Social Specialist (local)

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TERMS OF REFERENCE SOCIAL OFFICER (Local) - (FULL-TIME) Preparation for Fiji Energy Transformation Project Project Preparation Unit (PPU) | Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Name of Project Fiji Energy Transformation Project Implementing Agency Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) Assignment Title Social Officer (Local) - (Full-Time) Organisational Unit Project Preparation Unit (PPU) Primary Framework World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Duty Station / Coverage PPU office, with regular field visits across Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni Reporting Line Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist; PPU Project Manager on overall project matters Expected Commencement As soon as possible Table of Contents Table of Contents. 1 1. Introduction and Background. 3 2. Objective of the Assignment 3 3. Scope of Work. 3 3.1 Stakeholder Engagement and Community Liaison. 3 3.2 Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) 3 3.3 Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) 4 3.4 Negotiated Land Agreement Due Diligence. 4 3.5 Gender and Vulnerability. 4 3.6 Labor and Working Conditions - Social Dimensions. 4 3.7 Coordination with Government Line Ministries and Agencies. 5 3.8 Capacity Building. 5 3.9 Reporting and Coordination. 5 4. Methodology and Approach. 5 5. Key Deliverables and Indicative Timing. 6 6. Assignment Duration and Work Programme. 6 7. Required Qualifications and Experience. 6 7.1 Education. 6 7.2 Professional Experience. 6 7.3 Skills and Competencies. 7 8. Reporting and Working Arrangements. 7 9. Application Requirements. 7 1. Introduction and Background The Fiji Energy Transformation Project is proposed as a USD 230 million World Bank-supported initiative aimed at accelerating renewable energy, modernizing the power grid, and reforming the energy sector to attract private investment. Key interventions include large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) parks of 50 MW or more each, grid evacuation infrastructure, transmission line upgrades, and modernization of existing power stations across Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni. The project’s environmental and social risks have been classified as Substantial under the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). A significant portion of land in the project area is held under customary iTaukei tenure and managed through the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). Many affected communities are iTaukei Fijians who qualify as Indigenous Peoples under ESS7. The project may also involve economic and physical displacement linked to land acquisition for solar parks, transmission lines, and associated infrastructure, triggering ESS5 on Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement. The Social Officer will be embedded within the PPU and will work under the day-to-day supervision of the Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist, who has overall leadership of the project’s E&S function. The Social Officer will work in close coordination with the Environment Officer. Together, these positions constitute the project’s E&S team and are jointly responsible for delivering the suite of ESF instruments required for project appraisal and for supporting implementation thereafter. 2. Objective of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to support the timely preparation of all social-related ESF instruments required for appraisal, ensure ongoing and meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout project preparation and implementation, and serve as the PPU’s primary liaison with government line ministries and agencies responsible for land, indigenous affairs, and social protection. 3. Scope of Work 3.1 Stakeholder Engagement and Community Liaison a. Lead the preparation, implementation, and updating of the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), in close coordination with the E&S Specialist, who will review and finalize the instrument. The SEP must include: A project-wide grievance redress…