Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist
World Bank
About World Bank
The World Bank Group is an international development organization with 189 member countries. It works to reduce poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet by providing policy advice, technical expertise, and financing to the governments of low- and middle-income countries. As one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, it plays a key role in promoting sustainable development for people and the planet. This includes strengthening economies, raising living standards, and ensuring all people have access to essential services and opportunities, especially jobs.
Job Description
The selected candidate will be based in Kampala, Uganda and report directly to the SAEM2 Practice Manager.
Responsibilities
As a core member of World Bank Group Task Teams, the Senior Social and Environmental Specialist will advise teams and clients in various sectors, and support project designs and implementation, making sure that Bank-assisted projects are inclusive and present clear and implementable measures for addressing social and environmental risks while enhancing the development outcomes in East Africa.
The specialist will lead and promote the ESF agenda in the design and implementation of projects in East Africa, in particular in Uganda
Ensure the effective integration into the design, appraisal and implementation of WBG-supported projects of social and environmental matters as defined by the WBG Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), World Bank Operational Policies on Safeguards, WBG Environmental Health and Safety guidelines, etc.
- Provide guidance to clients and counterpart organizations in their preparation of project documents in accordance with the ESF and World Bank Group operational policies, including Environment and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEPs), Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs), Waste Management Plans (WMPs), Labor Management Procedures (LMPs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs), and Project Implementation Manuals (PIMs). Assist with handling timely and accurate disclosure procedures and public consultation requirements for all required social and environmental assessment and management instruments. Assist with the management and resolution of the complaints submitted under the relevant projects.
- Provide advice and support to clients and counterpart organizations for the preparation and implementation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs), Biodiversity Action Plans, Environmental and Socia Impact Assessments (ESIAs), including strategic and cumulative impact assessments; Environmental and Social Management frameworks and plans, including plans for monitoring, reporting and evaluation; public consultation plans; and establishment of grievance mechanisms. Such advice will be based on analysis of baseline conditions, project scope, anticipated impacts and proportional mitigation measures, as well as national requirements, and will ensure compliance with ESF and applicable operational policies.
Organize and provide needs assessments, capacity building and technical training on social and environmental risk management for national agencies and local governments, as well as public and private sector trainers and practitioners, with a particular focus on building national training capacity in these areas. Collaborate closely with other WBG teams to integrate the development of social and environmental risk management capacity into sectoral programs.
Support, mentor, and coach other Social and Environment specialists in handling complex technical, institutional, and program implementation issues regarding social and environmental risk management in Uganda.
Requirements
The successful candidate should have strong analytical skills, have practical experience with participatory processes of stakeholder engagement, and be able to integrate social and environmental considerations in an operational context. Experience working in complex and challenging settings is essential.
At least a master’s degree in social or environmental sciences (e.g., Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Engineering, International Development, or similar qualifications).
A minimum of 8 years of full-time relevant professional experience in social and environmental risk management, including management of social, environmental, and community health and safety risks of large infrastructure projects, extractive or industrial activities, and application of WBG ESF and safeguard policies, including preparation of WBG social safeguard and risk management documents.
Technical experience in managing social, environmental, and community health and safety risks of large infrastructure projects such as roads and highways, dams, irrigation schemes, and large water conveyance systems.
Demonstrated project management and operational skills, including community health and safety management and experience working with contractors with weak implementation capacity.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including project-affected communities, government officials, NGOs, civil society, investors, and project staff.
Extensive knowledge and experience of WBG operations, including experience as a task team member and task team leader on WBG projects.
Experience in capacity building for social, environmental, and community health and safety risk management.
Ability to develop innovative approaches to mitigate social and environmental risks and overcome complex challenges across diverse investment projects.
Demonstrated ability to work across practices, contribute to cross-thematic teams, and foster teamwork.
Experience working in East Africa, with understanding of the institutional and political context of Uganda.
Skilled in maintaining a diplomatic approach and performing effectively in high-pressure environments.
Acts with integrity to build trust and create an enabling environment as a team member or leader.
Ability to operate in multicultural environments, manage multiple tasks, adapt to evolving project contexts, and remain flexible and self-motivated in a fast-paced work environment.
Proven ability to engage effectively with government, private sector, project beneficiaries, and civil society.
Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think innovatively and strategically to solve complex development challenges.
Excellent oral and written English skills are essential; knowledge of Swahili is an advantage.
Willingness to travel extensively in Uganda, including to remote rural areas.