World Bank Hiring Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist in Nairobi

The World Bank Group has opened applications for a Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist based in Nairobi, Kenya, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and risk management across East and Southern Africa.

The position is offered under local recruitment, at Grade GG, with a three-year contract, and applications close on 16 February 2026.

Why This Role Is Critical for East Africa

Eastern and Southern Africa is home to nearly 700 million people across 26 countries, many facing persistent challenges related to fragility, climate change, infrastructure gaps, and social inequality. As the World Bank scales up investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, climate adaptation, and human capital, managing environmental and social risks has become central to development effectiveness.

This role sits at the core of that mission—ensuring that projects deliver impact while safeguarding people, communities, and ecosystems.

Driving the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)

The specialist will play a key role in implementing the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), a global standard designed to protect people and the environment while promoting transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

Working within the Eastern Safeguards Unit (SAEM2), the role covers projects in Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with a strong operational focus on Kenya and Somalia.

Key Responsibilities

As a core member of World Bank task teams, the Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist will:

Project Design & Implementation

• Integrate environmental and social risk management throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with ESF standards, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, and safeguard policies
• Advise on project instruments such as ESIAs, ESMPs, RAPs, LMPs, SEPs, GRMs, and ESCPs

Risk Management & Safeguards

• Support preparation and implementation of resettlement and livelihood restoration plans
• Address risks related to community health and safety, biodiversity, waste management, and labor conditions
• Lead public consultation, disclosure, and grievance redress processes

Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening

• Deliver training and technical assistance to government agencies, local authorities, and practitioners
• Strengthen national systems for environmental and social risk management
• Mentor junior social and environmental specialists across country programs

Regional & Cross-Sector Collaboration

• Work across sectors and Global Practices to embed social inclusion and sustainability
• Support projects in complex, fragile, and high-risk environments
• Promote innovation in managing environmental and social risks in large infrastructure investments

Who the World Bank Is Looking For

The role is designed for senior professionals with deep safeguards experience and strong judgment in complex operational contexts. Ideal candidates will bring:

• A Master’s degree or higher in environmental or social sciences, development studies, engineering, or related fields
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social risk management
• Hands-on experience with large infrastructure projects (roads, dams, irrigation, water systems, extractives, or industrial projects)
• Proven expertise applying the World Bank ESF and safeguard policies
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including work with governments, communities, NGOs, and contractors
• Experience working in East Africa; familiarity with Somalia is a strong advantage
• Excellent command of English (Swahili is a plus) and readiness for extensive field travel

A Meaningful Career with Global Impact

This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the front line of development—balancing growth, infrastructure expansion, and climate action with social equity, human rights, and environmental protection.

For professionals passionate about inclusive development, sustainability, and safeguarding communities, this role represents both responsibility and impact at scale.

Key Job Details

• Position: Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist
• Organization: World Bank Group
• Sector: Safeguards
• Grade: GG
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Contract: 3 years (Local Recruitment)
• Languages: English (Swahili preferred)
• Deadline: 16 February 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)