Consultancy Services for the Preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP)

2ND Floor LIBSUCO Building Japan Freeway (Formerly Somalia Drive),

Gardnersville – Monrovia, Liberia

LOAN #: P175263; IDA: 69000

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for the Preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes

REOI Reference No: LR-PMU-MOA-551325-CS-CQS

• Background and Rationale

The Government of Liberia, with funding from the World Bank, is implementing the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) through the Ministry of Agriculture. Under Component 5, the project prioritizes the rehabilitation of critical agricultural infrastructure to increase productivity and promote climate-resilient farming.

Systemic barriers, such as inadequate irrigation infrastructure, continue to marginalize smallholder rice farmers. To address this, four priority sites have been identified for rehabilitation: Fargonda (Lofa), Kakata (Margibi), Meleki (Bong), and Sahnpa (Nimba). This assignment focuses on ensuring these interventions comply with national environmental regulations and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

• Objectives Primary Objective: To develop a comprehensive and stand-alone Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for each of the four priority irrigation sites to ensure that environmental and social safeguards are effectively integrated into project activities across all phases (construction, operation, and decommissioning).

Specific Objectives

• Conduct baseline assessments of environmental and social conditions within the project areas.

• Identify potential environmental and social risks (e.g., water use, flooding, child labor, GBV/SEA/SH, and OHS risks).

• Propose concrete mitigation measures and institutional arrangements for monitoring.

• Facilitate stakeholder consultations to gather community feedback on the ESMP.

• Ensure full compliance with Liberia’s EPA regulations and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

• Scope of Work the Consultant:

• Provide technical descriptions of the proposed irrigation components and identify all activities of environmental or social concern.

• Review and collect primary baseline data on land ownership, land use, and socio-economic conditions.

• Assess national environmental regulatory requirements and compile necessary permits/clearances.

• Develop a detailed ESMP budget and a robust Monitoring Plan including specific indicators and means of verification.

• Conduct and document stakeholder consultations with farmers, women, CBOs, and local authorities.

• Prepare the final ESMP document and secure the necessary EPA Certificates.

The shortlisting criteria are:

(a) Core Business and Number of Years in Business: The firm must be a qualified Environmental Consultancy with a minimum of at least five (5) years of corporate experience in providing environmental consultancy services, specifically in the fields of Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or Natural Resources Management.

(b) Technical and Managerial Organization of the Firm: The firm must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia to conduct environmental assessments.

(c) Description of Similar Assignments: Proven track record in developing and implementing ESMPs/ESIAs for World Bank-funded projects or other international organizations, specifically in the agriculture or irrigation sectors.

(d) Experience in Similar Conditions: Demonstrated experience working in rural Liberia or the West African region, including familiarity with local environmental policies and socio-cultural settings.

(e) Availability of Appropriate Skills among Staff: Evidence of qualified personnel, including an Environmental Specialist (Team Leader) and a Social Specialist with advanced degrees and extensive experience in World Bank ESF standards.

Note: Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following websites: a) www.moa.gov.lr, b) Alternatively, it can be directly requested via email from [email protected].

The attention of interested firms is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers,” Seventh Edition, September 2025, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. In addition, please refer to paragraph 3.17 of the Procurement Regulations on unfair competitive advantage related to this assignment. The Regulations are available on the Bank’s website at www.worldbank.org/procurement. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection (CQS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Expressions of interest must be submitted electronically in a format that cannot be altered (PDF format is preferred) to the email address below by 26th May 2026 @ 5:00 pm local time.

Note: All expressions of interest MUST be submitted to the email address below:

Galah Toto National Project Coordinator Program Implementation Unit (PIU)

Ministry of Agriculture Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP)

2nd Floor LIBSUCO Building, Japanese Freeway (Formerly Somalia Drive), Gardnersville – Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-777576980

Email: [email protected] with a copy to Email: [email protected]

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

Republic of Liberia

Gardnersville, Somalia drive

Monrovia, Liberia

Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP)

LOAN #:

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PREPARATION OF

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP),

FOR THE IRRIGATION OF INLAND VALLEY SWAMP RICE FARMS REHABILATATION FOR FOOD SECURITY

RURAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION PROJECT (RETRAP)

GENERAL INFORMATION