Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Support Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the role of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Support Officer on a part-time basis – (2 ½ days per week) with the Port Development Project under the Ministry of Communication, Works, Labour and Energy (MCWLE) in Montserrat.

The Port infrastructure is currently one of the priority projects deemed to be pivotal for Montserrat's revitalization, economic recovery and sustainability. Currently, Montserrat is unable to provide a safe harbour for cruise ships, ferries, yachts, cargo and fishing vessels in the absence of a breakwater, adequate jetty length and suitable water depth at the jetty, along with other related facilities on land. 

The Government of Montserrat (GOM) applied to Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for a grant to assist in financing a project for the development of the Port at Little Bay under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). Additional funds were also received from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). The project's expected outcome is improved efficiency, effectiveness, and resilience of the Port facilities to provide a safe harbour and accessibility to all users. GoM has identified the need to appropriately staff the project to ensure it is implemented in accordance with the terms stipulated by CDB. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Support Officer will report to the Project Coordinator or an officer otherwise designated by the Permanent Secretary to support the implementation and monitoring of the Resettlement Action Plan. The duties will include: assisting with the finalization of the compensation framework; compensation to the various categories of Project Affected Persons; and monitoring and providing advice in respect of their relocation.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties will include, but will not be limited to:

• Reviewing and finalizing the framework for the compensation to include liaising with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MOFEM) to ensure that the proposed framework for compensation is in line with MOFEM policies.   
• Providing support to develop agreements between the Project Affected Persons and GOM before disbursing goods and compensation as part of the Resettlement Action Plan recommendations. Liaising and consulting with the Attorney General Chambers in developing the agreements with the Project Affected Persons. 
• Acting as a liaison between GOM and Project Affected Persons in all matters relevant to the Resettlement Action Plan.  
• Collaborating with the Community Liaison Officer in ensuring that there is appropriate engagement of all key stakeholders throughout the process of implementing the Resettlement Action Plan.  Ensuring proper documentation of the engagement process around the Resettlement Action Plan should be a key priority and should include: 
• Attending multi-agency meetings to promote the needs of the Project Affected Persons as appropriate.
• Liaise with the Community Liaison Officer frequently to identify risks associated with implementing the Resettlement Action Plan and assist in mitigation strategies.   
• Plan for disseminating Resettlement Action Plan information to affected populations and stakeholders, including information about compensation for lost assets, eligibility for compensation, resettlement assistance, and grievance redress.
• Monitoring the Resettlement Action Plan implementation and reporting on accomplishments and challenges by describing the internal/performance monitoring process, defining key monitoring indicators and providing a list of monitoring indicators that will be used for internal monitoring;
• Leading on compensation/entitlements disbursements for the different categories of Project Affected Persons to ensure Project Affected Persons receive the correct compensation;
• Maintaining records of disbursements of goods and compensations provided to the various Project Affected Persons and provide records to the Project Coordinator, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication, Works, Labour and Energy and the Financial Administrator. 
• Carrying out assessments, identifying if there are any other needs of affected categories (Project Affected Persons);
• Maintaining regular contact with Project Affected Persons working along with the Community Liaison Officer to support their transition to alternate locations;
• Maintaining accurate records of case management, including compensation paid and challenges faced by the Project Affected Persons and informing the Project Team of any potential disputes or challenges. 

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The applicant should possess:-

• A bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or International/Regional Development, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience working with Community based organizations or in Social Development, Social Work, or related fields.
• Knowledge and or experience of working with the implementation and or management of resettlement action plans.
• Experience with grievance mechanisms.
• Background in design, implementation, and/or monitoring and evaluation of capital development projects in developing countries.
• Demonstrable skills in Stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution and strategic negotiations.
• Knowledge of software applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

COMPENSATION

The remuneration package for this position is EC$7,000.00 per month broken down as follows:

DURATION 

The successful applicant will be engaged on a contractual basis for a period of twelve (12) months.