Junior Social & Environmental Officer (Garissa) at Strathmore University

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Junior Social & Environmental Officer will support social, environmental, and health and safety activities on field-based water projects, including community engagement, social safeguards, environmental monitoring, data collection, and reporting. The role requires strong fieldwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in remote and arid environments. This is a 3-month contract, renewable quarterly based on the continuation and requirements of the project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Social & Community Engagement

• Conduct household and community interviews, surveys, and consultations.
• Collect and document socio-economic and community-related data.
• Support stakeholder engagement and community meetings.
• Identify and document community concerns, social risks, and project impacts.
• Support social safeguards activities, including gender and GBV-related considerations.
• Assist in preparing social assessment reports, field notes, and related documentation.

Environmental & Health and Safety

• Conduct environmental field observations, inspections, and surveys.
• Collect environmental baseline and monitoring data.
• Support the identification of environmental risks and potential project impacts.
• Assist with environmental compliance and monitoring activities.
• Support basic health and safety monitoring within project areas.
• Document environmental, health and safety observations and assist with corrective actions where required.
• Maintain accurate field records and contribute to project reports.

Field & Reporting

• Collect, verify, and maintain accurate field data.
• Prepare field reports and supporting project documentation.
• Work closely with project teams and relevant stakeholders during field activities.
• Travel and work in remote and arid/semi-arid field locations for extended periods.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma in Sociology, Social Sciences, Community Development, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of relevant field experience.
• Experience in community engagement, social surveys, environmental fieldwork, social safeguards, or related project work.
• Experience working in arid and semi-arid areas is preferred.
• Exposure to water, infrastructure, ESIA, or community-based projects is an added advantage.
• Knowledge or exposure to gender, GBV, social safeguards, environmental management, and health and safety is an advantage.
• Proficiency in English and Kiswahili. Knowledge of a relevant local language is an added advantage.