Background

The Higher Education for Innovation and Growth (HEIG) Activity is a 5-year cooperative agreement, funded by the U.S. government, designed to enhance Jordanian higher education institutions' ability to provide student-centered, market-relevant education while fostering innovation in partnership with industry. The project involves activities that range from education, technical assistance, and training programs to incentivizing research and development within higher education institutions. 

Given the project's potential environmental and social impacts, compliance with U.S. Federal environmental regulations, particularly under 22 CFR 216,  and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the project are critical. An IEE has been approved for HEIG activities. The IEE covers interventions expected to be implemented under Cooperative Agreement. USAID has determined that a Negative Determination with conditions applies to one or more of the proposed interventions. This indicates that if these interventions are implemented subject to the specified conditions, they are expected to have no significant adverse effect on the environment. HEIG project is responsible for implementing all IEE conditions pertaining to interventions to be funded under the project.

To support the implementation and monitoring of project activities, the HEIG project requires the expertise in environmental compliance and drafting the project’s Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP).

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to ensure the HEIG Activity's full compliance with the environmental regulations and standards set forth by USAID ADS 201 and 204. The consultant will provide oversight, conduct environmental reviews, and develop mitigation and monitoring plans as outlined in IEE. The consultant will also ensure continuous monitoring, documentation, and reporting to meet USAID compliance requirements.

Scope of Work

The consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

• Environmental Review and EMMP Development
  • Conduct initial environmental reviews of subawards activities under the Partnership Incubator Fund (PIF) to determine if they fall within categorical exclusions or require further environmental assessment.
  • Will use the Environmental Review Checklist (ERC) for identifying potential environmental impacts of the project and subrecipients.
  • For activities requiring further assessment, develop a detailed EMMP that includes mitigation measures, monitoring indicators, and implementation plans according to USAID and project requirements.
  • Ensure that no activities requiring mitigation are initiated before subrecipients have signed the EMMP.
• Monitoring and Compliance
  • Establish a monitoring schedule to ensure that all mitigation measures outlined in the EMMP are implemented effectively.
  • Conduct field visits as needed to monitor compliance and document findings, including any issues identified and resolutions implemented.
  • Complete and maintain Records of Compliance to document adherence to environmental mitigation measures.
• Health and Safety Considerations
  • Provide guidance on the procurement of materials for HEIs, particularly in the acquisition of equipment and chemicals that may pose health and safety risks.
  • Develop safety protocols and provide training to HEI staff on the proper handling and installation of such materials.
• Climate Resilience and Sustainability
  • Advise on integrating climate resilience strategies into HEI activities, including sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation measures.
  • Recommend and support the implementation of green building standards and energy efficiency measures where applicable.
• Reporting
  • Prepare an annual Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Report (EMMR) summarizing the effectiveness of mitigation measures, compliance issues, and lessons learned. The report should include relevant attachments such as site photos, verification of local inspections, and product warranties.

Deliverables

• Initial Environmental Reviews for all applicable subaward activities.
• Detailed EMMPs for activities requiring environmental mitigation.
• Records of Compliance (ROC) for each activity as appropriate.
• Annual Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Report (EMMR).
• Health and Safety Protocols and Training Materials.
• Reports on field monitoring visits and compliance checks.

Consultancy Period

The consultancy will be for a period of 1 year, with a maximum of 30 days of work, based on the Level of Effort (LOE) approved by IREX.

Submission Requirements

Interested consultants are required to submit the following:

• Proof of residency in Jordan.
• Daily rate.
• References.
• Prove of technical experience relevant to the scope of work outlined above.