Social Development 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 more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group focuses on investing in innovative projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The Eastern and Southern Africa Region, which is home to about 700 million people, is characterized by its cultural and economic diversity, and the World Bank plays a crucial role in helping these countries realize their development potential.

Job Overview:
The Social Development Specialist position is designed to serve as the Country Social Risk Management specialist for Mozambique. This role involves close coordination with the SD CMU Coordinator for Mozambique and the SAES3 Regional Social Standards Coordinator, as well as collaboration with other team members. The specialist will be responsible for advising task teams and clients on social risk and impact management, providing technical support on social risk management aspects of projects, and ensuring compliance with the Bank’s social safeguards policies. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and managing social development issues, including stakeholder engagement and community health and safety. The specialist will also participate in missions, review relevant documents, and assist in training Project Implementation Units (PIUs) to build their capacity in social risk management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key duties and responsibilities of the Social Development Specialist include advising task teams and clients on social risk and impact management, providing technical support on social risk management for projects under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), participating in project missions and meetings, reviewing essential project documents, and demonstrating operational and analytical experience in social development strategies. The specialist will also assist in training PIUs, support the social development unit’s work at a portfolio level, and ensure timely reporting on social development issues, including social risk management and community health and safety.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in social sciences such as Anthropology, Sociology, or Political Sciences, along with strong technical skills. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in social risk management is required. Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory, while knowledge of French is desirable. Experience with World Bank environmental and social standards or those of another multilateral agency is preferred, along with a strong sense of partnership and the ability to work independently. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the willingness to travel extensively within the country and the Africa region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in social sciences, which provides the necessary theoretical and practical foundation for addressing complex social issues. This educational background is crucial for understanding the intricacies of social risk management and the various factors that influence social development in different contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant professional experience in social risk management, particularly in project design and implementation support. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries, especially in fragile and conflict contexts, and should demonstrate a proven track record of collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is essential for interacting with stakeholders and managing projects. Knowledge of French is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication in certain contexts and enhance collaboration with French-speaking partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a locally recruited role with a term duration of 3 years. The conditions of employment will align with the local employment market in Mozambique. 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.