Environmental Specialist

The position
This is an entry level Environmental Specialist position based in Nairobi, Kenya and will focus on the environmental risk management. Kenya has very large infrastructure shortfall. As a result, the Bank has been investing heavily in infrastructure in the country, and the associated risk management requirements. This position would focus on implementing the Bank’s environmental risk management policies (including the Safeguard Policies and the new Environmental and Social Framework, or ESF). All World Bank-supported investment projects must meet ambitious environmental management standards. The Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice is responsible for providing technical support and oversight to all investment projects to meet these obligations. In addition, the World Bank has an increasing portfolio of environment related loans.

The Environmental Specialist - will have the following key responsibilities: Environmental Risk Management

• Ensure the effective integration of environmental due diligence as defined by World Bank Group (WBG) Environmental and Social Management Framework, safeguards policies as well as international good practice documents (e.g. Equator Principles) into the design, appraisal, and implementation of WBG supported projects (environmental lending portfolio and analytical work).
• Provide advice to client and counterpart organizations, project teams and WBG management with regard to the preparation of environmental impact assessments, including regional, strategic and cumulative assessments; environmental management frameworks and plans, including plan for monitoring, reporting and evaluation; public consultation plans; and specific plans related to natural habitats conservation, natural resource management, pest management, forest management, dam safety and international waterways management; such advice will be based on a detailed analysis of baseline conditions, project scope and impacts, requirements from national legal and institutional frameworks and, and compliance with the WBG’s operational policies.
• Provide mentorship to clients in the preparation of project cycle documentation including terms of reference (ToR) for environmental safeguard instruments, such as environmental and social assessments (incl. strategic, regional, and cumulative); environmental and social management frameworks and plans, Pest Management Plans, and supervising their implementation. Contract specifications related to environmental safeguards and risks management, particularly for large dams and water projects. Provide technical training for the domestic EA practitioners on the WBG safeguard policies and requirements.
• Provide environmental input in project documents in accordance with the Bank operational policies including Project Concept Note (PCN), Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet (ISDS), Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and Decision/Negotiations Packages and assist with handling timely and accurate disclosure procedures and public consultation requirements for all required environmental assessment and management instruments.

Work closely with the Regional Safeguards Coordinators in the Africa region who are responsible for assigning safeguards tasks and ensuring the quality of the safeguards work and environmental risk management in the Region.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (PhD or Masters) degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or natural sciences, with very strong technical skills is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant professional experience in the engineering or environmental management sector is required.
• Fluency in English is required (writing, speaking, listening, and reading).
• Fluency in Swahili is required (writing, speaking, listening, and reading).
• Knowledge and experience in environmental assessment and management of environmental compliance in investment projects involving large scale civil works, extractive, or industrial activities, including occupational health and safety is required.
• Technical experience in environmental assessment and compliance related to large infrastructure projects is required.
• Confirmed collaboration and successful experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• A strong sense of partnership and ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working in different developing countries.
• Willingness to travel extensively in country and in the Africa region and possibly globally is vital, including to remote rural areas.

The following would be an advantage but not required:

• Experience working in developing countries, understanding the institutional and political context and exposure to the national environmental policy challenges would be an advantage.
• Experience in the preparation of environmental safeguard/risk management documents of the lending projects of the WBG or other international organizations is beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated project management / operational skills, would be an advantage.
• Experience working with contractors that have weak implementation capacity in the area of environmental risk management would be an advantage.

Competencies Level GF, Environmental Specialist:

Integrative skills: demonstrates ability to think and work across WBG, practices and sectors

• Integrates divergent viewpoints of multiple external and internal stakeholders into a coherent project/program/ strategy
• Considers corporate commitments (e.g., MFD, climate, gender) in project approach.

Policy Dialogue skills: possesses political judgment, diplomatic acumen, and negotiating skills

• Builds and sustains key stakeholder relationships with government and other key stakeholders
• Guides clients and/or development partners in identifying key operational issues and optional solutions with a demonstrated ability to bring together different perspectives
• Leads task teams, participates in formal negotiations, and assists government in establishing priorities