Program Background

Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is the Australian Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative for Southeast Asia. It partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster inclusive growth through sustainable economic infrastructure (i.e. transport, energy, telecommunications, and utilities).

Delivered through a single cohesive team, the initiative is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with EY, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation and Ninti One. The Program’s Head Office is in Bangkok.

P4I focuses on infrastructure prioritization and planning, policy and regulation, and procurement and project preparation (P4I does not finance the delivery of infrastructure). All services aim to address gender equality and social inclusion, and disaster risk reduction and climate change issues. P4I can respond to rapid requests, but ultimately aims to develop longer-term infrastructure engagement.

Further information about P4I is available at www.partnershipsforinfrastructure.org

Safeguards Framework

As safeguard risk management is included throughout all aspects of P4I, the Environmental and Social Management Framework outlines where Environmental and Social safeguards are covered in the suite of P4I program documents i.e. the Service Delivery Framework, Operations Manual, and various policies.

The cornerstone of P4I’s approach to activity level safeguarding is including a Safeguard Assessment in all activity proposals as outlined in P4I’s Service Delivery Framework (SDF). This assessment checklist is based on a modified version of DFAT’s Safeguard screening checklist in the DFAT Risk and Safeguard Tool. The Assessment covers six sections that align with DFAT’s Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy (ESSP):

1. Environmental protection

2. Exploitation, abuse, and harassment

3. Children, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups

4. Displacement and resettlement

5. Indigenous Peoples

6. Health and Safety

The Role

Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to ensure P4I’s safeguards systems and processes provide P4I technical teams appropriate guidance and support to include proportional environmental and social management assessments and plans in their activity proposals to meet DFAT’s safeguarding requirements.

Scope of Works

The Safeguards Adviser will, in collaboration with P4I’s Head of Program Delivery and Performance, Operations Manager, Senior Program Analyst:

• Review P4I’s safeguard systems and processes including the Environmental and Social Management Framework (including the relevant sections of the Service Delivery Framework, Operations Manual), and the P4I Safeguards checklist.
• Update P4I’s Environmental and Social Management Framework to meet DFAT guidance in Annex A of Environmental and Social Safeguard Operational Procedures.
• Review past and current Safeguard assessments for existing P4I Activities.
• Develop an enhanced approach to safeguards management, including through the establishment of a safeguards panel and related organisational arrangements, and the development of good practice guidance notes to supplement SDF procedures and templates.
• After this initial piece of work, there is a possibility to engage the Safeguards Adviser for ongoing advice on activity safeguards issues including:
• Scope detailed safeguard risk management plans coming from safeguard assessments
• Oversee and manage the safeguard risk assessment and management plan development team
• Monitor program wide safeguard activities
• Develop and deliver onboarding and refresher training materials for P4I Staff.

While undertaking the activity the Adviser will consult with P4I’s DRRCC, GESI and Inclusion Leads. In undertaking all the above, the position will operate as part of P4I’s One-Team, contributing to well-coordinated planning and delivery across all members of the Delivery Partner organisations.

Key activity milestones, deadlines and time frame

• Review existing safeguarding systems and processes – Early June
• Collect team feedback – Mid June
• Review past and current Safeguard Assessments – Mid June
• Develop good practice guidance – End June
• Develop onboarding and refresher training materials for P4I Staff – Mid July

Completion date – 31 July 2022

 

Selection Criteria

• Qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. public policy, development, human resources, law).
• Demonstrated expertise in analysing safeguards-related policy and practice in institutions and programs, and in making implementable recommendations for improvement
• Prior experience in a development context required, with experience in Southeast Asia and infrastructure a considerable bonus
• Experience working on DFAT-funded or other donor-supported programs
• Excellent analytical, presentation, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Excellent liaison and coordination skills with demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation
• Ability to take initiative with limited oversight.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are requested to submit a CV and a short covering note in an email, with format “[Candidate Name] – Safeguards Adviser” to recruitment@partnershipsforinfrastructure.org.

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications for P4I positions, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Closing date for applications is 29 May 2022.

This position will be hired through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.