Environmental Risk Specialist for Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (Remote, US-Based)

The USAID-funded Clean Cities Blue Ocean project in the USA, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development (www.tetratech.com/intdev) is currently accepting expressions of interest for an Environmental Risk Specialist. This position will be based either in Arlington, VA, or will be fully remote (US-based).

The CCBO activity is a five-year initiative of USAID which will serve as USAID’s flagship program to target ocean plastics directly at their source in cities and towns. The project works to prevent ocean plastic pollution by building capacity and commitment for Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling (3Rs) and solid waste management (SWM) in urban and peri-urban settings, particularly in riverine and coastal areas. CCBO works with multiple USAID missions on country-specific implementation of national and local activities, and with USAID/Washington on global-level activities.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, Section 117 requires that the impact of USAID’s activities on the environment be considered and that USAID include environmental risk mitigation and sustainability as central considerations in designing and carrying out its development programs. This mandate is codified in Federal Regulations (22 CFR 216) and in USAID’s Automated Directive Systems (ADS) Parts 201.5.10g and 204. The CCBO activity puts this mandate into practice through environmental risk mitigation across all country and central activities, including those conducted by our multiple grantees.

The role of the Environmental Risk Mitigation Specialist as a full-time member of the CCBO team is to support the operationalization of environmental mandates so that CCBO staff and grantees are prepared to manage environmental compliance for initiatives and projects of the CCBO Activity. The Specialist works in close collaboration with the Grants Manager, the MEL Manager, and with each of the thematic advisors and the technical team of the Project. The Environmental Risk Mitigation Specialist reports to the Grants Manager.

Responsibilities:

* Advising and supporting decision-making across the CCBO team in relation to environmental risk issues,

Preparing environmental mitigation documents for USAID review,

* Supporting knowledge management and capacity building among those with direct responsibilities for supervising and planning environmental activities within the CCBO Activity,

* Advising the MEL Manager and technical advisors on environmental issues and associated monitoring requirements of the CCBO activity,

* Participating in relevant meetings with USAID and CCBO staff,

* Supporting responses to USAID’s requests concerning environmental risks and other related issues,

* Providing specific guidance to grantees on the rationale and processes for environmental mitigation and monitoring within USAID,

* Reviewing Sustainability Plans submitted by prospective grantees for inclusion of aspects of financial, institutional, environmental, technological, and social sustainability,

* Preparing and submitting any changes or eventual additions to previously approved environmental mitigation documents,

* Collaborating with the MEL Manager on issues related to indicators, monitoring and evaluation, and the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (MEL Plan).

* Reviewing and commenting on Operations Manuals prepared in response to environmental reviews,

* Ensuring timely delivery of products and input assigned by the Grants Manager, MEL Manager, Country Director and/or the Chief of Party, and

* Providing written input to regular reporting by the activity including, but not limited to, the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Report (EMMR).

Qualifications:

* Degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, ecology, environmental law, or related careers preferably with postgraduate studies in environmental or related topics.

* Minimum two years of relevant work experience

* Strong writing skills

* Ability to travel within to CCBO’s countries as needed (COVID restrictions permitting)

* Familiarization with principles and challenges of solid waste management in urban and peri-urban contexts in USAID-supported countries.

* Field experience supporting international development programs.

* Prior work experience within CCBO’s target geographies.

* Knowledge of USAID’s environmental regulatory framework.

* Experience preparing written analyses and reviews for USAID and/or its implementing partners

* Proven capacity building, training, and multi-cultural communication skills.

* Knowledge in formulation, implementation, and monitoring of projects.

*Ability to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.