The Government of North Macedonia is preparing the World Bank-financed investment operation “Zletovica Productivity through Irrigation and Renewable Energy” (PIREP) to support Phase II irrigation and Phase III hydropower development of the Zletovica Hydrosystem. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the Agriculture Modernization Project, in close coordination with PE HS Zletovica, will support the preparation of these investments.
A Local Environmental and Social Specialist will be engaged on a full-time basis for a period of 12 months.
Reference No.: PIREP-IC-08
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to ensure that environmental and social considerations are systematically integrated into the planning and implementation of studies, surveys, investigations, and other preparatory activities financed under the Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP), as well as the technical, environmental, social, permitting, procurement, and institutional preparation of the proposed investments for Phases II and III.
The Specialist will support compliance with North Macedonia’s environmental and social legislation, the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), applicable Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), relevant Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines, and applicable requirements concerning international waterways.
Scope of Work and Responsibilities
The Environmental and Social Specialist will serve as the PIU’s principal focal point for environmental and social risk management and will work closely with PE HS Zletovica, relevant ministries and institutions, technical consultants, and the World Bank team.
The main responsibilities will include:
- identifying, assessing, and monitoring environmental and social risks and impacts associated with project activities;
- reviewing and ensuring the quality of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs), and other relevant environmental and social instruments;
- ensuring that environmental and social mitigation measures are incorporated into technical designs, cost estimates, bidding documents, contracts, and implementation arrangements;
- reviewing issues related to water resources, biodiversity, natural habitats, environmental flows, water quality, pollution prevention, climate resilience, and cumulative impacts;
- coordinating environmental and social considerations related to dam safety, community safety, and transboundary waters with relevant technical experts;
- assessing and monitoring risks related to land acquisition, livelihoods, labor and working conditions, occupational health and safety, and community health and safety;
- coordinating stakeholder engagement, public consultations, information disclosure, and grievance management mechanisms;
- monitoring environmental and social compliance during field surveys, geotechnical investigations, and other project preparation activities;
- coordinating with competent authorities regarding environmental permits, approvals, and regulatory requirements;
- supporting compliance with the World Bank’s applicable Environmental and Social Standards and national legislation;
- preparing environmental and social progress reports, technical assessments, recommendations, and compliance documentation;
- providing technical guidance, institutional capacity-building support, and knowledge transfer to the PIU and PE HS Zletovica; and
- participating in technical meetings, field visits, stakeholder consultations, and World Bank missions.
Deliverables
The Consultant will be required to prepare:
- an Inception Work Plan and Environmental and Social Compliance Tracker;
- environmental and social screening and readiness records for project preparation activities;
- technical review notes and comment-response matrices;
- monthly environmental and social progress reports;
- inputs to quarterly and semi-annual project progress reports;
- stakeholder engagement, grievance management, monitoring, incident, and corrective-action records;
- training and briefing materials; and
- a Final Environmental and Social Readiness Report and handover package.
All contractual deliverables shall be prepared in English and Macedonian, with supporting documentation and records where applicable.
Qualification and Experience Requirements
The Consultant should have:
- an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental engineering, environmental or social science, ecology, civil or water engineering with a strong environmental specialization, or another directly relevant discipline;
- at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social impact assessment, environmental management, social risk management, or environmental and social supervision of infrastructure projects;
- demonstrated experience preparing or reviewing environmental and social assessments, management plans, stakeholder engagement instruments, labor management measures, and other relevant studies;
- relevant professional experience in the water sector, preferably involving dams, reservoirs, irrigation systems, hydropower facilities, river-basin management, or water-supply infrastructure;
- demonstrated knowledge of biodiversity protection, environmental flows, water quality, pollution prevention, climate resilience, land and livelihood risks, and occupational and community health and safety;
- experience integrating environmental and social requirements into technical designs, cost estimates, bidding documents, contracts, and supervision arrangements;
- knowledge of North Macedonia’s environmental, water, nature-protection, land, permitting, and construction-related legislation;
- experience working with public institutions, public enterprises, local communities, and multidisciplinary technical teams;
- strong analytical, communication, coordination, reporting, and organizational skills; and
- full professional proficiency in written and spoken Macedonian and English.
Experience with World Bank-financed or other multilateral development bank-financed projects, together with knowledge of the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework or a comparable framework, is strongly preferred.
Additional training in social impact assessment, occupational health and safety, biodiversity, water resources, dam safety, or World Bank environmental and social requirements will be considered an advantage.
Duration and Duty Station
The assignment is expected to be full-time for 12 months during the GFPP-funded project preparation period.
The duty station will be agreed with the PIU and specified in the contract.
The Specialist will be expected to work regularly from the offices of PE HS Zletovica and undertake travel to the PIU office, project sites, local communities, government institutions, and other locations in North Macedonia as required.
Application Deadline
Interested Consultants should submit their curriculum vitae and references in English, demonstrating that they possess the required qualifications and relevant professional experience.
Expressions of interest must be submitted in person, by mail, or by e-mail no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 12:00 (Skopje local time).
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy
Zletovica Productivity through Irrigation and Renewable Energy Project (PIREP)
Attn.: Ms. Ana Gaceva
Str. Leninova No. 2
1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
E-mail: procurement@amp.mk