Social Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP) Consultant

International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC); Fjord; On-site; NOK 556,070 - 834,105; Full time

Job summary

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) seeks a consultant for a short-term consultancy focused on assessing environmental and social compliance with IFAD's SECAP framework. Candidates must have an advanced degree in environmental science and at least 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in fragile contexts like South Sudan. The consultant's responsibilities include reviewing environmental and social policies and preparing a gap analysis against SECAP standards. The role offers flexibility for remote work or in Juba, South Sudan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in environmental and/or social safeguards management.
• Experience with IFAD-funded or similar projects is required.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Review project’s Environmental and Social Management Framework.
• Assess IFDC’s environmental and social policies against SECAP standards.
• Prepare a gap analysis mapping current practices against SECAP requirements.

Skills

Environmental and social safeguards management

Analytical skills

Report writing

Knowledge of IFAD’s SECAP framework

Capacity building

Experience in South Sudan/East Africa

Education

Advanced degree in environmental science or related field

Job description

About IFDC

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science‑based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunities for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

Rapid SECAP Compliance Assessment

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.

Scope of Services

Specific responsibilities include:

• Review the project’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and assess alignment with IFAD SECAP standards.
• Assess IFDC’s existing environmental and social policies, procedures, and management systems against IFAD SECAP requirements.
• Review 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 (youth, gender, nutrition, environment, and climate) and how they are integrated into the current project design.

Gap Analysis and Guidance

• 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

• 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)

• 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 his work in accordance with the terms of the contract.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. All employment decisions at IFDC are based on ability, performance and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect and opportunity for all.