Environmental Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership of five institutions dedicated to addressing the most pressing development challenges faced by countries around the world. Established with the mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the World Bank Group operates in 189 member countries and has over 120 offices worldwide. It serves as a significant source of funding and knowledge for developing nations, collaborating with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects that leverage data, research, and technology to tackle urgent global issues. The organization has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving development outcomes, including the implementation of the Environment and Social Framework (ESF) launched in 2018, which aims to enhance environmental and social protections in investment projects.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Specialist position at the World Bank Group is a critical role focused on the implementation of the Bank's environmental risk management policies, including the Safeguard Policies and the new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The Specialist will be integral to the West and Central Africa (SAWM1) unit, working closely with colleagues across various units of the Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), development partners, and other stakeholders. The role demands a proactive approach to integrating environmental due diligence into the design, appraisal, and execution of World Bank Group-supported projects. The Specialist will engage in project identification missions, enhance client capacity for compliance with environmental policies, and contribute to mission outputs and reports. This position requires a deep understanding of environmental management practices and the ability to provide expert advice on environmental and social impact assessments, management frameworks, and public consultation plans, ensuring alignment with national legal frameworks and World Bank policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring the effective integration of environmental due diligence as defined by the ESF and safeguards policies into the design, appraisal, and implementation of WBG-supported projects.
• Participating as a team member in various projects, including identification missions, and developing opportunities for sound environmental management in investment operations.
• Maintaining regular dialogue with clients to enhance their understanding of environmental policies and contributing to mission outputs and reports.
• Providing expert advice on the preparation of environmental and social impact assessments, management frameworks, and public consultation plans based on detailed analyses of project conditions and compliance requirements.
• Supporting clients in preparing project cycle documentation, including terms of reference for ESF documentation and supervising their implementation.
• Collaborating with project teams to provide environmental input in project documents and assisting with disclosure procedures and public consultation requirements.
• Undertaking other assignments as required to support the objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Environmental Specialist position must possess a degree (PhD or Masters) in Environmental/Civil Engineering, Environmental Planning, Environmental Sciences, or related fields. A minimum of five years of direct, relevant professional experience in environmental assessment and management of compliance in investment projects is essential. Knowledge and demonstrated experience in designing and implementing environmental safeguards or risk management, including environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) and compliance monitoring across various investment projects, are required. Experience with international financial institutions, engineering companies, or extractive industries is desirable, along with expertise in Cameroon’s environmental risk management laws and regulations. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for engaging with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD or Master's degree in Environmental/Civil Engineering, Environmental Planning, Environmental Sciences, or other fields related to environmental management. This advanced education is critical for understanding complex environmental issues and developing effective management strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in environmental assessment and management, particularly in investment projects involving large-scale infrastructure, extractive, or industrial activities. Candidates should have a proven track record in environmental compliance and risk management, with experience in preparing environmental safeguard documents for lending projects being preferable. Familiarity with the political economy and local context in Cameroon is also important.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and French, with proficiency in both written and oral communication being essential. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The selected candidate may be required to travel extensively within Cameroon and the West and Central Africa region, including to remote areas.