Description

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group (WBG) — is 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, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with unprecedented levels of uncertainty and volatility. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The ES&G Sustainability Advice & Solutions Department (CEG) includes approximately 180 staff worldwide, whose work is leveraged with a significant number of consultants. As part of its mandate, CEG supports IFC’s investment and advisory teams to manage ESG risks associated with their activities and find solutions to client issues on basis of our Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards (http://www.ifc.org/performancestandards) and the Corporate Governance Methodology (http://www.ifc.org/corporategovernance). CEG further leverages this expertise and operational experience in emerging markets to encourage the effective adoption of these standards by companies and investors across emerging markets. More details can be found at http://www.ifc.org/sustainability. CEG works in close collaboration with the Environmental & Social Policy and Risk Department (CES) and the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO).

The role of the Regional Manager is to ensure timely deliver of CEG’s support to IFC’s investment and upstream business in Africa region, as well as to lead the delivery of the Department’s growing ESG advisory services offering.  The Manager will lead a team of approximately 40 Environmental and Social Specialist staff and Advisory Services Operations Officers supported by a number of consultants. She/he will play vital role in the leadership of this team, CEG’s management team and the African management team.

Duties and Accountabilities

•  In collaboration with the ES&G Sustainability Advice & Solutions Department (CEG) Director and other managers in the department, contribute to the planning and delivery of CEG staff and programmatic support to IFC’s goals and strategy.
•  Serve as the Manager for CEG’s regional Africa team, including budget planning and staffing, and technical and fiduciary oversight of Africa operations support (new operations and portfolio) and advisory programs.
•  Develop a deep understanding of E&S issues and regional challenges and opportunities, including civil society (CSO) concerns and the complaints with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) Manage and monitor CSO and CAO engagement in the region. Together with other Managers in CEG, ensure that IFC’s E&S quality assurance needs are met, including adherence to IFC’s Policy and Performance Standards on Environment and Social Sustainability, the IFC Access to Information Policy, and the Environment and Social Review Procedures.
•  Coordinate with relevant Investment, Advisory, and Regional Department staff in Africa to ensure that E&S risks and issues are identified, assessed, monitored, and effectively mitigated to ensure successful and sustainable outcomes. Closely collaborate with the Environmental & Social Policy and Risk Department (CES) on High-Risk Projects.
•  Participate in CEG and Regional management team meetings and contribute to CEG and Regional strategy development and implementation.
•  Represent CEG and IFC at public and professional fora to help maintain and promote IFC’s leadership position in sustainable development and E&S best practices.
•  Provide full range of administrative and HR management 

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate for this position is expected to have educational qualifications in a relevant discipline, a strong professional background in social and/or environmental assessment, a proven track record in private sector investment delivery, people management/leadership skills, and familiarity with the IFC’s Sustainability Framework. Specific criteria include:

•   Graduate degree in environment- or social development-related discipline with a minimum of 12 years relevant experience dealing with environment, social and governance (ESG) issues with the private sector.
•  Commitment to development and a proven track record showing alignment with the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.
•  Excellent leadership and people management skills, particularly demonstrated in a complex organizational setting with responsibilities for leading and managing large, diverse, and highly technical projects and functions.
•  Strong track record in providing intellectual leadership, managing, building talent and motivating staff across different locations; growing businesses while becoming a strong mentor and leading by example.
•  Demonstrate highest level of integrity and decisiveness, to take accountability as well as hold others accountable for results; Strong professional background and client facing experience in assessing and improving E&S performance of private sector clients.
•  Track record of professional leadership on social and environmental sustainability.
•  Clear understanding of, and experience in emerging markets, including in fragile and conflict-affected situations and low-income countries.
•  Strong communication, knowledge management and public speaking skills and the ability to represent IFC and ESG in global and regional ESG fora.
•  Ability to represent IFC to key external clients, government authorities, other stakeholders, and critics.
•  Willingness to travel as and where necessary.
• Meet Bank Group-wide managerial selection criteria including courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, building talent for the future.

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.