The Senior Environmental Specialist will have the following key responsibilities:

• Ensure the effective integration into the design, appraisal and implementation of WBG-supported projects of environment, health and safety due diligence as defined by the World Bank Group (WBG) Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESF), World Bank Operational Policies on safeguards (for older projects that predate the ESF), WBG EHS guidelines, IF Performance Standards and other international good practice documents (e.g. Equator Principles).
• Provide guidance to clients and counterpart organizations in their preparation of project documents in accordance with the ESF and World Bank operational policies, including Environment and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEPs), 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 environmental assessment and management instruments.
• Provide advice and mentorship to client and counterpart organizations for the preparation and implementation of environmental impact assessments, including strategic and cumulative impact assessments; environmental management frameworks and plans, including plans for monitoring, reporting and evaluation; public consultation plans; and specific plans related to natural habitats conservation, natural resource management, resource use efficiency, waste management, traffic safety management, pest management, forest management, biodiversity management, occupational health and safety, and dam safety and international waterways management, to achieve good international industry practice. 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 WBG ESF and applicable operational policies.
• Organize and provide needs assessments, capacity building and technical training on environmental, health and safety 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 World Bank teams to integrate the development of environmental, health and safety risk management capacity into sectoral programs.
• Work closely with the AFE Regional Standards Coordinators and CMU ESF Coordinator responsible for assigning safeguards tasks and ensuring the quality of the safeguards work and environmental and social risk management in the Region

Selection Criteria

• It is expected that the successful candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

The following are required:

• Advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in environmental/natural sciences or environmental/civil engineering.
• A minimum of 8 years of full-time relevant professional experience in environmental management, with experience in the management of the environmental, social, health and safety risks of large infrastructure projects, extractive or industrial activities, and the application of WBG ESF and safeguard policies, including in the preparation of WBG environmental safeguard/risk management documents.
• Technical experience in the management of the environmental, social, health and safety risks of large infrastructure, e.g. roads and highways, dams, irrigation schemes and large water conveyance systems, would be highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated project management/operational skills, including occupational health and safety management and experience working with contractors with weak implementation capacity.
• Ability to work well with a range of stakeholders, including project-affected parties, government officials, non-governmental organizations / civil society, as well as project investors and their staff. Experience in capacity building for environmental, health and safety risk management would be beneficial.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Diplomatic approach and ability to work under pressure.
• Experience working in developing countries, understanding the institutional and political context and exposure to the national environmental policy challenges. Experience working in FCV countries would be beneficial.
• Fluency in English is required (writing, speaking, listening and reading).
• Good analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse qualitative and quantitative environmentally related data and information.
• Willingness to travel extensively in Malawi, including to remote rural areas.