Environmental & Social Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Environmental and Social (E&S) Manager to join our Nairobi office. Reporting to the Regional Director for East Africa, you will lead the assessment and management of E&S risks, impacts and opportunities across Norfund’s regional investment portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with investment teams and portfolio companies in agribusiness, manufacturing and renewable energy projects.
• Lead and document environmental, social and human‑rights risk assessments during due diligence, applying local regulations, IFC Performance Standards and World Bank EHS Guidelines.
• Negotiate and integrate sustainability requirements into investment agreements and monitor compliance.
• Follow up on E&S Action Plans, identify interventions to reduce risk and add value, and support clients in developing E&S management systems.
• Coordinate with Norfund’s E&S specialists, co‑investors and European Development Finance Institutions on risk management.
• Represent Norfund at external meetings, industry events and forums on E&S risk management.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (Master’s preferred) in environmental science, engineering, occupational health and safety, social science or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in E&S assessments, ESIA development, EHS audits or investor‑led due diligence.
• Strong knowledge of international standards (IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines, ILO standards, human‑rights instruments) and relevant Kenyan legislation.
• Experience in agriculture, manufacturing or energy projects is an advantage.
• Result‑oriented, proactive, able to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English; additional local language is a plus.

Required skills

• Environmental and social risk assessment
• ESIA development
• EHS audits
• Due diligence and monitoring
• Knowledge of IFC Performance Standards and World Bank EHS Guidelines
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 and SA8000 certification schemes

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction and climate action in developing countries.
• International, diverse and highly competent working environment.
• Key role in small, focused project teams within a flat management structure.
• Position based in Nairobi with start date by agreement.