F4J II Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) Updated Version Include AF & Covid 19

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, F4J II, and F4J II AF as well as the proposed COVID-19 Additional Financing (AF) to the F4J II. 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.