Environmental and Social Specialist

Role Overview

Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) is expanding its team and seeking a skilled Environmental and Social Specialist. This role is central to ensuring that all BEDC operations, projects, and network activities comply with environmental regulations, social safeguards, and international development standards. The position is essential for maintaining safe, ethical, and sustainable operations, reducing environmental risks, addressing community concerns, and ensuring compliance with World Bank and regulatory frameworks in the DISREP Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize local-level capacity building and interaction programs on environmental and social screening and awareness
• Organize national-level consultations with major stakeholders
• Provide leadership and build the capacity of staff to carry out environmental and social screening of program activities using the exclusion list and in accordance with relevant documents
• Deliver training to project staff, government agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders on project-related World Bank requirements for environmental safeguards
• Coordinate and guide consultants engaged to prepare relevant program documents and Social Safeguards Instruments for program activities
• Periodically review and assess the effectiveness of implemented activities, outcomes, and impacts
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards and environmental safeguards instruments (ESMF and Environmental and Social Management Plan)

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Natural Science, Environmental Science, Sociology, or related field
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in Environment and Social Safeguards, land acquisition, and resettlement related to Energy and Infrastructure sectors
• Minimum 5 years of experience on a donor-funded project in a similar position

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional qualifications in environmental management, social safeguards, or HSE

Location

Lagos, Nigeria