Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist – Zambia

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist for a energy, environment, transport consultancy assignment financed by UNDP in Zambia.

Aninver Development Partners is preparing a proposal for a UNDP-backed assignment in the energy, environment, and transport sectors in Zambia. We are seeking a qualified Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team for this 3.5-month consultancy focused on establishing a sustainable electric vehicle charging network.

The assignment aims to provide an evidence-based framework to guide public and private sector investment in electric mobility infrastructure across major transport routes, trade corridors, urban centers, and border crossings in Zambia. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring all planned infrastructure adheres to high environmental and social standards.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Conduct comprehensive environmental and social safeguards screening for proposed EV charging corridor routes.
• Assess transport and energy infrastructure readiness from an environmental and social perspective.
• Evaluate potential impacts associated with the deployment of EV charging stations across urban centers and trade corridors.
• Recommend mitigation measures aligned with national and international environmental standards.

Scope of work

• Corridor Route Analysis and Traffic Assessment across major transport routes, trade corridors, and border crossings.
• Grid Capacity and Infrastructure Assessment examining power systems and distribution networks.
• Mapping and GIS Database Development to identify priority charging locations spatially.
• Technical and Financial Structuring to determine optimal charging station configurations and sustainable business models.

Your role as Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist

• Perform environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) and safeguards screening for infrastructure and energy projects.
• Ensure full compliance with UNDP Social and Environmental Standards Procedure (SESP) requirements.
• Coordinate with local regulatory bodies to meet ZEMA environmental assessment requirements.
• Identify potential social and environmental risks related to the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations.
• Develop targeted mitigation and management plans for identified risks during corridor route analysis.
• Collaborate with technical specialists to integrate safeguards into spatial mapping and infrastructure planning.

Requirements

• Education: Not explicitly stated
• Minimum 7 years of experience in environmental and social impact assessment and safeguards screening for infrastructure or energy projects
• Working knowledge of UNDP SESP and ZEMA environmental assessment requirements
• Languages: English

Desirable

• Experience working on electric mobility or low-carbon transport initiatives in Zambia or the wider region.
• Familiarity with public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks and their environmental dimensions.

An experienced Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist with a strong background in UNDP SESP compliance and ZEMA regulations, ready to support sustainable transport initiatives in Zambia.

Assignment details

• Location: Zambia
• Financed by: UNDP
• Sector: Energy, environment, transport
• Estimated duration: 3 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a UNDP-financed project in Zambia.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.