Senior Environmental Specialist at Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF)

Job Description (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Water Services Trust Fund (WSTF) is a State Corporation established under the Water Act with the mandate “to assist in financing the provision of water services to areas of Kenya which are without adequate water services.” The organisation is guided by the Trust Deed of 26th April, and nested on rapid, proactive and innovative measures stipulated in its core values of accountability, transparency, good governance, teamwork, equity, fairness, honesty, integrity, customer focus, and work-life balance. We are one of the water reform institutions, and act as a basket fund for mobilising resources and providing financial assistance towards capital investment costs of providing water service and sanitation. WSTF is mandated to finance water and sanitation services for the poor and underserved communities in rural and urban areas.PurposeThe job holder is responsible for Overseeing, guiding implementation of environmental instruments for the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Programme including developing tools, and training other institutions involved in the project at national and county levels. The job holder is also responsible for providing technical support to enhance capacity of the internal staff in the environmental field.Responsibilities Monitor projects milestones against work plans and budgets and other project priorities.Mentor, coach and ensure training of staff.Guide, review and quality control all Environmental instruments prepared for the projects and all subprojects i.e. Screening reports, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management (ESMPs) etc; to improve quality of the output consistent with the Terms of Reference (ToRs), project ESMF, World Bank Environmental and Social Standards, project ESCP and applicable national laws, legislation and regulations;In line with the project ESMF, provide guidance to the task team and prepare internal environmental and social guidelines for the preparation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of environmental and social risksProvide input to Contractor selection processes, ensuring that the Environment, Health and Safety aspects are included into the bidding and contract documentsThe Environment specialists will be required to attend to any other duty as may be assigned by the Project Team Leader;Initiate preparation of programme schedules and budgets including expected safeguards documents for the project.Prepare safeguards proposal budgets;Follow up on financial audits and closure of audit queries.Implement programme risk framework. RequirementsQualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, community development, social work or related field)Training on the World Bank’s ESF and resettlement and land acquisitionSupervisory course lasting not less than two weeks from a recognised institution;Membership of relevant professional body, where applicable, in good standing.Be a registered Lead Expert in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) registered with NEMA and/or the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSH); Previous relevant work experience required At least 4 years relevant work experience in the Public Service or Private SectorAt least 5 years’ experience in developing and implementing social safeguards and ESF on World Bank projects or similar multilateral agencies;Have a broad understanding of the National Environmental Laws, Policies, regulations and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF);Knowledge and onsite practical experience of assessing environmental and occupational health and safety risks and hazards related to construction and operation of water and sanitation projects;Excellent communication/interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously in teams, government officials and communities;Proficiency in computer applications