Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist

About the role

The Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Specialist supports UNCDF’s commitment to integrate social and environmental sustainability into its programmes, projects and investment transactions. Reporting to the Chief Risk Manager, the role ensures compliance with UNCDF’s SES standards throughout the project life‑cycle.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate pre‑screening (concept stage) and full screening (development stage) documentation for UNCDF projects and investment transactions.
• Oversee the quality of consultants’ work, review draft and final deliverables, and ensure adherence to the Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) and related evidence requirements.
• Identify potential social and environmental risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and maintain quality standards for baseline data collection.
• Provide quality assurance for the Environmental and Social Management Plan/Framework (ESMP/ESMF) and monitor compliance during implementation.

Required profile

• Works under the direct supervision of the Chief Risk Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya, with occasional travel.
• Collaborates across UNCDF units, functions and multidisciplinary teams to ensure horizontal coordination and effective risk management.