ICAR's NAHEP invites EOI for Social Safeguard consultancy services

NEW DELHI, 15 June 2021: National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a World Bank Project of INR 1,100 crore invites EOI from well qualified and experienced Consultant to provide support to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of NAHEP,ICAR.

The Social Safeguard Specialist will have the overall responsibility to ensure that its aspects both in terms of EAPs/Social management plans etc. as well as proactive inclusion are being satisfactorily undertaken by the project through various activities and by the partner agricultural universities. The monitoring organization includes PIU, NAHEP, ICAR.

The Govt. of India (GOI) has received financing in the amount of USD 82.5 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for funding the NAHEP of the ICAR. The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 165 million. It is proposed to apply part of the proceeds for eligible payments towards Consultancy Services for Social Safeguard Specialist to be hired for providing support to the PIU.

NAHEP will support the education development of Agricultural Universities (AUs) including State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural Universities and Central Universities with Agriculture faculty, Deemed-to-be Universities and ICAR.

Objective of the NAHEP is to further improve policy, quality assurance through accreditation, common academic regulations and governance, effective curricula delivery systems, improvement of faculty competence, student development, attracting talented students, IT support and up-gradation of infrastructure and facilities in enabling the system to catch up nationally and internationally.

This programme is envisaged to ensure accountability and to bring about reforms through planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of education related activities in AUs and to enhance their visibility.

The NAHEP has three major Components which includes Support to Agricultural Universities, Investments in ICAR for Leadership in Agricultural Higher Education and Project Implementation Unit.

Concise statement of objectives

To provide required support in the implementation of Social Management Framework of the project.

Outline of the tasks to be carried out

The Social Safeguard Specialist will be based at PIU, NAHEP office and is expected to handle the overall implementation of SMF. It will liaise with the implementing units of the sub-projects at SAUs/ ICAR DU level. This would include support in preparation and implementation of EAPs/ social management plans, monitoring, facilitating integration of Social Safeguard friendly aspects into the IDPs, CAASTS and Innovation grants.

Outcomes

The Social Safeguard Specialist will have the overall responsibility to ensure that Social Safeguard aspects both in terms of safeguards as well as proactive inclusion are being satisfactorily undertaken by the project through various activities and by the partners. The reporting format will be develop to capture progress and compliance on identified parameters and using the same, would provide a monthly report to the National Coordinator, and World Bank.

Duration of the assignment

This assignment covers the entire project duration till November 2022. However, the National Director, reserves the right to terminate the contract if the services are not satisfactory.

Reporting requirement

The Social Safeguard Specialist will report to the designated National Coordinator at the PIU. Based on the annual action plan, and will submit monthly reports for the works undertaken, quarterly reports summarizing the activities undertaken in the quarter and a final report at the end of the assignment.