Job Summary
- Employer: ORASECOM
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Environmental Management
- 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 (10) 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.
Salary
A cost-to-the-company monthly remuneration will be negotiated with the successful candidate based on budget and experience.
How to Apply
About the Company
ORASECOM (Orange-Senqu River Commission) is a river basin organization that operates in Lesotho as part of its broader mandate across the Orange-Senqu River basin. Established by the governments of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, the commission facilitates cooperative management of shared water resources, with Lesotho being a critical upstream member state due to its highlands water projects. In Lesotho, ORASECOM supports integrated water resource management, promotes sustainable development, and coordinates transboundary water governance to ensure equitable access for communities and industries. The organization works closely with Lesotho's national water authorities to address challenges such as climate variability, infrastructure development, and environmental protection in the Senqu River catchment. Its presence in Lesotho reflects the country's strategic importance as a major water source for the broader southern African region.
Shared water resources, shared prosperity
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an ESS Specialist role in Lesotho?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, social sciences, or a related field, with a master's degree often preferred for senior positions. Certifications such as ISO 14001, IFC Performance Standards, or ESIA training from recognized institutions like the University of Botswana or South African universities strengthen your application. Practical experience with SADC regional frameworks and familiarity with Lesotho's Environmental Act 2008 are highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an ESS Specialist at a regional organization like ORASECOM?
Daily tasks include conducting environmental and social impact assessments for water resource projects, reviewing compliance reports from member states, and coordinating with government agencies across the Orange-Senqu River basin. You will also prepare safeguard documentation, facilitate stakeholder consultations with local communities, and monitor project adherence to international best practices. Regular travel to South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia is often required given the transboundary nature of the work.
How does local work culture in Lesotho affect expectations for this role?
Lesotho's professional environment emphasizes respect for hierarchy and relationship-building, so expect to invest time in establishing trust with government officials and community leaders before project implementation. Punctuality is valued in formal settings, though flexibility is common in rural consultations where community processes take precedence. Proficiency in Sesotho alongside English is a significant advantage for engaging effectively with local stakeholders.
What career progression opportunities exist for ESS Specialists in Lesotho and the broader SADC region?
With experience, you can advance to Senior ESS Specialist, Safeguards Manager, or Environmental Compliance Director roles within regional bodies, development banks, or consulting firms. Many professionals transition into climate change adaptation, water governance, or sustainable infrastructure advisory positions given Lesotho's strategic importance in water security. Building expertise in transboundary water management opens opportunities across SADC institutions and international organizations operating in Southern Africa.
What benefits are typically included in contract positions for environmental roles in Lesotho?
Contract positions at regional organizations like ORASECOM usually include medical insurance coverage, though pension arrangements vary and may require personal contributions. Annual leave typically ranges from 20-25 working days, with additional provisions for regional travel and fieldwork allowances. Housing and relocation support depends on the contract terms and your current residence relative to the duty station.
How should I apply for an ESS Specialist position, and what do employers in Lesotho prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through official channels with a tailored CV highlighting SADC regional experience, ESIA competencies, and community engagement skills specific to Southern African contexts. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with multilateral environmental agreements, strong report writing abilities, and proven capacity to navigate both technical requirements and sensitive social dynamics. Include references from previous safeguard roles and any experience with donor-funded projects such as those from the World Bank, AfDB, or GIZ.