguards activities vis-à-vis the respective safeguards’ instruments; and
- Assist the SSS in any other tasks relevant to the expertise including preparing various reports and other documents required by Management and Development Partners.
4. Reporting Requirements
The ASSS will every month present a brief progress report to the SSS, highlighting a synthesis of progress against planned actions,
key challenges, and proposed decisions on social safeguards. The ASSS will assist in this process by supporting the delivery of timely reports. The report will be included in the overall monthly Programme progress report.
5. Professional Qualification and Experience
The ASSS shall have the following qualifications and skills:
- A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Social Development, Gender Studies, Agricultural Extension, Community Development, or Social Work demonstrating social safeguards management or community development capacity;
- At least 5 years’ experience with relevant and proven track record in similar assignments related to implementation of agriculture, irrigation, infrastructure or other Programmes involving community participation in natural resources management;
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in addressing social safeguards issues, ideally in donor-funded programmes;
- Knowledge of involuntary resettlement (including temporary or permanent physical and/or economic displacement) and implementation of grievance redress mechanisms;
- Proven work experience in stakeholder engagement with civil society organizations, development partners, Programme beneficiaries and Government agencies;
- Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet strict deadlines;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team and capacity to foster teamwork and establish harmonious working relationships in a multicultural environment;
- Full and fluent command of English, including the ability to set out a coherent argument in English in writing, presentations and group interactions; and
- Good working knowledge of Windows-based computing programs, and electronic communication.
- Upholding of anti-corruption and anti-bribery ethics.
6. Duration of the Assignment
The ASSS shall be recruited for a period of one (1) year which will be subjected to extension upon successful performance.
7. Facilities to be provided by the Client
The Client shall provide office accommodation with normal associated services like water, electricity, office supplies and furniture, communication and internet facilities. For all field related assignments within Malawi, the Project shall provide transport and costs and other expenses (per Diems etc.) related to the field work
8. Location of Employment and Obligations of the Consultant
The ASSS will be based at Malawi Food Systems Offices in Lilongwe, but would be required to travel extensively to project sites.
9. Conflict of Interest
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section IlI, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Seventh Edition, Dated September 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
10. Submission of Expressions of Interest
Interested Individuals meeting the stated requirements should submit their Expressions of interest including updated detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) and copies of professional certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 7th November 2025 on or before 16:30 hours, local time.
The Chairperson,
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC),
Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP)
Off Paul Kagame Road,
Opposite MRA Domestic Taxes Offices,
P.O. Box 727, LILONGWE
E-mail: teddie.nakhumwa@agcom.gov.mw,
CC: richmondmakasa@gmail.com, heltongondwe@yahoo.co.uk,
silvester.tsokonombwe2022@gmail.com