Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist

About the role

The Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Specialist will support UNCDF’s commitment to integrate social and environmental sustainability into its programmes, projects and investment transactions. Based in Nairobi, the role works under the Chief Risk Manager to ensure compliance with UNCDF’s SES standards throughout the project life‑cycle, from design to implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct pre‑screening (concept stage) and full screening (development stage) documentation for projects and investment transactions.
• Oversee the quality of consultants’ work and ensure that SES screening templates and supporting evidence meet UNCDF standards.
• Identify and analyse potential social and environmental risks, recommending mitigation measures where avoidance is not possible.
• Provide quality assurance for baseline data collection and for impact assessments such as ESIA and SESA.
• Maintain and review draft and final deliverables, ensuring they align with the Environmental and Social Management Plan/Framework.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and manage complaints mechanisms related to SES compliance.
• Travel as required to project sites and partner locations.

Required profile

• Relevant experience in social and environmental safeguards, impact assessments or related fields.
• Ability to work under the supervision of the Chief Risk Manager and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical skills to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to travel within Kenya and potentially to regional project sites.