Environmental & Social Specialist – Solar PV & BESS Projects

About the role

The Senior Environmental & Social Specialist will lead the assessment, compliance, monitoring and stakeholder engagement for utility‑scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in East Africa. You will ensure that all phases of the project meet national legislation, international standards and multilateral development bank safeguards.

Key responsibilities

• Review and update Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, baseline studies, management plans and permits.
• Develop and implement the Environmental and Social Management Plan, monitoring programme, risk register and corrective‑action plans.
• Integrate environmental and social requirements into design, tender documents, contracts and de‑commissioning plans.
• Ensure compliance with national law, IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines, ISO 14001 and sector standards.
• Assess impacts on biodiversity, land use, soil, water, air quality, noise, waste, hazardous materials and cultural heritage.
• Design and oversee waste‑minimisation, hazardous‑material handling, spill‑response, wastewater, storm‑water, dust‑control, erosion‑control and land‑restoration measures.
• Establish and manage environmental monitoring programmes covering air, water, noise, soil, biodiversity and waste.
• Conduct site inspections, compliance audits, contractor assessments and incident investigations.

Required profile

• Senior‑level professional with at least 8 years of relevant experience (96 months).
• Eligible nationalities: Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia or other East Africa Community countries.
• Proven experience on large‑scale renewable energy projects, preferably solar PV and BESS.

Required skills

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA).
• Knowledge of IFC Performance Standards and World Bank EHS Guidelines.
• ISO 14001 implementation.
• Waste‑minimisation and hazardous‑material management.
• Spill‑response planning.
• Water, air and soil quality monitoring.
• Biodiversity and habitat assessment.
• Erosion‑control and land‑restoration techniques.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑visibility renewable energy projects.
• Collaborative, inclusive environment within a global leader in quality and safety.
• Professional development and exposure to international standards.