Physical & Environ. Sci.
Principal Environmental and Social Audit Specialist
Job ID: #
SUMMARY:African Development Bank is seeking a Principal Environmental and Social Audit Specialist to strengthen internal audit capacity on environmental and social safeguards across Bank-financed operations. The role focuses on risk-based audits, safeguards compliance review, field verification, technical advisory support, and development of tools and capacity for E&S audit work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead and support environmental and social components of internal audits across Bank-financed public and private sector operations.
Assess compliance with safeguards requirements including ESIAs, ESMPs, RAPs, financing agreement provisions, and relevant national legislation.
Review the adequacy and effectiveness of environmental and social risk management systems across Bank-financed operations.
Participate in project site visits and audit field missions to verify safeguard implementation and gather field-based evidence.
Prepare audit documentation, draft and final reports, and practical recommendations, and monitor implementation of agreed actions.
Contribute to audit methodology, staff capacity building, technical advisory support, and mentoring of less experienced internal auditors.
Company:
African Dev't Bank (AfDB)
Location:
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Company Size:
Job Type:
International contract
Date:
23 Apr 2026
Requirements
Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
Recognized audit or safeguards-related certification such as Certified Internal Auditor, ISO 14001 Auditor, or MDB performance standards training is highly desirable.
At least 6 years of progressive experience in environmental and or social audits, due diligence, or compliance reviews in development projects.
Demonstrated experience assessing compliance with ESIAs, ESMPs, RAPs, labour and working conditions, and stakeholder engagement requirements.
Strong understanding of environmental and social safeguard systems, audit methodologies, risk-based internal controls, and institutional safeguards tracking systems.
Fluency in English or French is required, with working knowledge of the other language.