1.0 Background 

The Government of the Republic of Uganda received loan financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) towards the Project for Establishing the Uganda Cancer Institute Regional Cancer Centres in Arua and Radiotherapy services in Mbale.

The project aims to support the GoU in alleviating the burden related to cancer morbidity and mortality, which significantly impacts the social well-being and economic productivity of the population in the country. Specifically, the project seeks to improve access to oncology services in West Nile and Eastern Uganda through (a) construction and equipping oncology centres in Arua and Mbale Cities; (ii) development of capacity for cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment; and (iii) establishment of technical platform to support a robust cancer registration system and facilitate effective communication with the national cancer centre.

The project implementation arrangements require the services of a project support team under Component 3 to enhance the capacity of the Project Coordination Unit for the smooth implementation of the Project.  One of the project support personnel (Individual Consultants) required is an Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist (in short ESS Specialist)

As the Implementing Agency, UCI now invites suitable qualified individuals with qualifications and experience as detailed below to apply for the position of Project Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist.

2.0 Objectives of the Assignment

• To support the project in strengthening the Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) implementation, and framework for the integration of E&S in the project activities/works.
• To ensure that project activities are complementary to national laws, policies, strategies, and IsDB’s ISS policies as well as other regional and international best practice.
• To support capacity building efforts aimed at project development and implementation, gender mainstreaming, climate change and sustainable development, sanitation, hygiene, stakeholder engagement etc.

3.0 Type of Contract

The type of Contract shall be Individual Consultant.

4.0 Expected Start Date

The successful candidate will be required to commence work immediately.

5.0 Duration

This is a full-time assignment for a period of four (04) years.

6.0 Scope of Work / Duties and Responsibilities

In accordance with the Project objectives, ESS Specialist shall undertake the following tasks:

Task 1: Technical Support

1. Play a leadership and advisory role to the Project Coordination Unit in handling Environmental and Social Safeguards activities and issues.
2. Coordinate closely with the project team, consultants, contractors, service providers and stakeholders in planning and managing safeguards on the project.
3. Act as a link between project implementation teams, Consultants, Contractors, Service Providers, Communities, and respective local governments on environmental matters.
4. Provide necessary technical assistance to facilitate the implementation, management, and monitoring of environmental safeguards.
5. Provide support to manage the consultants hired to undertake environmental and social assessments and provide support to the Contract Management Team(s) assigned.

Task 2: Review of Safeguards Instruments

1. Provide coordination support to review environmental assessment documents and, through the Project Coordinator, liaise with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for clearance.
2. Provide general guidance and oversee the preparations of the required safeguards documents.

Task 3: Implementation Support

1. Provide overall oversight in ensuring that the safeguards instruments, requirements and management plans are adequately implemented.
2. Prepare additional technical guidelines, if necessary, to support the safeguards instruments in order to strengthen the implementation of environmental safeguards on the project.
3. Supervise and undertake technical review of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental Audits, and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) provided by Consultants and Contractors, and follow-up on acquisition of any relevant GoU and IsDB Approvals.
4. Hold regular safeguards review meetings with consultants, contractors, service provider and stakeholders and carry out regular site visits to monitor implementation of the safeguard’s instruments.
5. Liaise with relevant authorities, government agencies and ministries to ensure adequate implementation of all requirements in line with IsDB and Ugandan environmental safeguard policies and laws.
6. Participate in IsDB missions, including preparation of progress reports and supervise the implementation of the agreed action plans during such missions.
7. Maintain an up-to-date record of issues and action taken on environmental matters arising from site inspections, field findings and meetings involving project implementation teams, Consultants, Contractors, Service Providers, Communities, Local Government and IsDB.
8. Together with the project implementation teams, advise on the establishment and operationalization of project Grievance Redress Mechanism(s).
9. Ensure that the Project stakeholders are regularly and meaningfully consulted and engaged throughout the project cycle.
10. Assess safeguards challenges within the project and provide appropriate technical advice to the Contractors, Consultants and Project Coordination Unit.
11. Ensure that all budgetary and costs estimates for implementation of the ESMP, audits and other plans are incorporated and availed.
12. Ensure adequate public consultation during the preparation of safeguards instruments as defined by the safeguard frameworks and Project implementation Manual.

