Associate Environmental and Social Development Specialist – GF  

IFCa member of the World Bank Groupis the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, we made over $43 billion in total investment commitments the largest volume in our history in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated Associate Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its business in India and the wider South Asia Pacific region. This professional will provide E&S guidance to clients and investment and advisory teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PS) and Sustainability Policy, to promote compliance and enhance the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities. 

Roles and Responsibilities

•  Lead or contribute to E&S due diligence to identify E&S risks and impacts associated with IFC investments primarily in the manufacturing, agribusiness, and services (MAS) sectors against the requirements of IFC’s Performance Standards, including identification of appropriate mitigation measures to ensure compliance with IFC PSs and relevant World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (www.ifc.org/ehsguidelines).

•  Prepare concise public disclosure documents for new investments as well as internal documentation.

•  Lead or contribute to the identification and development of E&S risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in addressing identified issues. 

•  Provide clear and responsive guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management in project decision-making and processing throughout the investment cycle.

•  Support formulation of E&S legal conditions for IFC projects. 

•  Monitor portfolio clients and engage with these clients and investment departments to achieve E&S compliance, documenting and communicating any gaps in client performance vs IFC requirements, and related risks and opportunities.

•  Support industry teams and clients in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests where needed.

•  Support client E&S capacity-building.

Selection Criteria

•  Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, or other relevant disciplines. 

•  Minimum of 4-8 years of professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring, and/or due diligence, with a particular preference for private sector experience in the manufacturing, agribusiness, and services (health, education, property) sectors in India and South Asia.

•  Experience working with IFC/World Bank/ADB E&S Policies and Standards. 

•  Willingness to travel regularly both inside India and within South Asia. 

•  Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources, and draw conclusions from limited data.

•  Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.

•  Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.

•  Ability to communicate effectively and concisely on complex E&S issues in spoken and written form.

•  Proficiency in English is essential, with Hindi or other Indian language skills an advantage.  

•  Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate points of view within teams.

•  High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly and respectfully, respond diplomatically, and remain calm under pressure.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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