Social Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution dedicated to providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. Established with a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the organization comprises five institutions and has a membership of 189 countries. With over 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank Group collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, where this position is located, is characterized by its diversity, encompassing small island states and larger nations like the Philippines and China. Despite notable economic growth and poverty alleviation, the region faces significant development hurdles, including uneven growth, institutional weaknesses, and the impacts of climate change. The World Bank plays a crucial role in addressing global public goods such as climate, biodiversity, and health, and is recognized as a leading development institution in the region, particularly in providing analytical and advisory services alongside financing.

Job Overview:
The Social Development Specialist will be an integral part of the Environment and Social Risk Management Unit (SEAM1) within the East Asia and Pacific region of the World Bank. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the projects undertaken by the World Bank in the Pacific, particularly in the Solomon Islands, adhere to the necessary environmental and social standards. The specialist will provide essential support during both the preparation and implementation phases of projects, which span various sectors including social development, energy, health, and climate change adaptation. The primary objective of this position is to effectively assess and manage social risks associated with World Bank-financed projects, ensuring compliance with the Bank's safeguards policies and the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The specialist will work closely with project teams and client counterparts to build capacity and raise awareness of social risk management practices, thereby contributing to the successful execution of the World Bank's Pacific portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Social Development Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including advising clients on social risk management for World Bank-financed projects, preparing internal documentation such as Environmental and Social Review Summaries (ESRSs) and Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), and reviewing client-developed terms of reference for social assessments. The specialist will focus on critical social risk areas, including involuntary resettlement, labor conditions, stakeholder engagement, and gender-based violence related to project activities. Participation in portfolio reviews and briefings for World Bank management on social risk management will also be a key duty. Additionally, the specialist will support capacity-building efforts among colleagues and counterparts, promote understanding of Social Impact Assessment, and contribute to analyses aimed at enhancing social inclusion and risk management in the Pacific region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Social Development Specialist position must possess a Master's degree in relevant social sciences such as Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Development Studies, or Political Science. A minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in managing social risks associated with investment projects is preferred. This includes expertise in social impact assessment, resettlement, labor conditions, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with the World Bank's operations, particularly the ESF and social safeguard policies, is essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong analytical skills, the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, and a collaborative team-oriented approach. High energy, initiative, and self-motivation are crucial, along with excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master's degree in a relevant field of social sciences. This advanced degree should provide a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of social dynamics, development issues, and the methodologies necessary for effective social risk management in project contexts.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in managing social risks within investment projects. This experience should encompass a range of social development themes, including community development, gender issues, and social inclusion, as well as familiarity with the social dimensions of climate change. Practical experience in applying social assessment methodologies and engaging with vulnerable groups is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Additionally, knowledge of Pijin is required, which is beneficial for engaging with local communities and stakeholders in the Solomon Islands. While not mandatory, familiarity with other languages spoken in the region could enhance the candidate's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of four years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability. The role may require travel within Fiji and the Pacific region as necessary, and candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the job.