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.

IFC seeks a dynamic, motivated Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist with solid communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its business in the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan (MCT) region. This professional will provide E&S guidance to non-financial sector clients and IFC’s investment teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PS) and Sustainability Policy, aiming to promote compliance and enhance the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities. The position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the MCT region.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to the review of E&S issues and risks in new investments 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 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 compliance with contractual E&S requirements, clearly documenting and communicating any outstanding or emerging gaps between client performance and IFC requirements and related risks and opportunities
• Contribute to portfolio analysis to identify systemic issues, assess trends of a policy nature, and propose policy adjustments as needed
• Contribute to regional supervision program reviews and periodic reports
• Support industry teams and clients in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests where needed, including discussions with CAO and IEG officers as needed
• Regular travel within the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan region and elsewhere
• Support client E&S capacity-building
• Contribute to the preparation of management briefs on relevant E&S matters

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, sociology, or other relevant disciplines
• Minimum of seven years of professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring, and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in the MCT region in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services, or agribusiness sectors
• Experience working with IFC/World Bank/E&S Policies and Standards.
• Willingness to travel.
• 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 Turkish, Russian, and Arabic 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

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27994&site=1