THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE Support for Social Recovery Needs of Vulnerable Groups in Beirut (P176622) ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) 1 September 2021 1|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The International Rescue Committee will implement the Support for Social Recovery Needs of Vulnerable Groups in Beirut Project (the Project) . The World Bank (hereinafter the Bank) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The International Rescue Committee will implement material measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). This Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) sets out material measures and actions, any specific documents or plans, as well as the timing for each of these. 3. The International Rescue Committee will also comply with the provisions of any other E&S documents required under the ESF and referred to in this ESCP, such as the Socio-economic Assessment, the Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) and the Medical Waste Management Plan and the timelines specified in those E&S documents. 4. The International Rescue Committee is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP and will monitor the implementation of specific measures and actions conducted by other institutions. 5. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP will be monitored and reported to the Bank by The International Rescue Committee as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement, and the Bank will monitor and assess progress and completion of the material measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 6. As agreed by the Bank and The International Rescue Committee, this ESCP may be revised from time to time during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of Project changes and unforeseen circumstances or in response to assessment of Project performance conducted under the ESCP itself. In such circumstances, The International Rescue Committee will agree to the changes with the Bank and will update the ESCP to reflect such changes. Agreement on changes to the ESCP will be documented through the exchange of letters signed between the Bank and the International Rescue Committee. The International Rescue Committee will promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 7. Where Project changes, unforeseen circumstances, or Project performance result in changes to the risks and impacts during Project implementation, the International Rescue Committee shall , if needed, implement actions and measures to address such risks and impacts, which may include those described in the Socio-economic Assessment. 2|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING Bi-yearly throughout the project IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Prepare and submit to the World Bank regular monitoring reports on implementation period as part of project the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the reporting. Reports are to be sent within 15 Project, including but not limited to the implementation of the ESCP, days after the reporting period ends. status of preparation and implementation of E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities, functioning of the grievance mechanism(s). B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS Promptly after taking notice of the incident IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Promptly notify the World Bank of any incident or accident related to or accident and within 48 hours after the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on becoming aware of its occurrence. the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers A root cause analysis would be provided including the risks specified in the environmental and social assessment. within 10 days or agreed time frame, if Provide sufficient detail regarding the incident or accident, indicating requested. immediate measures taken or that are planned to be taken to address it, and any information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate. Subsequently, as per the World Bank’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE A dedicated IRC Environmental & Social The assigned IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point will be responsible Focal Point with support from the Project IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point for ensuring adequate risk identification, management and reporting, in Management Unit for this project and IRC line with IRC’s well-established risk management mechanisms (as Lebanon Senior Management Team to outlined under 1.2). An Environmental and Social Focal Point will be the ensure accountability before the start of main focal point for coordination of the ESCP and its requirements and project activities. will delegate specific tasks/areas as needed to the rest of the Project Team. The IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point will be supported by the IRC Lebanon’s Senior Management Team (SMT) who will monitor and ensure accountability throughout the project for the implementation of the ESCP. 3|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT The SEA will be prepared and disclosed IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Update, adopt, and implement, the Socio-economic Assessment (SEA) prior to project start. It will be reviewed that has been prepared for the Project, in a manner acceptable to the and updated as needed throughout the World Bank. project implementation period. 1.3 MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS The risk mitigation measures identified in IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Screen any proposed subproject in accordance with the Socio-economic the SEA will be in place throughout the Assessment as required, in a manner acceptable to the World Bank. project implementation. The IRC will incorporate the relevant aspects of the ESCP, including the relevant E&S documents and/or plans, and the Labor Management Procedures into the ESHS specifications of the procurement documents and contracts with contractors, supervising firms As required throughout project implementation ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES The project’s Labor Management IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Update, adopt, and implement the Labor Management Procedures Procedures will be revised as relevant and (LMP) that have been developed for the Project. when further information becomes available during project implementation. It will be implemented throughout the project implementation. 2.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS A grievance mechanism is already in place IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Establish, maintain, and operate a grievance mechanism for Project for all IRC staff and subawards and will workers, as described in the LMP and consistent with ESS2. continue to be in place throughout Project implementation]. 2.3 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) MEASURES The IRC has a robust OHS policy which is IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Prepare, adopt, and implement occupational, health and safety (OHS) already in place (provided in Annex under action plan that includes measures specified in the LMP in line with ESS2. the name ‘Staff Health’). The IRC will The IRC will ensure that the general workplace OHS, COVID-19-related ensure that the OHS action plan is in effect and OHS due to waste handling and other services are properly managed. and is being implemented by the NGOs receiving financing. The OHS action plan will remain in place throughout Project implementation. 