Environment & Social Standard (ESS) - Social Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, working with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable growth, job creation, economic and social inclusion, and good governance, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region, which includes 22 countries and a diverse range of income groups.

Job Overview:
The Environment & Social Standard (ESS) - Social Specialist position is designed for a professional who will lead and support the implementation of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) policy and manage environmental and social risks in Morocco and the broader Maghreb region. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical leadership and operational support on environmental and social impact and risk management for all Bank-financed projects throughout their preparation and implementation phases. This role requires close collaboration with government counterparts, project implementing agencies, and various stakeholders to enhance the environmental and social sustainability of World Bank-supported operations. The specialist will also engage in policy dialogue with clients on social sustainability and risk management, particularly concerning issues such as involuntary resettlement, labor conditions, and stakeholder engagement. The position is based in Rabat and involves working closely with the Maghreb Country Management Unit and other regional and global practice teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ESS–Social Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing technical leadership and operational support on environmental and social impact and risk management for Bank-financed projects; leading the interface with government counterparts to enhance sustainability; supervising and providing technical support to government agencies on social risk management activities; determining appropriate environmental and social risk classifications for projects; advising government agencies on policy options for social sustainability; managing risks related to sexual exploitation and abuse; monitoring the environmental and social performance of assigned projects; leading dialogues with policymakers and stakeholders; conducting studies on environmental and social impact; delivering training on social standards; and contributing to the creation of regional/global knowledge on environmental and social standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or Ph.D. in social sciences, such as gender studies, sociology, political science, or public policy. A minimum of five years of directly relevant professional experience in social development and inclusion is required. Demonstrated experience in addressing issues covered by the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and social safeguards policies is essential. Candidates should have strong operational and analytical skills, experience in handling complex social development issues, and the ability to integrate social development considerations into operational contexts. Proven capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders and communicate complex issues clearly is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree or Ph.D. in social sciences, including fields such as gender studies, anthropology, sociology, political science, law, public policy, or international affairs. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social development and the various factors that influence it.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in social development and inclusion. This experience should include demonstrated leadership in addressing issues related to the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and social safeguards policies, as well as experience with social assessments and analyzing environmental and social risks in various contexts. Experience working on complex multi-sectoral development challenges and familiarity with World Bank IDA and/or IBRD operations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is essential for this position, as these are the required languages for communication and documentation. Knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus, as it may facilitate engagement with local stakeholders and enhance communication in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of four years. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The successful candidate will be expected to travel and work under challenging circumstances, demonstrating a high level of energy, initiative, and self-motivation.