World Bank Announces Senior Social Development Specialist Vacancy in Brazil

Brasília, Brazil — The World Bank Group has opened applications for a Senior Social Development Specialist position based in Brasília, strengthening its commitment to social inclusion, environmental and social risk management, and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The role is offered under local recruitment with a three-year term, and applications close on February 17, 2026.

This senior-level position sits within the World Bank’s Social Development sector and plays a critical role in implementing the institution’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) across investment projects in Brazil.

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A Strategic Role at the Heart of Social Inclusion and Risk Management

Brazil remains central to the World Bank’s work in the LAC region, where persistent inequality, climate vulnerability, and infrastructure gaps continue to challenge inclusive growth. The Senior Social Development Specialist will serve as a core advisor to World Bank task teams, ensuring that projects are socially inclusive, compliant with ESF standards, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities.

The role is housed within the SLCM2 ESF Unit, covering the Southern Country Management Units of the region, and reports directly to the Practice Manager based in Washington, DC.

Focus Areas: From Indigenous Peoples to Labor and Community Safety

The selected specialist will lead social risk management across complex, high-impact investment projects, with responsibilities spanning the entire project lifecycle.

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Key focus areas include:

• Involuntary resettlement and livelihood restoration
• Indigenous Peoples and traditional community protections
• Labor and working conditions
• Stakeholder engagement and grievance redress mechanisms
• Gender-based violence and social risks linked to labor influx
• Inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups

The role also involves mentoring junior specialists, supporting government counterparts, and contributing to capacity building efforts that strengthen national systems in Brazil.

Core Responsibilities

The Senior Social Development Specialist will:

• Integrate ESF requirements into project design, appraisal, and implementation
• Review and guide social risk instruments such as Resettlement Plans, Indigenous Peoples Plans, Labor Management Procedures, and Stakeholder Engagement Plans
• Advise on public consultation, disclosure, and grievance mechanisms
• Contribute to key World Bank operational documents, including project appraisals and implementation reports
• Support portfolio reviews and briefings for World Bank management
• Lead analytical and advisory work on social inclusion and social risk management in Brazil

Who the World Bank Is Looking For

This role is designed for highly experienced professionals with strong field exposure and the ability to operate in complex, high-pressure environments.

Minimum requirements include:

• Master’s degree in social sciences or related disciplines
• At least 8 years of professional experience in environmental and social risk management aligned with ESF / ESS1–ESS10
• Hands-on experience with large infrastructure or extractive sector projects
• Strong background in stakeholder engagement and participatory processes
• Proven ability to work with governments, civil society, and affected communities
• Fluency in both English and Portuguese
• Willingness to travel extensively across Brazil, including remote areas

Experience working with the World Bank or other multilateral development banks is highly valued.

Why This Role Matters

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape how major development investments affect people’s lives on the ground. By embedding social inclusion, transparency, and accountability into projects, the Senior Social Development Specialist helps ensure that development in Brazil is equitable, resilient, and people-centered.