Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established in 1944, it has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in over 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries, addressing their most pressing development challenges through innovative solutions and partnerships. The Eastern and Southern Africa Region, where this position is located, is home to approximately 700 million people and encompasses 26 countries, showcasing a rich diversity in culture and economy. The World Bank aims to create jobs, build up the digital economy, improve institutional efficiency, invest in people, support climate change initiatives, and address fragility and conflict across the region.

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Development Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the World Bank's engagement in Malawi and potentially other countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. This position is integral to ensuring that Bank-financed projects are inclusive and sustainable, adhering to the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing expert advice on environmental and social risk management, and will be responsible for integrating environmental and social due diligence into project designs and implementations. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing development outcomes while addressing environmental and social risks associated with Bank-assisted projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Advising Task Teams and clients on environmental and social risk management, ensuring that projects are designed to be inclusive and sustainable.
• Leading the integration of environmental and social due diligence into project design, appraisal, and implementation, in line with the World Bank Group's Environmental and Social Management Framework.
• Providing technical advice on the preparation and implementation of various environmental and social instruments, such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, and Grievance Redress Mechanisms.
• Conducting environmental and social due diligence and preparing necessary documentation, including Environmental and Social Risks Review Summaries and Environmental and Social Commitment Plans.
• Participating in project preparation, appraisal, and supervision, and actively engaging in operational missions to ensure compliance with the ESF.
• Contributing to policy dialogue and analytical work on environmental and social sustainability with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintaining active engagement with stakeholders and supporting ESF development initiatives.
• Ensuring timely reporting on ESF compliance and preparing relevant risk management briefs.
• Enhancing the capacity of client countries to implement the Bank's Environmental and Social Framework effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Master’s degree in environmental or social sciences, such as Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Planning and Management, Environmental Economics, Development Studies, Social Anthropology, or Sociology. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social management or risk assessment is required, with a preference for experience in Malawi. Candidates should have knowledge of environmental risk assessment and management, particularly in investment projects involving civil works, and should demonstrate competence in operationalizing global sustainability frameworks of International Finance Institutions. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as environmental or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental and social issues and for effectively advising on risk management and compliance in projects.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant professional experience is required, particularly in environmental and social management or risk assessment within the Eastern and Southern Africa region or Sub-Saharan Africa. Experience in Malawi is preferred, and candidates should have a proven track record in managing environmental and social compliance in investment projects.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, encompassing writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills. Proficiency in Chichewa is preferred, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity 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 employees regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role may require frequent travel within the country and the AFE region.