4|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 2.4 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE: As part of the LMP and IRC Contingency IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point As part of the OHS measures specified in 2.3, include measures on Plan and implemented throughout the emergency preparedness and response, and ensure coordination with Project implementation measures under 4.4. These measures include those outlined in IRC’s existing Contingency Plan, which is activated in times of emergencies. ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: As Part of the Medical Waste The Medical Waste Management Plan IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Management Plan, develop and implement measures and procedures to (MWMP) will be prepared, disclosed by manage healthcare waste that is in line with ESS3, in a manner project appraisal. The plans at the MMUs acceptable to the Bank. IRC will undertake assessments of the Mobile and PHCs level will be identified and Medical Units (MMUs) and Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) to be developed once the MMUs and PHCs are supported under the project to document the status of implementation selected. They will be implemented and of medical waste management measures as per the national guidelines monitored throughout the project and requirements of the ESS3. IRC will identify and develop plans with implementation. adequate budget at the MMUs and PHCs level to be implemented and monitored throughout the project lifecycle. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY: Adopt and implement measures and The IRC implements Traffic and Road Safety IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point actions to assess and manage traffic and road safety risks. Standards which will apply to this project and maintained throughout implementation. 4.2 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: The IRC will apply the measures set out IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point The IRC continuously monitors the risks and impacts to the community under 1.2 arising from the project activities, as specified in the SEA under 1.2. To manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRC has an existing Pandemic Management Plan which will apply to this project. In addition, IRC’s Environmental Policy outlines our commitment to the responsible and efficient use of resources and respect for the environment. 5|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 4.3 GBV AND SEA RISKS: The IRC’s approach to GBV and SEA risks is IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point The IRC applies high ethical standards to prevent and address cases of in place through IRC’s existing policies and gender-based violence (GBV), sexual harassment in the workplace, and will remain in place throughout project sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) these are set out in IRC’s Code of implementation. Conduct, the Respect at the Workplace Policy, IRC Harassment-Free The GBV Action Plan will be prepared Workplace Policy, and IRC Guidelines for a Survivor-Centered Approach within 60 days after project effectiveness. to Reporting Safeguarding Misconduct as part of IRC’s Beneficiary Once approved, the GBV Action Plan is Safeguarding Policy. Based on these, the IRC will prepare, adopt, and implemented throughout Project implement a stand-alone Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (GBV implementation Action Plan), to assess and manage the risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). 4.4 EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES: As part of the LMP and IRC Contingency IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Develop and implement measures to address emergency events and Plan and implemented throughout the ensure coordination with measures under 2.4. Project implementation ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 Currently not relevant to the project. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 Currently not relevant to the project. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES 7.1 Currently not relevant to the project. ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 Currently not relevant to the project. ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 9.1 Currently not relevant to the project. ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION AND The IRC has prepared, consulted and IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point IMPLEMENTATION disclosed a SEP in August 2021 and will Update, adopt, and implement Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). continue to review it throughout project implementation. 6|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 10.2 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: Prepare, adopt, maintain and IRC currently has a robust grievance IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point operate a grievance mechanism, as described in the SEP. mechanism in place. This mechanism is active and described in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and will be further adapted to the specificities of this project in collaboration with local NGO implementing partners at the start of the project to ensure it is fit for purpose. This will be done once local NGO/CSO partners are selected through a competitive selection process, which will take place in the first two months of project implementation. 10.3 SEA/SH GRIEVANCE MECHANISM The IRC operates a comprehensive IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point Implement, maintain and operate a reporting, handling and reporting, handling, and investigations investigations mechanism for SEA/SH allegations relating to the Project. mechanism to ensure a survivor-centred Accessible grievance arrangements shall be made publicly available to approach to safeguarding misconduct, receive and facilitate resolution of concerns and grievances related to including SEA and SH. This is reflected in SEA/SH risks. The existing project GM shall include referral pathways in the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) the event of any SEA/SH-related complaint using a survivor-centered for this project, and it is detailed in IRC approach with focus on confidentiality and anonymity. Guidelines for a Survivor-Centered Approach to Reporting Safeguarding Misconduct, which is part IRC’s Beneficiary Safeguarding Policy. The process is overseen by IRC’s Ethics and Compliance Unit (ECU), which counts with one of the largest teams of investigators in the NGO sector. The process will remain in place and be implemented throughout the project implementation. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) 7|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 CS1 In working with local NGOs as implementing partners, the IRC will After the selection of implementing IRC Environmental & Social Focal Point conduct an assessment of capacities and facilitate training and support partners (following project effectiveness), as required, depending on capacity gaps. This may include: an assessment of capacity needs will be • Administrative and financial management conducted, and support provided as • Procurement required. • Environmental and Social Framework • SEA/SH prevention and control • Grievance Mechanism • Medical Waste Management • Occupational health and safety • Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning • Technical Quality 8|Page