Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

1. Background: The Government of Malawi (GoM) has applied for financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Southern African Trade and Connectivity Project (Project) to support efforts to reduce trade costs and time, increase access to improved infrastructure, and increase value chain development in targeted corridors of Malawi and Mozambique, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the services”) include consulting services as an occupational health and safety specialist for the project under the Ministry of Transport & Public Works (Malawi). The project will be implemented over a period of 4 years.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below.

• The Ministry of Transport and Public Works now invites eligible individuals (“consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for the position.

Roles and duties

The Occupational Health and Safety Specialist will assist the Project Manager in performing the following activities:

1. Considering World Bank Environmental Health Safety Guidelines (EHSG), Good International Industry Practice (GIIP), and guidance notes for borrowers and good practice notes The OHSSS will review the existing OHS procedures and update where applicable the OHS strategy, system and operational plans for the project.
   1. Develop, update, coordinate and facilitate the development and/or revision of occupational safety and health Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the various activities under the project, which shall also include community health and safety measures.
   2. Approve and Oversee contractor OHS plans, implementation and compliance.
   3. Implement in-house Occupational Health and Safety measures for the project;
   4. The appointee will work with project environmental and social teams to review severe OHS incidents and near misses that have occurred on project, including community health and safety measures.
   5. Facilitate the development of a health and safety manual and a health and safety management plan for the project, and incorporate the relevant OHS measures (including emergency preparedness and response measures) into the Labour Management Procedures (LMP).
   6. Conducting occupational health and safety site inspections on a regular basis with adequate frequency.
   7. Providing internal audits on occupational health and safety issues.
   8. Facilitating wellness health awareness and screening Programs.
   9.  Support project teams and clients in investigating the root cause(s) of the incidents and developing appropriate remedial and mitigation measures.
   10. Prepare and deliver reports to the project on OHS incidents, patterns of incidents, and proposed recommendations
   11. Help develop and implement a comprehensive intervention to improve worker OHS and Community Health and Safety for communities directly impacted by the project.
   12. Develop and implement a training program on occupational health and safety for project clients and contractors
   13. Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, such as working at heights, scaffolding measures, trenches and excavation, working adjacent to flowing water, and other relevant processes or materials.
   14. Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues
   15. Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards, World Bank Environment Health and Safety guidelines, and government regulations
   16. Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans
   17. Inspect work environments to ensure workplace safety
   18. Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment
   19. Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations and World Bank’s ESF and ESHS requirements.
   20. Develop or maintain medical monitoring programs for employees and contractors
   21. Coordinate “right-to-know” programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances and safety procedures.
   22. Maintain or update emergency response plans or procedures

Academic requirements and experience

The candidate should meet the following minimum qualifications and expertise: 

1. Masters’ Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in disciplines such as engineering (Civil, Electrical, Environmental, quality, and Safety), Health and safety, or closely related field. Those with postgraduate qualifications and an international certificate in OHS, e.g. NEBOSH, in relevant or similar fields will have an added advantage.
   1. A minimum of 8 years of demonstrable project experience in developing, implementing, and/or supervising OHS in construction, with experience in transport infrastructure and or extractive sectors at similar or senior level.
   2. Knowledge of OHS management systems, including experience auditing and assessing health and safety programs and systems.
   3. Membership of professional bodies and experience in implementing World Bank-funded projects and/or other multilateral Banks’ OHS policies will be an added advantage.
   4. Demonstrated ability to address technical issues of occupational health and safety and to effect a cultural change to create a culture of safety across a workplace or organization
   5. Have a working Knowledge of World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, especially ESS2 and  ESS 4.
   6. Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, as well as team participation and management skills
   7. Proficiency in using computer applications, e.g. MS Word, Excel and Power

• The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 
• A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant (INDV) selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
• Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 07:30 to 16:30 local time or visit www.satcp.mw.
• Expressions of interest, including updated detailed curriculum vitae and professional certificates, must be delivered in written form to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by October 3, 2023.

The Chairman,

Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee,

Ministry Of Transport and Public Works

Attn: Chief Human Resources Officer

Capital Hill, Ground Floor, Room 31

Private Bag 322

Lilongwe 3, Malawi

Tel:      +265 1 789 577

Andrew Sungitsa@satcp.mwE-mail: procurement@satcp.mw; CC andrew.sungitsa@satcp.mw