Environmental, Social & GBV Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing essential services to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a presence in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC employs a large workforce committed to delivering impactful solutions that help millions regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC has a rich history of involvement in Sudan, having operated there from 1981 until 2009, and re-establishing its presence in November 201

• The organization has since expanded its operations to various regions within Sudan, including areas severely affected by ongoing conflict, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the complex humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Environmental, Social & GBV Specialist position is critical for an upcoming World Bank-funded health project in Sudan, aimed at restoring access to essential health and nutrition services while preserving key public health functions. The project is set to commence in February 2027 and will span three years. The Specialist will ensure that all project activities comply with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), which includes the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Labour Management Procedures (LMP), and various other essential plans related to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response. This role is particularly vital in the context of Sudan, where the GBV component is a mandatory safeguard, necessitating specialized expertise. The Specialist will report directly to the Project Director/Chief of Party and will coordinate closely with the World Bank's Environmental and Social team to ensure effective implementation of the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will be responsible for leading the implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans, the ESMF, and the ESCP for all project activities, which include minor civil works, medical waste management, and laboratory upgrades. Key responsibilities include managing the SEA/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan, conducting staff training, overseeing codes of conduct, operating GBV grievance mechanisms, and coordinating survivor-centered referral pathways. The Specialist will also maintain the project-level Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for both workers and communities, ensuring timely submission of GRM reports to the World Bank. Additionally, the role involves overseeing compliance with Labour Management Procedures, monitoring working conditions, ensuring occupational health and safety, preventing child labor, and promoting gender-inclusive hiring practices among direct and contracted workers. The Specialist will lead the implementation of healthcare waste management plans at supported facilities, coordinate stakeholder engagement and community consultations as per the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and prepare periodic Environmental and Social monitoring reports for the World Bank, addressing findings from third-party monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in social sciences, gender studies, environmental sciences, public health, law, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 7 years of experience in Environmental and Social (E&S) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programming within the international development sector is required, including at least 4 years of experience working on World Bank-financed projects. Applicants should demonstrate expertise in the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework, particularly in relation to ESS2 (Labour), ESS3 (Pollution), ESS4 (Community Health & Safety), and ESS10 (Stakeholder Engagement). Specialized training in GBV/SEA/SH prevention, survivor-centered approaches, and safe referral mechanisms is essential, along with experience in healthcare waste management plans and infection prevention/control (IPC) and occupational health and safety (OHS) protocols in health facility settings.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in social sciences, gender studies, environmental sciences, public health, law, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Environmental and Social (E&S) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programming, specifically within the context of international development. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience working on projects financed by the World Bank, showcasing their familiarity with the specific requirements and standards set forth by the institution.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is preferred, while proficiency in English is required. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon the outcome of the bid for the World Bank-funded project. All staff members are required to adhere to IRC Sudan's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies and procedures. The IRC emphasizes the importance of professional conduct, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. The organization enforces strict policies regarding Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation. The selected candidate will be expected to uphold these standards and ensure project compliance with IRC's internal policies and the World Bank's code of conduct.