Associate Environmental and Social Development Specialist

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — 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 US$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 the impacts of global compounding crises. 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 Vietnam and the wider East 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, with the aim of promoting compliance and enhancing the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities. 

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Lead or contribute to assessment of E&S issues and risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness sectors.
• Prepare concise public disclosure documents for new investments as well as internal documentation.
• Lead or contribute to 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 professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in Vietnam and Asia Pacific.
• Experience working with IFC/World Bank/ADB E&S Policies and Standards.
• Willingness to travel regularly both inside Vietnam and within East Asia Pacific.
• 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 essential, with Vietnamese language skills an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams.
• High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner, respond diplomatically and remain calm under pressure.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=26959&site=1