Vacancy Notice:
Expression of Interest for the role of Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist

Duration: Full-time for the duration of the BEST Operation (2026–2032), with an initial twelve (12)-month contract renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and continued need.


Background 

The Barbados Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Operation is a Program-for-Results (PforR) operation financed by the World Bank, complemented by a small Investment Project Financing (IPF) component. BEST supports significant reform of education infrastructure to achieve climate resilience, modern teaching and learning environments, inclusive education, and long-term system sustainability. Under the IPF component, the Programme finances technical assistance, institutional capacity strengthening, and advisory services to improve infrastructure planning, design, and delivery. This position is financed under the IPF component and responds directly to the Program Action Plan (PAP) action requiring the Ministry of Education Transformation (MEdT) to engage one construction management expert to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure-related results within three months of Programme effectiveness.


Role and Purpose

The objective of this assignment is to provide dedicated environmental and social safeguard management support to the BEST Operation, ensuring that Program activities are implemented in compliance with the national E&S framework, the World Bank’s Policy and Directive for Program-for-Results Financing, and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) agreed for the complementary IPF component.

The Specialist will strengthen MEDT’s institutional capacity to systematically identify, assess, manage, and monitor E&S risks across all Program interventions, particularly those related to school refurbishment, teacher and community engagement, and inclusive education.

 

Desired Qualifications and Experience:
  • Master’s degree in environmental science, environmental management, social sciences, sustainable development, or a related field. A first degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
  • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in environmental and social safeguard management for development projects, preferably in the Caribbean or small island developing states.
  • Strong knowledge of E&S risk assessment, environmental screening, occupational health and safety, community engagement, and grievance redress mechanisms. Familiarity with climate-resilient infrastructure, SEA/SH prevention, and inclusive education is an asset.
  • Excellent analytical, report-writing, and English communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with government officials, project teams, contractors, and community stakeholders, and to train and mentor staff.
  • Strong knowledge of and demonstrated experience applying Barbados’ national E&S legal and regulatory framework.
Full Terms of Reference for this consultancy can be found here by clicking this link: Full EOI and Social Safeguard Specialist Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit their Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae to medtjobs@mes.gov.bb, addressed to:
Dr. Paul Murphy, Director, 
Change Management Unit, 
2nd Avenue Belleville
St. Michael
  no later than Friday, October 30, 2026.  Any inquiries regarding the position may also be directed to this email address. Information can also be obtained at the address below during office hours from 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m.