Narrative description of Project:
Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion Project is the first operation to support the development of the digital economy in Uzbekistan in line with the GoU’s “Digital Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy” and “Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026”. The project is being implemented with the support of the World Bank and will focus on the fundamentals of digital inclusion, including digital job creation for youth, including women and persons with disabilities. The priority for the Project is the creation of new digital jobs in the ITES segments, mainly targeting regional areas. The proposed Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion Project is articulated around three main areas for intervention: policy, infrastructure, and skills. These components seek to (i) enhance the enabling legal, regulatory, and institutional environment for a vibrant and inclusive ITES industry and for the broader digital economy; (ii) develop digital and language skills among youth, women, and other vulnerable groups necessary for employment in digitally enabled service sectors (iii) expand infrastructure for ITES industry in the regions of Uzbekistan; and (iv) support mechanisms for promoting Uzbekistan as an outsourcing destination.
Description of actual services provided in the assignment:
The primary objective of this assignment is to support the PIU/IT Park under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistani the coordination and implementation of environmental and social risk management measures, ensuring compliance with the project's Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) of the World Bank, along with the relevant legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Carry out the E&S supervision during the implementation of the project on behalf of the PIU to assess environmental, social, health and safety performance and management of the project and to identify any non-compliances with the reference to ESSs;
Ensure that all project activities adhere to the ESF documents developed for the project, including the ESMF, ESMP, RAP, SEP, and LMP;
Monitor compliance with national and local environmental and social regulations;
As part of the regular on-site monitoring scope, the Consultant will undertake detailed labor and Occupational health and safety (OHS) audits against ESS2 throughout the construction phases;
Facilitate effective communication and engagement with stakeholders, including affected communities;
Ensure the effective operation of the project’s grievance redress mechanism (GRM);
Enhance the capacity of project staff and contractors through training on E&S management and safeguard policies;
Develop and disseminate training materials and conduct regular workshops.