Environmental and Social Management Framework

This executive summary presents the main findings of the Environmental and Social Management
Framework (ESMF), which is the key document governing the approach to management of
environment land social risks for the Finance for Jobs Series of Projects (F4J SOP) in the West
Bank and Gaza. The F4J SOP comprises two operations: F4J I and F4J II, as well as a proposed
Additional Financing (AF) to the F4J II project. This ESMF document sets out principles, rules, and
procedure to screen, access, manage, and monitor anticipated environmental and social impacts
of F4J SOP investments, primarily through the Investment Co-Financing Facility (ICF) Component.
It contains a range of suggested measures and plans to reduce, mitigate, and/or offset adverse
impacts and enhance positive impacts.
In addition to the World Bank procedures and requirements, the Palestinian law and the
Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) guidelines for environmental impact assessment are also
applicable to the F4J SOP. The F4J is classified as a “Category B” project that will involve only
moderate environmental and social risks. Subprojects to be financed by F4J SOP are not to include
any investments equivalent to World Bank Category A. The ESMF is prepared in line with the
World Bank's Operational Policy on Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) and with the EQA
guidelines.