Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with the mission to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, the World Bank has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on investing in groundbreaking projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The Eastern and Southern Africa Region, which is home to about 700 million people across 26 countries, is a key area of focus for the World Bank, where it aims to stimulate job creation, enhance digital economies, improve institutional efficiency, invest in human capital, support climate change initiatives, and address fragility and conflict issues. The World Bank's commitment to these priorities is reflected in its extensive staff and resources dedicated to fostering development in the region.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing the World Bank Group's environmental and social risk management policies and standards. This position is vital for ensuring that the objectives and requirements of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) are integrated throughout the lifecycle of projects. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including project teams and clients, to ensure that projects are inclusive and effectively address social and environmental risks. The role involves advising on project designs, supporting the preparation of necessary documentation, and enhancing national systems and capacities related to environmental and social risk management. The specialist will also be responsible for promoting the ESF agenda in project implementation, particularly in Uganda, and will report directly to the SAEM2 Practice Manager.

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

• Advising World Bank Group Task Teams and clients on integrating social and environmental considerations into project design, appraisal, and implementation, ensuring compliance with the ESF and operational policies.
• Guiding clients in preparing project documents such as Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
• Assisting with the management of public consultation requirements and grievance redress mechanisms for projects.
• Supporting the preparation and implementation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs).
• Conducting needs assessments and providing capacity building and technical training on social and environmental risk management for national agencies and local governments.
• Mentoring and coaching other specialists in handling complex social and environmental risk management issues.
• Collaborating with other teams to integrate social and environmental risk management capacity into sectoral programs.
• Engaging with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and project beneficiaries, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in social or environmental sciences, such as Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Engineering, or International Development. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in social and environmental risk management is required, particularly in managing risks associated with large infrastructure projects and the application of World Bank Group ESF and safeguard policies. Technical experience in community health and safety management, as well as project management skills, is highly beneficial. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, and experience in capacity building for social and environmental risk management.

Educational Background:
The position requires at least a master's degree in a relevant field, such as social or environmental sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social and environmental risk management and for effectively advising on project designs and implementation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of full-time relevant professional experience in social and environmental risk management. This experience should include managing social, environmental, community health, and safety risks associated with large infrastructure projects, as well as familiarity with the World Bank Group's ESF and safeguard policies. Experience in capacity building and working in complex settings, particularly in East Africa, is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial for effective stakeholder engagement and project documentation. Knowledge of Swahili is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders in Uganda.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 3 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 opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The successful candidate should be prepared for extensive travel within Uganda, including to remote rural areas, and should possess the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments.