Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, established with a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects. The World Bank focuses on using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to urgent global challenges. The Eastern and Southern Africa Region, which is home to about 700 million people, is characterized by its geographical, cultural, and economic diversity. This region includes 26 countries and faces significant development challenges, including education and health gaps, which hinder the potential of its population. The World Bank aims to address these challenges through various initiatives, including job creation, digital economy support, and climate change mitigation, while also fostering partnerships across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will report directly to the SAEM2 Practice Manager. This position is crucial for implementing the World Bank Group's environmental and social risk management policies and standards. The selected candidate will play a key role in ensuring that the objectives and requirements of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) are integrated throughout the lifecycle of projects. The specialist will advise teams and clients across various sectors, ensuring that Bank-assisted projects are inclusive and effectively address social and environmental risks. The role involves promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion in project design and implementation, particularly in East Africa, with a focus on Kenya and Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Social and Environmental Specialist will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Advising World Bank Group Task Teams and clients on integrating social and environmental matters into project design, appraisal, and implementation, in accordance with the ESF and World Bank Operational Policies.
• Guiding clients in preparing project documents, such as Environment and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
• Supporting the preparation and implementation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs).
• Organizing capacity-building initiatives and technical training on social and environmental risk management for national agencies and local governments.
• Mentoring and coaching other specialists in handling complex technical and program implementation issues.
• Collaborating with other WBG teams to integrate social and environmental risk management capacity into sectoral programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in social or environmental sciences, such as Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, or Sociology. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in social and environmental risk management is required. This includes experience in managing risks associated with large infrastructure projects and familiarity with the application of WBG ESF and safeguard policies. Technical experience in community health and safety management and project management skills are also essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and possess extensive knowledge of WBG operations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a master's degree in relevant fields such as social or environmental sciences. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of social and environmental risk management in the context of development projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of full-time relevant professional experience in social and environmental risk management. Candidates should have experience managing social, environmental, community health, and safety risks associated with large infrastructure projects, as well as familiarity with the application of WBG ESF and safeguard policies. Experience in capacity building for social and environmental risk management is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential for this role. Knowledge of Swahili is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication in the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 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 being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The successful candidate should be prepared to travel extensively in Kenya and Somalia, including to remote rural areas.