Job Vacancies @ The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) – 7 Positions

Protecting Our Environment for a Better Future
info@epa.gov.sl | www.epa.gov.sl | 38 Freetown Road, Wilberforce

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) mandate is to protect and manage the environment effectively, monitor and regulate companies with EIA Licenses and illegal operations that impact the environment, and advise the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on all environmental matters. Among others, the Agency has responsibilities to ensure compliance and enforcement of environmental impact assessment procedures and pursue ecological education to create public awareness of the environment and its importance to the economic and social life of Sierra Leone.

See open positions below.

1. Environmental, Social Safeguards, and Gender Officer
2. Biodiversity Conservation Specialist
3. Driver
4. Finance Officer
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer
6. Partnership and Grants Management Officer
7. Project Manager (PM)

See job details and how to apply below.

Background

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is the Executing Agency (EA) for the Sierra Leone Gola project. It will lead and guide the day-to-day implementation, administration, and monitoring of the project, facilitate meetings and information flow, and coordinate with executing partners and stakeholders, including Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local communities, research institutions, and NGOs. The EPA's guidance will align with the GEF’s and the Implementing Agency’s policies and guidelines (CI-GEF). In addition, EPA will be responsible for directly managing project-related activities, sub-contracts, project staffing, and the use of project funds.

Project Summary

The GEF 8 project titled "Strengthening Conservation and Effective Governance of Sierra Leone’s Critical Forests in the Gola Forest Landscape" is a USD 5.5 million initiative that aims to conserve and restore the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve and associated community forest lands through a holistic, integrated approach focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, and climate change mitigation. The project will focus on enhancing landscape management within government administrative boundaries and promoting active participation from all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions. The project will address key environmental challenges such as deforestation, habitat loss, and land degradation while supporting sustainable livelihoods. The project will be structured around five key components:

1. Enhancing forest conservation and restoration efforts

2. Improving community-based sustainable land management practices

3. Promoting access to climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly technologies

4. Knowledge sharing, communication, and local capacity building

5. Monitoring and evaluation

For more information about the project, please refer to this link HERE:
https://www.conservation.org/gef/projects-list/Strengthening-conservation-and-effective-governance-of-Sierra-Leone’s-critical-forests-in-the-Gola-Forest-Landscape

Also see:
https://www.conservation.org/gef/projects-list/guinean-forests-integrated-program

The results of this project will contribute to the success of the Guinean Forests Integrated Program (GFIP), aligning with the program's objectives to promote sustainable forest management and environmental resilience across the region.

1. Job Title: Environmental, Social Safeguards, and Gender Officer

• Duty Station: TBD

• Reporting to: Project Manager (PM)

• Responsible for: None

• Salary: Attractive

Position Summary
The role of the Environmental, Social Safeguards, and Gender Officer is critical to the success of the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key member of the project team, you will be responsible for ensuring that environmental, social, and gender safeguards are integrated into the project’s design and implementation. You will lead the safeguarding efforts, including adherence to the GEF’s social and environmental standards, focusing on ensuring that the project respects human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all environmental, social, and gender safeguard requirements of the Sierra Leone Gola project.

• Develop the Environmental and Social Management plan for the Gola project, ensuring alignment with national and international standards.

• Lead the review and update of all safeguard plans, including the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Gender Mainstreaming Plan, and Accountability and Grievance Mechanism, and develop any other necessary safeguard assessments or plans.

• Provide technical guidance to project teams in preparing, reviewing, and submitting safeguard screening forms, safeguard plans, work plans, quarterly reports, and annual reports to address social and environmental risks during project development and implementation.

• Ensure that all project teams and delivery partners adequately integrate safeguard plans and activities into their work plans, including appropriate staffing and budgeting for safeguards.

• Operate and manage the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism, ensuring the efficient receipt, registration, handling, and reporting of complaints from external parties affected by the project.

• Incorporate human rights-based approaches (RBA) into all risk management activities and grant agreements, ensuring the meaningful inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized communities in project design and implementation.

• Develop and implement surveys or analyses as requested, related to environmental, social, and gender impacts.

• Ensure that all safeguard plans are implemented effectively, with appropriate adaptations as risks change over time.

• Conduct thorough assessments of implementing partners' capacity to apply safeguard plans and ensure that responsibilities are cascaded in grant agreements and contracts.

• Ensure compliance with national and institutional safeguard policies, assessing risks and opportunities in partnerships related to funding.

• Monitor and report on the implementation of safeguard plans throughout the lifespan of the project, ensuring effective compliance.

• Raise awareness about project safeguards and gender action plans among stakeholders through proactive communication and disclosure of these plans.

• Assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of safeguards and gender capacity-building programs, including the development of training materials.

• Organize and participate in awareness-raising, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing activities related to safeguards and gender for project teams, partners, and stakeholders.

• Participate in relevant networks such as the CI Safeguard Community of Practice and stay updated on best practices and standards related to environmental and social safeguards.

• Collect, analyze, and store quarterly data related to safeguard performance indicators, supporting periodic compliance monitoring and providing the necessary information to internal/external reviewers, evaluators, and consultants.

• Organize and maintain all safeguard and gender-related documentation in the project’s SharePoint site for easy access and reference.

• Manage safeguard consultancies as needed, including the preparation of TORs, evaluating and shortlisting bids, contract signing and management, and receipt of deliverables.

• Organize and participate in GEF, EPA, or CI-organized safeguard meetings, webinars, workshops, and seminars to raise awareness, strengthen capacity, and facilitate knowledge exchange on safeguards and gender for CI staff, project teams, and executing partners.

• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.

• Perform additional tasks as required, in alignment with the project’s goals and organizational needs.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, environmental science or a related field, such as international development.

• At four to five years of experience working with project and program design, monitoring, and compliance of public or private donor-funded projects in the area of environment, chemicals, and/or development or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Working knowledge and experience in designing, applying, and monitoring environment and social safeguards (stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, grievance mechanism).

• Experience designing/implementing environmental and social management plans and social impact assessments (ESIAs).

• Strong understanding of the social risks and impacts, particularly the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized peoples, gender equality, benefit-sharing, conflict, and grievance redress.

• Relevant experience with gender-responsive programming, including designing and implementing gender action plans.

• Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders.

• Excellent cross-cultural and people skills, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at both a project and institutional level.

• Ability to work independently and /or remotely to meet deadlines and commitments.

• Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work in team environments, including building productive partnerships across diverse stakeholders.

• Attention to detail and discretion in the discussion of sensitive risk-related issues.

• Excellent English oral and written communication skills are strongly preferred.

• Experience designing and implementing GEF and GCF projects or familiarity with IFC’s Performance Standards.

• Experience in working with MS PowerPoint and SharePoint.

• Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products and training materials.

• Experience in designing and conducting training on safeguard issues.

• Experience in conducting M&E, including developing performance indicators, designing surveys, analyzing data and presenting findings in a user-friendly manner.

2. Job Title: Biodiversity Conservation Specialist

• Duty Station: TBD

• Reporting to: Project Manager

• Responsible for: None

• Salary: Attractive

Position Summary
The role of the Biodiversity Conservation Specialist is pivotal in the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key team member, he/she will be responsible for leading the technical efforts in biodiversity conservation, including conducting ecological assessments, providing expert guidance on habitat restoration, and ensuring that conservation activities align with the project’s goals and environmental standards. He/she will also be responsible for designing and implementing biodiversity-friendly land management strategies, monitoring biodiversity indicators, and collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to promote sustainable land use practices.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management to ensure alignment with project goals and environmental standards.

• Conduct ecological assessments to evaluate the health and status of biodiversity within the project’s target areas, including species diversity and habitat quality.

• Contribute to biodiversity monitoring efforts, ensuring the collection, analysis, and reporting of key biodiversity indicators, and tracking progress towards conservation targets.

