About the position
We are seeking an experienced Environmental and Social (E&S) Manager to join our Nairobi office.
Reporting to the Regional Director for East Africa, you will lead the assessment and management of E&S risks, impacts and opportunities across Norfund’s regional investment portfolio. Working alongside investment teams and portfolio companies, you will help ensure that investments meet applicable standards, manage material risks and deliver sustainable development outcomes.
Key information
Environmental and Social Manager, Nairobi
Key responsibilities
- Collaborate in teams and support project managers on investment projects across investment departments Scalable Enterprises (Agribusiness & Manufacturing) and Renewable Energy.
- Lead and document the assessment of environmental, social, and human rights risks and impacts of direct and indirect investments during due diligence, applying local regulations, the IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines and other relevant standards.
- Negotiate and integrate sustainability requirements into investment agreements, ensuring clear expectations for all investments.
- Monitor investments against agreed E&S requirements, follow up on E&S Action Plans, and identify opportunities for E&S interventions to reduce risk and add value.
- Support clients in developing their E&S management systems through knowledge transfer and training.
- Work closely with Norfund’s E&S specialists and internal stakeholders to continuously improve internal systems and procedures.
- Cooperate with co-investors and European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) on E&S risk management.
- Represent Norfund at external meetings, industry events, and forums on E&S risk management.
Qualifications
- An advanced degree, preferably at Master’s level, in environmental science, engineering, or occupational health and safety, social science or another discipline relevant to environmental and social risk management.
- At least 7 years of professional experience in E&S assessments - such as ESIA development, EHS audits, and investor-led due diligence and monitoring - or relevant experience gained within industry settings.
- Experience from agriculture, manufacturing or energy projects is beneficial.
- Strong knowledge of international standards (IFC Performance Standards, WB EHS Guidelines, ILO standards, Human Rights instruments) and local legislation.
- Subject-matter expertise in environment, hydrology, biodiversity, land-related issues, OHS, human rights, labour rights, or management of community relations is an advantage.
- Exposure to certification schemes such as ISO 14001 or SA8000 is beneficial.
Personal qualities
- Result-oriented, structured, proactive and pragmatic.
- Works effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams, building constructive relationships with colleagues at all levels and with external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, spoken and written, in English. Proficiency in a local or regional language is an advantage.
- Flexible and willing to travel extensively.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for achieving results through constructive engagement with portfolio companies.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and climate action in developing countries through impactful investments.
- A highly competent, international, and diverse working environment.
- A unique opportunity to play a key role in small and focused project teams within a flat management structure.
The position is based in Nairobi, start date by agreement.
We know that diversity contributes to better results and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Please submit your CV, cover letter and academic diplomas and transcripts before the application deadline CET 23:59, October 16, 2026.
Address:
Muthangari Drive, Nairobi, Kenya
About the employer
The Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, Norfund, invests in the private sector in developing countries to create jobs, improve lives and support the transition to net zero. Owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norfund invests in renewable energy, financial inclusion, green infrastructure, scalable enterprises within agribusiness and manufacturing, and funds. Norfund also manages the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund and the Ukraine Investment Fund.
Norfund has offices in Oslo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, San José, and Bangkok. Its portfolio comprises NOK 45,5 billion across 267 companies. The organization employs about 177 staff of 38 nationalities.
