ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL SPECIALIST

Environmental and Social Specialist Jobs in Lusaka – Join ZamGridCo

ZamGridCo invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Environmental & Social Specialist based in Lusaka, Zambia. As a key player in Zambia’s energy sector, ZamGridCo is committed to modernising and expanding the national electricity distribution grid under the Grid Resilience Program. This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates seeking environmental and social specialist jobs in Lusaka to contribute to sustainable development and energy reforms.

About ZamGridCo

ZamGridCo is a Zambian private company limited by guarantee with not-for-profit objectives, established through a pioneering debt-for-development agreement between the Government of Zambia and the African Development Bank. Headquartered in Lusaka, ZamGridCo operates independently to channel debt-conversion savings into strategic investments and upgrades of the electricity distribution network, aligned with Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan and national energy reforms.

Position Overview: Environmental & Social Specialist

Reporting to the Technical Director, the Environmental & Social Specialist will oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of ZamGridCo’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) across funded projects. This full-time, fixed-term contract role involves managing environmental and social risk screening, due diligence, mitigation planning, capacity building, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities for Environmental and Social Specialist Jobs in Lusaka

• Environmental and Social Screening & Due Diligence: Evaluate project proposals, procurement packages, and funded activities using ZamGridCo’s risk matrix and AfDB safeguard standards; conduct desktop and field assessments to identify risks such as labor violations, biodiversity impacts, and community health and safety concerns.
• Mitigation and Safeguard Planning: Develop and negotiate Environmental & Social Action Plans (ESAPs), draft E&S clauses for grant agreements, and ensure projects have appropriate safeguard instruments including grievance mechanisms and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Capacity Building and Advisory Support: Create accessible E&S management tools and deliver training on environmental and social requirements; provide advisory support to project recipients to ensure effective implementation of safeguard measures.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Oversee compliance with E&S requirements during project execution, conduct site visits and audits, investigate incidents and grievances, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Reporting and Risk Management: Maintain an E&S risk register, prepare inputs for quarterly and annual reports to senior management and financiers, and support the preparation of the Annual Environmental and Social Report.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Social/Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years in relevant roles, including at least 2 years working on grant-funded projects or development programs.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong familiarity with AfDB Integrated Safeguards System, Development Finance Institution requirements, Zambian ESIA/permitting processes, and international best practices.
• Skills: Ability to translate complex environmental and social requirements into practical actions; experience conducting site audits and due diligence; excellent written English for drafting reports and legal clauses.
• Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree, training in social performance, stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and relevant environmental or occupational health and safety certifications.

Competencies

• Risk-based mindset with the ability to distinguish critical from negligible risks.
• Pragmatic problem-solving skills to determine appropriate levels of environmental assessment.
• Diplomatic communication to maintain strong relationships while enforcing standards.
• Effective training and facilitation skills, capable of engaging diverse stakeholder groups.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV along with a brief cover letter outlining their experience managing conditional funding instruments such as grants and service contracts. Applications must be sent to humanresources@zamgridco.com. Please indicate Environmental & Social Specialist in the subject line of your email.

For more information about ZamGridCo, visit https://zamgridco.com.

Application Deadline: 30th September 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.