• Develop and implement biodiversity-friendly strategies for land management, ensuring that conservation activities do not compromise ecosystem services and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

• Support capacity-building efforts of project partners, local communities, and stakeholders in biodiversity conservation practices, through workshops, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Collaborate with local and national stakeholders to integrate biodiversity conservation into land use planning, including government agencies, EPA, CIGEF, and local communities.

• Provide recommendations on best practices for sustainable land management and natural resource use that balance conservation with community needs and development objectives.

• Support the restoration of degraded habitats, implementing strategies for reforestation, agroforestry, and other restoration activities to enhance biodiversity in the project’s focal areas.

• Ensure the integration of gender-responsive conservation strategies, addressing the specific needs and roles of women and marginalized groups in biodiversity conservation efforts.

• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.

• Report regularly on biodiversity conservation progress to project management and stakeholders, contributing to annual reports, donor reports, and other documentation to highlight project achievements and challenges.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.

• Proven experience in managing biodiversity-related projects in complex landscapes.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).

• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.

• Comfortable working out of the office.

• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.

3. Job Title: Driver

• Duty Station: Freetown with frequent travel to remote project sites

• Reports to: Project Manager

• Responsible for: None

• Salary: Attractive

Position Summary
The Driver will ensure safe transportation and logistical support for the project team, ensuring vehicles are maintained and travel is executed smoothly. The Driver is responsible for providing safe and reliable transportation for project staff and partners. This includes vehicle maintenance, ensuring the timely execution of logistics, and supporting field visits.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide transportation for project staff, consultants, and stakeholders to project sites and events.

• Ensure proper vehicle maintenance, safety checks, and record keeping for vehicle usage.

• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.

• Assist with logistics for field visits and project activities.

• Occasional extended hours depending on project requirements.

• Comply with all relevant driving regulations and safety standards.

Recruitment Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and experience driving in rural or challenging environments.

• At least 3 years of experience as a driver, preferably in project or development settings.

• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance and safety protocols.

• Ability to work in a Team.

• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.

• Comfortable working out of the office.

• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.

4. Job Title: Finance Officer

• Duty Station: Freetown

• Reports to: Project Manager

• Responsible for: None

• Salary: Attractive

Job Summary
The role of the finance officer is pivotal in the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key team member, he/she will be responsible for ensuring the books and records for all bank and cash transactions of the project, including reviewing all supporting documentation for payment requests to ensure policies and procedures are being complied with consistently. He/she will also be responsible for all bank payments, checking supporting documentation, monitoring bank/cash balances in each account and the office safes and notifying the project manager (PM) on a timely basis when a transfer between accounts or from the donor is required.

Major Roles and Responsibilities (Lengthy list of finance-related duties including managing cash/bank accounts, preparing transfers, maintaining accurate records, ensuring audit compliance, and training non-finance staff.)

Recruitment Requirements

• Degree in Accounting or Finance related Field or Part Qualified AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA.

• At least 4 years’ experience in finance / related field.

• Experience in working with an International NGO.

• Experience in management reporting is desirable.

• Computer literacy, especially in MS Office and accounting packages.

• Experience developing finance staff capacity and training non-finance staff.

• Ability to work under pressure and in a team.

• Regular travel to project sites.

5. Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer

• Duty Station: TBD

• Reporting to: Project Manager

• Responsible for: None

• Salary: Attractive

Position Summary
The M&E Officer will support technical and operational execution by designing and implementing robust M&E frameworks. They will ensure components of the project are effectively monitored and evaluated to assess progress toward conservation, restoration, and community engagement goals. The role involves coordination with the Guinean Forests Integrated Program regional coordination and learning project.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Review and implement the M&E framework, track project progress.

• Lead the update of M&E plans on biodiversity, restoration, and inclusion.

• Guide teams on M&E tools, data forms, and outcome reports.

• Integrate M&E into work plans and budgets.

• Monitor biodiversity, land use, and community development efforts.

