Job Summary
- Employer: Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Environmental
- Salary: A cost-to-the-company monthly remuneration will be negotiated with the successful candidate based on budget and experience
- Closing Date: 2026-10-30
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure environmental and social considerations are integrated into all feasibility assessments.
- Ensure that Environmental and Social Risk Assessment and Management are integrated into the overall project risk management framework.
- Ensure stakeholder engagement complies with regulatory and lender requirements.
- Monitor compliance with lender standards relating to resettlement and livelihood restoration as well as social impact management.
- Oversee development of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
- Review climate change risk and vulnerability assessments and ensure alignment with climate finance and sustainable infrastructure requirements.
- Ensure cumulative impacts are reflected in mitigation measures and planning processes to ascertain basin-wide sustainability considerations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable transboundary water agreements and regional frameworks.
- Ensure community safety considerations are integrated into risk management planning.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and social legislation requirements throughout the footprint of the project.
- Ensure project readiness for financing and lender due diligence by ensuring alignment with: International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, African Development Bank Integrated Safeguards System, Equator Principles, DBSA Environmental Safeguard Guidelines requirements.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Environmental Science or Natural Resources Management;
- The ESS Specialist must demonstrate professional experience of at least 15 years post-qualification experience in Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Audit, Ecological Assessment, Environmental and Social Management Plan, Safety Assessment, and Climate Change Assessment;
- The candidate must demonstrate strong experience of not less than ten years working with large water infrastructure projects that deal with issues of resettlements and compensations;
- He/she must be fluent in English and be able to work in a team environment;
- Prior experience in a similar role and familiarity with the Orange-Senqu River Basin will be an added advantage;
- Term: Twelve-month contract, renewable based on performance and possibility of extension of the project (tentatively estimated to cover the period January 2027 to December 2027;
- Payment: A cost-to-the-company monthly remuneration will be negotiated with the successful candidate based on budget and experience;
- Duty Station: The position will be based at the PMO office in Maseru, Lesotho. The ORASECOM Secretariat will help a successful candidate obtain a work permit, if required. The successful candidate will be required to reside in Maseru at his or her own cost.
Salary
A cost-to-the-company monthly remuneration will be negotiated with the successful candidate based on budget and experience
How to Apply
Original Advert
Source document for this listing, published by Jobs Botswana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist role at ORASECOM in Botswana?
A bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or a related field is typically required, with a master's degree often preferred. Professional certifications such as NEBOSH, ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, or World Bank/IFC safeguard standards training strengthen your candidacy. Experience with transboundary water resource management is particularly valued given ORASECOM's regional mandate.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of an ESS Specialist working for a river commission like ORASECOM?
Daily tasks include conducting environmental and social impact assessments for water infrastructure projects, reviewing compliance reports from member states, and developing safeguard policies aligned with international standards. You will coordinate with government agencies across Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa to ensure consistent application of protocols. Field visits to river basin sites and stakeholder consultations with affected communities are regular components of the role.
How does the work culture and professional environment differ for environmental specialists employed by regional commissions versus local government in Botswana?
Regional commissions like ORASECOM operate with greater autonomy and exposure to international best practices compared to local government departments. The work culture emphasizes diplomatic collaboration across borders, requiring strong negotiation skills and cultural sensitivity. Expect more travel than typical local government roles, with English as the primary working language and adherence to SADC regional protocols.
What realistic career progression paths exist for ESS Specialists in Botswana's environmental and water resource sector?
Progression typically moves from specialist to senior specialist, then to safeguard coordinator or team lead positions within five to seven years. With ORASECOM experience, professionals often advance to regional advisor roles with SADC, UNDP, or World Bank water programs. Some transition to senior consultancy positions or director-level posts within Botswana's Department of Water Affairs or Ministry of Environment.
What employment benefits are standard for specialist positions with regional organizations based in Botswana?
Benefits generally include comprehensive medical aid coverage, pension contributions through Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or equivalent schemes, and generous annual leave of 20-25 days. Regional organizations often provide housing allowances, education subsidies for dependents, and hardship allowances for extensive field travel. Contract terms are usually fixed-term with possibility of renewal, rather than permanent civil service status.
How should I apply for an ESS Specialist position with ORASECOM, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted through ORASECOM's official website or advertised on platforms like SADC careers and DevJobsAfrica, requiring a detailed CV, cover letter, and certified academic documents. Botswana employers prioritize demonstrated experience with community engagement, fluency in Setswana alongside English, and proven ability to navigate both technical standards and local political contexts. Strong references from previous environmental assessments and familiarity with Botswana's Environmental Impact Assessment Act are significant advantages.
