Senior Environmental Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with the aim of providing funding and knowledge to developing countries, the organization has 189 member countries and operates over 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank focuses on investing in groundbreaking projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. 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's mission in this region includes creating jobs, building a digital economy, enhancing institutional efficiency, investing in human capital, supporting climate change initiatives, and addressing the drivers of fragility and conflict. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and promoting regional integration across the African continent.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environmental Specialist position is crucial for the Ethiopia Country Management Unit (CMU) within the World Bank. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing environmental and social risks associated with World Bank-supported investment projects in Ethiopia. This role involves implementing the World Bank's environmental and social risk management policies, including the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Safeguard Policies. The specialist will work closely with the Ethiopian government to support the country's development strategy, which includes financing for infrastructure, health, community development, and forest landscape programs. The position requires a strong focus on building national systems and capacity for environmental and social risk management, ensuring compliance with international standards, and promoting sustainable practices in project implementation.

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

• Integrating environmental, health, and safety due diligence into the design, appraisal, and implementation of World Bank-supported projects, adhering to the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESF) and other relevant guidelines.
• Providing guidance to clients and counterpart organizations in preparing project documents, including Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), Labor Management Procedures (LMPs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs).
• Advising on the preparation and implementation of environmental impact assessments and related frameworks, ensuring compliance with national requirements and good international practices.
• Conducting needs assessments and capacity-building initiatives for national agencies and local governments, focusing on environmental and social risk management.
• Collaborating with other World Bank teams to integrate risk management capacity into sectoral programs.
• Leading analytical work on risk management and systems assessment to support environmental and social reforms.
• Ensuring the quality of safeguards work and environmental risk management in the region, promoting the simplification and streamlining of the ESF in the Ethiopia portfolio.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in environmental/natural sciences or environmental/civil engineering. A minimum of 8 years of full-time relevant professional experience in environmental management is required, particularly in managing environmental, social, health, and safety risks associated with large infrastructure projects. Technical expertise in environmental management frameworks, occupational health and safety, and experience working with contractors is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, are crucial for this role. Experience in capacity building for environmental risk management is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, either a PhD or a Master's degree, in fields related to environmental or natural sciences or environmental/civil engineering. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage environmental and social risks in complex projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in environmental management, particularly in the context of large infrastructure projects. Experience in managing environmental, social, health, and safety risks, as well as familiarity with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework and safeguard policies, is highly desirable. Additionally, experience working in developing countries and understanding the institutional and political context of environmental policy challenges is important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, encompassing writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages may be beneficial in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

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, as well as 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, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role may require extensive travel within Ethiopia, including to remote rural areas.