Social Specialist (National)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(Individual Consultant Selection)

Country: Republic of Uzbekistan

Grant: Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP)

Project: Transforming Public Education for Economic Growth Operation

Assignment Title: Social Specialist (National)

Reference No.: UZ-MOPSE -529548-CS-INDV

The Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MoPSE), with support from the World Bank under the Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP), is preparing the Transforming Public Education for Economic Growth Operation, which aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness of school education in Uzbekistan.

The Operation is structured as a hybrid program consisting of a Program-for-Results (PforR) component and an Investment Project Financing (IPF) Technical Assistance component. The preparation grant finances analytical, institutional, fiduciary, environmental, and social preparatory activities required for the design and readiness of the full program.

To support implementation of these activities, the Ministry intends to recruit an Individual Consultant – Social Specialist for the Implementation Office.

Scope of Services

The Social Specialist will support the Ministry and the World Bank team in managing social risks and ensuring compliance with Uzbekistan’s national legislation and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

The Consultant’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Support to the World Bank Task Team (PforR Component)

- Support preparation of the Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA).

- Provide information on national social legislation, stakeholder consultation procedures, land acquisition processes, labor regulations, occupational health and safety, and grievance management systems.

- Participate in World Bank technical meetings, field missions, consultations, and validation discussions.

- Assist in identifying gaps between national systems and PforR Core Principles and propose measures for system strengthening.

- Contribute to preparation of the Program Action Plan (PAP).

Social Documentation (IPF Technical Assistance Component)

- Support preparation of social instruments including:

• Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP)
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
  • Labor Management Procedures (LMP)
  • Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), if required
  • Social screening forms and checklists
  • Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) procedures

• - Conduct social screening of proposed school construction sites.

  - Identify potential social risks related to land acquisition, labor conditions, community safety, gender inclusion, vulnerable groups, disability inclusion, and SEA/SH risks.

  - Review consultants’ reports to ensure compliance with national requirements and the ESF.

  Stakeholder Engagement and GRM

  - Support implementation and monitoring of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).

  - Maintain and monitor the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

  - Support inclusive consultations with teachers, students, parents, women, people with disabilities, and local communities.

  Coordination and Monitoring

  - Coordinate with relevant government institutions including regional authorities, Cadastre Agency departments, and other stakeholders.

  - Support integration of social considerations into feasibility studies, procurement documentation, and the model school blueprint.

  - Conduct site visits and support preparation of monitoring reports.

  Qualifications and Experience

  The Ministry encourages applications from qualified national professionals, including early-career specialists and recent graduates interested in developing expertise in environmental and social risk management under international development projects.

  The Consultant should meet the following qualifications:

  - Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, development studies, public policy, economics, law, or related disciplines.

  - Up to 2 years of relevant professional experience in social development, community engagement, research, public administration, or related fields. Experience gained through internships, research assignments, academic projects, or work with government institutions, NGOs, or international organizations will be considered relevant.

  - Demonstrated analytical, research, and reporting skills, including the ability to collect information, review documentation, and prepare structured reports.

  - Strong interest in environmental and social risk management, stakeholder engagement, and social inclusion.

  - Familiarity with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) or other international safeguard systems will be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

  - Knowledge of Uzbekistan’s institutional and legal framework related to social development or land processes will be considered an advantage.

  Languages

  - Working knowledge of English

  - Fluency in Uzbek and/or Russian

  Skills

  - Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities

  - Good analytical and writing skills

  - Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and learn quickly in a fast-paced project environment

  - Proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  The selected consultant may receive technical guidance and capacity support from the World Bank team during implementation to strengthen practical application of ESF requirements.

  Duration and Location

  The assignment is expected to be for 10 months (including a three-month probation period) and may be extended depending on project needs and performance.

  The Consultant will be based in Tashkent with possible travel to project regions.

  Selection Method

  The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers – Individual Consultant Selection method.

  Submission Requirements

  Interested candidates should submit:

  - Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  - Cover letter indicating relevant experience and motivation for the assignment

  Expressions of interest must be submitted no later than 25 March 2026, 18-00 Tashkent time (GMT +5) by applying to this vacancy.