• Collect field data on biodiversity, environmental, and social impacts.

• Develop surveys and data tools to evaluate outcomes.

• Monitor safeguard plan implementation.

• Prepare and submit timely M&E reports to the Project Manager, donors, stakeholders.

• Update the Project Steering Committee regularly.

• Build M&E capacity through training and tools.

• Engage with CI’s global M&E community.

• Analyze and store all M&E data.

• Manage M&E consultancies (TORs, contracts, deliverables).

• Align M&E with project budget tracking in collaboration with Finance.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s in environmental science, economics, data science, or related field.

• At least 2 years' experience with M&E of donor-funded environmental projects.

• Experience with safeguards, ESIAs, and gender inclusion.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Familiarity with GEF/GCF project frameworks.

• Proficiency in MS Office and SharePoint.

• Survey design, data analysis, and presentation skills.

• Willingness to travel and work extended hours.

6. Job Title: Partnership and Grants Management Officer

• Duty Station: Freetown

• Reports to: Project Manager

• Responsible for: None

• Salary: Attractive

Job Summary
This officer will manage grants and partnerships, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and supporting successful project delivery. They will oversee agreements, performance monitoring, due diligence, and financial tracking for all project partners.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee partnerships and grants from inception to reporting.

• Ensure partner compliance with policies and donor regulations.

• Conduct due diligence on partners.

• Track grant performance and address issues.

• Prepare grant agreements with legal/finance teams.

• Prepare donor financial reports.

• Support annual work plans and budget development.

• Coordinate disbursements and review documentation.

• Maintain grant files for audits.

• Train staff and partners on compliance and reporting.

• Assist with donor visits and audits.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Business Admin, Project Management, Environmental Science, or related field.

• At least 3 years of experience in grants/partnerships.

• Strong organizational, financial, and reporting skills.

• Knowledge of donor compliance.

• Excellent written/verbal communication.

• Team collaboration and problem-solving under pressure.

7. Job Title: Project Manager (PM)

• Duty Station: Freetown

• Reporting to: Chief Director, EPA-SL

• Responsible for: Sierra Leone Gola Project Staff

• Salary: Attractive

Position Summary
The PM leads the Project Management Unit (PMU), ensuring coordinated delivery of project results and managing all components and stakeholders. The role demands strong leadership, project management skills, and direct coordination with the Guinean Forests Integrated Program regional coordination and learning project.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the PMU, ensuring smooth project execution.

• Provide vision, coordination, and resource management.

• Ensure delivery of high-quality conservation and restoration outcomes.

• Supervise all project staff and build capacity.

• Ensure timely completion of deliverables.

• Serve as the project’s key representative.

• Oversee work plans, budgets, reports, and compliance.

• Ensure strategic use of resources.

• Coordinate with executing partners and monitor co-financing.

• Co-chair and organize Project Steering Committee meetings.

• Maintain donor and stakeholder communication.

• Ensure alignment with regional and global programs.

• Engage with relevant ministries and CSOs.

• Enforce environmental and social safeguards.

• Oversee project finances and ensure donor regulation compliance.

• Perform other tasks to ensure successful project delivery.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• At least 5 years' experience with multi-sector conservation/development programs.

• Minimum 3 years in team and staff management.

• Proven success in managing large-scale conservation/development projects.

• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and budgeting skills.

• Deep understanding of donor regulations.

• Effective collaboration with government, CSOs, and community stakeholders.

• Technical knowledge in conservation and environmental safeguards.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

• Willingness to travel and work extended hours.

Application Details

Deadline: 4th April 2025 at 3:00 PM
Note: These are full-time positions.

How to Apply
Submit your application with the job title clearly written on the top-right corner of a sealed envelope. Include:

• Application letter

• Copies of credentials

• Updated CV

• Names and contact details of 3 referees

Send to:

The Executive Chairman
Environment Protection Agency
38 Freetown Road
Wilberforce, Freetown

Or email to: hr@epa.gov.sl

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.