Task 4: Monitoring & Reporting

1. Visit the project site regularly to monitor implementation of the E&S management plans by the Contractor and provide guidance where needed.
2. Preparation monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual E&S reports to ensure compliance with relevant environmental and social requirements.
3. Preparation of the Root Cause Analysis and any incident reports.
4. Preparation of E&S presentations and reports required from time to time by the Project Coordinator, Ministry of Health, or the Bank
5. Oversee and provide guidance on the E&S project completion reports.

Task 5: Capacity Building

1. Undertake capacity development of the project implementation teams, Consultants, and Contractors during project implementation with respect to planning and implementation of environmental safeguards, including conduct of project awareness, communication, and sensitization activities.
2. Develop training plans and provide training on environment issues during implementation of the project and associated works to the project implementing staff, Contractors, and other relevant project stakeholders.

Task 6: Any Other Duties

1. Fulfil other functions as requested by the Executive Director UCI and Project Co-ordinator as envisaged within the scope of financing agreement and other related documents.
2. Perform any other duty assigned.

7.0 Duty Station

Uganda Cancer Institute, Upper Mulago Hill, Kampala. Working Hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm

8.0. Qualifications and Competencies

1. Master’s degree in environmental sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, Social Sciences, Environmental Assessment/Evaluation, or related field, from a reputable university and at least 8 years’ experience in environmental assessment and social safeguards natural resource management, stakeholder engagement and public consultations, environmental and social monitoring
2. Post graduate training in Environmental Impact Assessment/Environmental Audit (EIA/EA) and monitoring.
3. Must be registered with or certified by a relevant and recognized professional regulatory body with a current practicing license.
4. Practical experience with IsDB Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) policies or similar.
5. Proven understanding of the environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines as well as occupational health and safety laws, regulations, and requirements of Uganda.
6. An understanding of how environmental safeguards fit into project cycle, with ability to effectively communicate and provide guidance to project implementing teams.
7. Knowledge and experience in multi-criteria assessment, stakeholder engagement and consultation, community participation, with analytical skills in assessing institutional capacities and designing/reviewing practical implementation arrangements for complex projects.
8. Thorough understanding of critical issues in sustainable development, international environment and development policy, climate change, gender, social enhancement measures, labor, youth employment, etc.
9. Able to with multidisciplinary teams with well-developed interpersonal, communication, public relations, and community mobilization skills.
10. Excellent analytical, reporting, organizational skills and working knowledge of the relevant Computer Applications

9.0 Deliverables and their timing

The deliverables for the assignment and their timing are as indicated in the table below. All the deliverables shall be submitted electronically and in hard copies.

Table of Deliverables

The Work Plan and Inception Report will be discussed and approved by the Project Coordinator after review.

10.0 Reporting

The Project ESS Specialist shall report managerially to the Project Coordinator and functionally to the Head Engineering UCI. He or She will work in close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit.

The Project ESS Specialist will submit to the Project Coordinator a monthly report and a supporting a Claim/Demand/Fee Note as a basis for payment for the Specialist’s services.

11.0 Facilities to be Provided by UCI

UCI will be responsible for provision of the following:

1. Office space equipped with access to the internet, shared printers, and document binding.
2. General office supplies stationery
3. Access to necessary documents

12.0 Remuneration

The successful candidate shall be paid a competitive, negotiated and agreed monthly pay commensurate with qualification in accordance with the project financing provisions.

13.0 Written application with CV and Relevant documents should be addressed and delivered to the address below in a written form (in English) on or before 2^nd July, 2026 at 11:00a.m

Head, Procurement & Disposal Unit

Uganda Cancer Institute

Upper Mulago Hill Road

P.O. Box 3935, Kampala

Telephone: +256 414 540 410/ 417 336 725

Email address: procurement@uci.or.ug