The World Bank Group (WBG) offers a transformative opportunity to join its globally impactful team, committed to solving the most urgent development challenges. With its expansive presence across over 120 offices and comprising 189 member countries, the WBG plays a vital role in delivering innovative solutions to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet.
Currently, the World Bank Group is inviting applications for the position of Social Development Specialist based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an exciting opportunity for dedicated professionals eager to shape development outcomes and promote social sustainability in East Africa. The position falls under the Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region and is embedded within the Social Sustainability and Inclusion (SSI) practice of the Planet Practice Group. The post is recruited locally and carries a three-year term.
The Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region Context
The Eastern and Southern Africa region spans 11 countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi. This diverse sub-region is home to about 700 million people and features a complex development landscape shaped by protracted conflicts, institutional fragilities, and developmental inequalities in education, health, and skills.
However, this challenge brings an equally compelling opportunity—to work collaboratively with governments, civil society, development partners, and communities to unlock sustainable prosperity and inclusive growth across the region. The World Bank is therefore looking for individuals passionate about meaningful change and innovation.
Unit Overview: Social Development Practice in East Africa (SAES2)
The SAES2 unit provides essential social development support across East African countries. It manages a portfolio of social sustainability and inclusion operations, while ensuring effective implementation of the Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The unit supports a wide range of sectors by advising and overseeing social risk management instruments in partnership with client governments and development stakeholders.
The Social Development Specialist will be part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals responsible for shaping and implementing socially responsive projects and policies in Kenya, Somalia, and potentially other East African countries.
Job Description: Social Development Specialist
Duty Station:
Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline:
July 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
As a Social Development Specialist, you will serve as a key advisor and implementer of social development strategies in Bank-financed operations. Your responsibilities will be multifaceted and instrumental in ensuring that social risks are identified and mitigated effectively while promoting inclusion, resilience, and community empowerment. The main duties are structured as follows:
1. Operational Support and Advisory
- Provide guidance to public and private sector clients and World Bank task teams on social risk management and social sustainability under the ESF and related operational policies, especially OP 4.03.
- Support in the integration of social development considerations into project design, particularly around inclusion, gender equality, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholder engagement, and social accountability.
- Lead technical discussions with client agencies on matters related to involuntary resettlement, land acquisition, livelihood restoration, and grievance mechanisms.
2. Social Risk Management Instruments
- Carry out social due diligence and prepare Environmental and Social Risks Review Summaries (ESRS) for new projects.
- Assist in the drafting and reviewing of social development components of key project documents including Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), and Social Impact Assessments (SIAs).
- Facilitate the development and implementation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), Labor Management Procedures (LMPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), and Gender-Based Violence Action Plans.
- Contribute to cross-sectoral collaboration by reviewing and advising on social instruments in sectors such as energy, water, transport, urban development, and agriculture.
3. Project Implementation and Supervision
- Participate in project preparation and appraisal missions; ensure timely input and reporting on social development issues.
- Conduct regular monitoring and supervision missions to assess the implementation of agreed social safeguards and social risk mitigation strategies.
- Engage with project stakeholders including government officials, community representatives, and civil society to ensure participatory development and grievance redress.
4. Policy and Analytical Engagements
- Contribute to policy dialogue and technical assistance on social sustainability, including governance, local service delivery, gender mainstreaming, and land tenure.
- Collaborate with government and development partners to promote best practices and innovations in social development.
- Engage in portfolio reviews, impact evaluations, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
5. Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening
- Train and mentor client staff and project implementation teams in applying the ESF and in managing social risks effectively.
- Work in coordination with Environmental Specialists to support implementing agencies in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) affected areas.
- Supervise consultants and technical specialists to maintain high standards in social risk management.
6. Reporting and Coordination
- Prepare and submit timely progress reports, including inputs into mission Aid Memoires.
- Maintain open communication with senior staff and stakeholders, and support efforts to strengthen coordination within the SSA region.
- Report directly to the Practice Manager, SAES2, and work under the guidance of senior social development professionals.
Selection Criteria
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and capabilities:
- A Master’s degree in Social Sciences such as Development Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Gender and Development, or International Development.
- Minimum of five years’ direct experience managing social and environmental risks in large infrastructure projects (e.g., energy, water, transport, agriculture) particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- In-depth understanding of global sustainability frameworks of International Financial Institutions (e.g., World Bank ESF, IFC Performance Standards, ADB Safeguards).
- Competency in social risk thematic areas such as stakeholder consultation, social impact assessment, land acquisition, resettlement, gender-based violence, community health and safety, and grievance redress.
- Experience working in fragile and conflict-affected environments is highly desirable.
- Strong track record of translating analytical work into policy advice and operational guidance.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex social development concepts to varied audiences.
- Familiarity with local languages in Kenya or Somalia is a plus.
- Proven ability to work effectively in multi-cultural teams, often under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently within Kenya and the wider Eastern and Southern Africa region.
Working Environment and Organizational Culture
The World Bank is a mission-driven organization that values innovation, strategic thinking, and inclusive collaboration. As a Social Development Specialist, you will be part of the Planet Practice Group, which champions sustainable and inclusive development across sectors. The organization’s culture emphasizes:
- Sense of Urgency: Proactively anticipating and addressing development needs.
- Thoughtful Risk-Taking: Courageous and informed decision-making to drive impact.
- Empowerment and Accountability: Fostering collaborative responsibility to deliver results.
Employees benefit from competitive compensation, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for global networking and career advancement. The WBG provides a robust benefits package that includes medical insurance, a pension plan, paid parental leave, and opportunities for continuous professional development.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The World Bank Group is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. It does not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic background. Reasonable accommodations are provided to candidates and employees with disabilities to support their full participation in the workplace.
If you are a motivated, results-oriented professional passionate about social equity, resilience, and sustainability, this is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful change across the Eastern and Southern Africa region.
Apply Now – Don’t miss the deadline of July 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC. Visit the official World Bank careers website to submit your application.
