Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Background

The Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy Global Practice (ENB GP) is located within the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Practice Group. We provide expertise, technical assistance, and financing to help low- and middle-income countries manage land, sea, and freshwater natural resources in a sustainable way to help create jobs, improve livelihoods, enhance ecosystem services, decrease pollution, and increase resilience to climate change! Over 360 ENB staff working across the globe help set developing countries on a clean, green growth trajectory for resilient economies and healthy communities.

The ENB GP in East and Southern Africa Region (AFE) includes two units: SAEE2 and SAEE3. The SAEE3 unit covers three country management units (CMUs), DRC, Mozambique, and South Africa, and comprises approximate 30 staff, about half based in country offices. SAEE3 staff provide advice to clients on environmental risk management in World Bank-financed projects, and work with national and local governments and with communities to improve sustainable management of natural resources through operations in a variety of areas such as natural resources management, coastal zone management, forestry, pollution, climate change, landscape, and terrestrial and marine natural resources.

The Position

This position will be based in Maseru, Lesotho and will be primarily responsible to support the environmental risk management business line implementing World Bank Safeguard Policies and the Environmental and Social Framework, or ESF) in Lesotho, but may be extended to other countries in the CMU (South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia).

Note: This is a nationally recruited position intended for nationals of Lesotho. Remuneration is based on the national remuneration rates in the country for individuals working with international organizations in Lesotho. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

The Environment Engineer’s responsibilities will include.

• Ensure the effective integration of environmental due diligence as defined by World Bank’s Safeguard Policies or ESF, as well as international good practice documents (e.g., WBG Environment, Health, and Safety Guidelines) into the design, appraisal and implementation of World Bank supported investment projects.

• Screen potential environmental and social risks and impacts, assess the project’s potential environmental risk classification and determine which of the ESF standards/Bank’s safeguards policies are applicable.

• Provide advice to client and counterpart organizations, project teams and CMU management with regard to the preparation of environmental impact assessments, including regional, strategic and cumulative 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, pest management, forest management, dam safety and international waterways management.

• Advise and support clients in the preparation of project cycle documentation including terms of reference (ToR) for environmental assessment and management instruments, such as environmental and social assessments (incl. strategic, regional, and cumulative); environmental and social management frameworks and plans, Pest Management Plan, and supervising their implementation. Contract specifications related to environmental safeguards and risks management.

• Provide environmental input in project documents in accordance with the Bank operational policies, including Project Concept Note (PCN), Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and Decision/Negotiations Packages, and assist with handling timely and accurate disclosure procedures and public consultation requirements for all required environmental assessment and management instruments.

• Supervise compliance during project implementation with the ESF and Safeguard Policies as provided in the environmental and social assessment documents and management plans through participating in project technical discussions, field visits, reviewing project reports and building effective working relationships with the borrower/project implementation agency to ensure proper understanding and implementation of the policies; guide the borrower/implementing agency apply the safeguards policies effectively.

• Work closely with the project task team and especially the Social Development Specialist assigned to each operation to develop and implement projects that are environmentally and socially sustainable, and to enhance the capacity of Borrowers’ environmental and social frameworks to assess and manage the environmental and social risks and impacts of projects.

• Contribute to the country’s Environment and Social Management capacity building by facilitating training to various stakeholders, including Environment Specialists of World Bank funded Project Implementation Units (PIUs).

• Carry out other tasks as requested by the PM such as for example contribute to knowledge management and knowledge sharing events.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (PhD or Masters) degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, or related field.

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in environmental management, including proven experience in the assessment and management of environmental and social risks and monitoring compliance, such as for government agencies, international financial institutions or other development partners, engineering companies, or consultancy firms.  

• Proven experience in environment, health, and safety (EHS); risk assessment; occupational, health and safety (OHS); due diligence, environmental site assessment, and compliance audits.

• Knowledge and experience with the application of the World Bank Group’s environmental and social policies, including the Bank’s Safeguard Policies, the ESF, or the IFC Performance Standards.

• Fluency in English (writing, speaking, listening, and reading).

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams on diverse and complex tasks.

• Strong client orientation, sense of teamwork, and ability to work independently with limited supervision and under tight timelines.

• Willingness to travel frequently and extensively in Lesotho and possibly other countries in East and Southern Africa, including remote locations.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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