The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. We are a unique global partnership of five institutions working to reduce poverty and support sustainable development by offering financial products, policy advice, and technical assistance to developing nations. With a footprint in over 120 offices worldwide and 189 member countries, the WBG is committed to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity on a livable planet.
As part of our continued mission to improve lives and build stronger societies in Eastern and Southern Africa, the World Bank is hiring a Senior Social Development Specialist to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. This exciting role falls under the Sustainable Development Sector and specifically supports the Social Sustainability and Inclusion (SSI) Global Practice, which helps countries address social challenges stemming from fragility, climate change, and exclusion.
If you are a development professional looking to apply your skills in one of the most dynamic and impactful institutions globally, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.
About the Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region
The AFE region includes 11 countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi. With about 700 million people, the region faces diverse developmental challenges but also significant opportunities. The World Bank works with local governments, civil society, youth, and development partners to address deep-rooted problems in health, education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
About the Planet Practice Group and SSI Global Practice
The Planet Practice Group consists of five core operational units:
- Agriculture and Food (AGF)
- Climate Change Global (CCG) Solutions
- Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy (ENB)
- Water
- Social Sustainability and Inclusion (SSI)
The SSI Global Practice specifically addresses challenges such as exclusion, marginalization, fragility, and gender inequality. The practice supports client countries by enhancing social inclusion and resilience, empowering communities, and strengthening country systems for managing environmental and social risks.
Job Title: Senior Social Development Specialist
Job ID: req32910
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Sector: Sustainable Development
Grade: GG
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
Term Duration: 3 years
Closing Date: May 14, 2025 (11:59 PM UTC)
Job Summary
The Senior Social Development Specialist will lead social risk management in the Bank’s operations across Kenya and Somalia. This includes enhancing country systems for managing social and environmental risks, strengthening citizen engagement and accountability, and ensuring the social inclusiveness of Bank-financed projects.
Reporting to the Practice Manager of the SAES2 unit and working closely with regional teams, the specialist will work on one of the largest International Development Association (IDA) portfolios in Africa.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
As a core member of the task team, the Senior Social Development Specialist will be expected to:
1. Social Risk Management
- Advise public and private sector clients on the Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Operational Policies.
- Support the operationalization of social standards including land acquisition, resettlement, stakeholder engagement, and grievance mechanisms.
- Conduct social due diligence and contribute to the preparation of Environmental and Social Risk Review Summaries (ESRS) and Project Appraisal Documents (PAD).
- Lead or support the preparation and implementation of social instruments including:
- Social Impact Assessments (SIA)
- Resettlement Action Plans (RAP)
- Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP)
- Labor Management Procedures (LMP)
- Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP)
- Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM)
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV)/Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Action Plans
2. Operational Support and Supervision
- Participate in project preparation, appraisal, and supervision.
- Ensure timely monitoring, reporting, and compliance with social safeguards.
- Provide feedback and expert reviews on client-submitted E&S documents.
- Serve as a technical lead or supporting expert in multi-sectoral Bank-financed projects.
- Mentor junior staff and consultants in implementing social risk frameworks.
3. Policy Dialogue and Strategic Engagement
- Engage government agencies and stakeholders on the ESF and social risk strategies.
- Lead policy discussions on issues such as land rights, vulnerable groups, gender equality, and community safety.
- Contribute to analytical and advisory work, including Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs), Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs), and sector studies.
- Provide insights and advice on integrating social risk measures in development policies.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Build the capacity of government counterparts and stakeholders in social risk management.
- Collaborate with other Global Practices, particularly ENB, to improve project sustainability.
- Promote innovation in handling social risks in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) affected areas.
5. Reporting and Team Coordination
- Prepare technical briefs, implementation reports, and mission notes.
- Coordinate with the Country Management Unit (CMU) and serve as a liaison on social matters.
Selection Criteria
While specific qualifications are not listed in the job description, the role is designed for experienced professionals with a strong background in social risk management and sustainable development. Applicants should have:
- Extensive experience with social safeguard policies, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.
- A strong understanding of institutional frameworks and governance issues in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Ability to manage large portfolios and multi-sectoral projects in complex environments.
- Proven track record of effective communication, team leadership, and policy influence.
For a detailed breakdown of the selection criteria and competencies, please refer to the attached PDF.
Why Work with the World Bank Group?
Joining the World Bank means being part of a mission-driven organization with access to global knowledge, professional growth, and the ability to shape policy in some of the world’s most critical development areas. Staff enjoy competitive benefits including health, retirement, travel, and career development support, all while contributing to meaningful impact across the globe.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official World Bank career portal.
Click the button below to access the application page:
Apply Now
Application Deadline: May 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC.
