The World Bank is hiring an Environmental Specialist to support environmental, health and safety (EHS) risk management in Kenya and Somalia under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The specialist will ensure that World Bank-supported investment projects align with environmental and social policies and meet the highest standards of risk mitigation and stakeholder engagement.

The position is based within the Eastern Safeguards Unit (SAEM2), which provides oversight across several country portfolios in East and Southern Africa, and plays a central role in helping national institutions strengthen environmental and social risk management capacity.

Job Responsibilities

• Integrate environmental, health and safety (EHS) standards into the planning and implementation of World Bank-financed investment projects.

• Support the preparation and review of key project documents including ESCPs, LMPs, ESIAs, ESMPs, SEPs and PIMs.

• Ensure adherence to World Bank ESF, WBG EHS guidelines, and international good practices.

• Oversee compliance and timely disclosure of all environmental and social documents.

• Deliver technical assistance, training and capacity building on EHS risk management to public and private stakeholders.

• Work closely with other World Bank teams and national institutions to align E&S risk management systems.

• Collaborate with CMU ESF Coordinators to ensure quality and consistency across the safeguards portfolio.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in environmental sciences, civil/environmental engineering or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in environmental management of large infrastructure, extractive or industrial projects.

• Practical experience with the World Bank ESF or similar global environmental and social standards.

• Technical expertise in OHS, solid waste, pollution control, biodiversity conservation and large-scale infrastructure.

• Demonstrated experience in managing contractors and health and safety protocols.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience working in developing countries; experience in Fragile, Conflict and Violence (FCV) settings is a plus.

• Fluent in English (written and spoken); Somali is an asset.

• Willingness to travel extensively, including to remote or rural areas.