Environment & Social Standard (ESS) - Social Specialist The World Bank

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

Desired Candidate Profile

Master s degree or Ph.D. in social sciences (gender studies, anthropology, sociology/social development, political science, law, public policy, international affairs, conflict/violence prevention, etc.).

A minimum of five (5) years of directly relevant professional experience in social development and inclusion.

Demonstrated experience and leadership in addressing issues covered by the World Bank s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and social safeguards policies or similar policies in other international finance institutions in complex and challenging settings, and across practices. This includes experience with environment and/or social assessments and analyzing E/S risks and impacts on different population groups; involuntary resettlement in different socio-economic contexts and tenure systems; coordination of transparent consultative and stakeholder engagement processes; grievance redress mechanisms, integration of relevant planning instruments in overall project planning and implementation; labor and working conditions (in particular child labor); occupational health and safety (OHS); community health and safety; sexual exploitation and abuse/harassment (SEA/SH); cultural heritage; Environment and Social Governance (ESG) in private sector; client capacity building and support to strengthen national E/S systems.

Demonstrated experience and operational skills in broader social development issues including, gender/GBV, social inclusion, citizen engagement, local economic development, migration, displacement, fragility, conflict, and violence in low- and middle-income countries.

Proven experience with World Bank IDA and/or IBRD (or other comparable international organizations) lending operations, policies, and procedures; experience in leading design and implementation of social development programs.

Experience working on complex multi-sectoral development challenges and working in a federal/decentralized system.

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, deal with frequent and unexpected changes and work within tight timeframes.

Demonstrated ability to lead and translate analytical work into policy advice and actionable, practical recommendations; Experience in collecting, analyzing, and effectively using data for evidence-based decision making.

Experience in contributing to high-level strategic decisions and technical support to government counterparts, policymakers, beneficiaries, community-based organizations, and development partners on effective approaches to close gender gaps.

Proven capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, international organizations, development agencies, government counterparts, beneficiaries of Bank projects, and civil society organizations; ability to effectively negotiate and build consensus to achieve constructive outputs.

Outstanding interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and team skills, and ability to think innovatively and strategically to find balanced solutions to complex development problems, with a strong client focus.

Proven track record in communicating complex issues in a clear and concise manner to different stakeholders.

Acting with integrity at all times to build trust and to create an enabling work environment, whether as team leader or team member.

Very high level of energy, initiative and self-motivation; willingness to travel and work under challenging circumstances.

Demonstrated ability to work across practices, work in cross-thematic teams, foster teamwork, and mentor junior staff.

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and French is essential; ability to present and facilitate sessions; Arabic language skill is a plus.

Social Development core competencies:

• Social sustainability and ESF/safeguards: Knowledge of World Bank Environment and Social Framework and experience in social risk management in operations, including policy framework and operational methods, tools, and databases.
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Anticipate needs and requests in the field and conduct independent policy discussions with representatives of government and non-government partners.
• Social inclusion and empowerment - Experience in successfully applying social sustainability and inclusion principles and good practice, covering issues of gender/GBV, inclusion and non-discrimination of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, stakeholder engagement, etc.
• Social Development implications on policies, institutions, and operations Solid understanding of the implications of social development on policy, institutions, and operations.
• Participation and Consultation - Extensive experience conducting social development consultative and participatory approaches, deriving results that resonate with the client; ability to coach others in the application of the interventions.
• Analytical Tools for Social Sustainability - Extensive experience conducting social development analyses, deriving results that resonate with the client; ability to coach others in the application of the tools.
• Integrative Skills - Understand relevant cross-practice areas and how they are interrelated; able to undertake cross-practice work in lending and non-lending operations.
• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Translate technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interact with clients at the policy level.
• Lead and Innovate - Develop innovative solutions with others.
• Deliver Results for Clients - Achieve results and identify mission-driven solutions for the client.
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Initiate collaboration across boundaries and broadly across the World Bank Group and bring differing ideas into the forefront.
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Create, apply and share knowledge from across and outside WBG to strengthen internal and or external client solutions.
• Make Smart Decisions - Recommend and take decisive action.