Environmental 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 aim of providing 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, 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, improving institutional efficiency, investing in human capital, and addressing climate change, among other priorities.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Specialist position is crucial for managing environmental and social risks associated with World Bank-financed operations in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The 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 to strengthen national systems and capacities in environmental and social risk management, ensuring that all investment projects adhere to high standards of environmental, social, health, and safety practices. This position requires a proactive approach to integrating environmental considerations into project design and implementation, as well as providing technical support and oversight to ensure compliance with established guidelines and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including conducting environmental and social risk management due diligence for World Bank-financed operations. This includes preparing Environmental and Social Review Summaries (ESRSs) and the Environmental and Social Section of the Project Appraisal Document (PAD). The specialist will ensure effective integration of environmental, health, and safety considerations into project design and implementation, oversee compliance with World Bank Group EHS guidelines, and guide clients in preparing necessary project documents such as Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs). Additionally, the specialist will support public consultation processes, provide guidance on specialized environmental plans, assist clients with incident management, and deliver capacity-building training on environmental risk management. Collaboration with other World Bank teams to enhance risk management capacity development is also a key responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in environmental/natural sciences or environmental/civil engineering, with strong technical training in related fields such as occupational health and safety, solid waste management, and pollution prevention. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental management is required, particularly in managing environmental, social, health, and safety risks associated with large infrastructure or industrial projects. Familiarity with World Bank Group ESF and similar sustainability frameworks is essential, along with demonstrated project management skills and experience in capacity building for environmental risk management. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure, are also necessary.

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. Candidates should have received good technical training in relevant topics such as occupational health and safety, solid waste management, and pollution prevention and control, which are critical for the effective management of environmental risks in projects.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of full-time, relevant professional experience in environmental management. This experience should include managing environmental, social, health, and safety risks for large infrastructure projects, as well as applying the World Bank Group's Environmental and Social Framework or similar global sustainability frameworks. Technical experience in managing risks associated with large infrastructure projects such as roads, dams, and water systems is highly desirable, along with demonstrated project management and operational skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both oral and written, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Proficiency in Amharic is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation in Ethiopia.

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 that all employees are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Candidates should be prepared for extensive travel, including to remote rural areas, as part of their responsibilities.