Environmental and Social Manager, Nairobi

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGER, NAIROBI Position Overview Norfund is recruiting an experienced Environmental and Social Manager to join its Nairobi office. In this role, you will report to the Regional Director for East Africa and take the lead on assessing and managing environmental and social risks, impacts, and opportunities across Norfund's investment portfolio in the region. Working closely with investment teams and portfolio companies, you will play a crucial role in ensuring investments meet international standards, effectively manage material risks, and generate sustainable development outcomes. Position Details Employer: Norfund Location: Nairobi, Kenya Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Positions Available: 1 Application Deadline: October 16, 2026 Core Responsibilities You will collaborate with investment teams across Scalable Enterprises (Agribusiness and Manufacturing) and Renewable Energy to deliver comprehensive environmental and social due diligence. Your key duties will include leading assessments of environmental, social, and human rights risks and impacts for direct and indirect investments, applying local regulations alongside the IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines, and other relevant international benchmarks. You will negotiate and embed sustainability requirements directly into investment agreements, establishing clear expectations for all funded projects. Throughout the investment lifecycle, you will monitor performance against agreed environmental and social requirements, track action plans, and identify opportunities to reduce risk while creating additional value. Supporting portfolio companies in developing their own environmental and social management systems will be central to your work, involving knowledge transfer and targeted training. You will maintain strong collaboration with Norfund's environmental and social specialists and internal stakeholders to refine systems and procedures continuously. Coordination with co-investors and European Development Finance Institutions on environmental and social risk management will also form part of your responsibilities, as will representing Norfund at external meetings, industry events, and forums focused on environmental and social risk management. Required Qualifications You must hold an advanced degree, ideally at Master's level, in environmental science, engineering, occupational health and safety, social science, or a related discipline focused on environmental and social risk management. You should bring at least seven years of professional experience conducting environmental and social assessments, including ESIA development, EHS audits, investor-led due diligence, and monitoring work. Experience in agriculture, manufacturing, or energy projects is highly valued. You must demonstrate strong knowledge of international standards including the IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines, ILO standards, and human rights instruments, combined with solid understanding of local legislation. Subject-matter expertise in at least one of the following areas is advantageous: environmental management, hydrology, biodiversity, land-related issues, occupational health and safety, human rights, labour rights, or community relations management. Familiarity with certification schemes such as ISO 14001 or SA8000 is beneficial. Essential Attributes You are results-oriented, structured, proactive, and pragmatic in your approach. You work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams, building constructive relationships with colleagues at all levels and external stakeholders alike. Your communication skills in English are excellent, both written and spoken, with proficiency in a local or regional language being an advantage. You are flexible and willing to travel extensively. Strong interpersonal abilities and a genuine passion for achieving results through constructive engagement with portfolio companies are essential to success in this role. What Norfund Offers You will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, poverty reduction, and climate action in developing countries through strategically impactful investments. You will join a highly competent, international, and diverse working environment where you can play a key role within small, focused project teams operating under a flat management structure. The position is based in Nairobi with a flexible start date by agreement. About Norfund Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, invests in the private sector across developing economies to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and drive the transition to net zero. Owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norfund channels capital into renewable energy, financial inclusion, green infrastructure, scalable enterprises in agribusiness and manufacturing, and investment funds. The organization also manages the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund and the Ukraine Investment Fund. With offices in Oslo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, San José, and Bangkok, Norfund manages a portfolio worth NOK 45.5 billion across 267 companies and employs approximately 177 staff representing 38 nationalities. How to Apply Submit your curriculum vitae, cover letter, academic diplomas, and transcripts before 23:59 CET on October 16, 2026. Applications should