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 is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented Environmental and social (E&S) Specialist with strong 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 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.

This 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 and select advisory engagements in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness sectors
• Prepare concise public disclosure documents for new investments and internal documentation
• Lead or contribute to identifying and developing 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
• When leading E&S assessments, ensure effective and efficient use of staff, consultants, and resources, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables Provide guidance and support to team members
• Proactively 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 discussion with CAO and IEG officers as needed
• Support clients’ E&S capacity building
• As needed, participate in cross-regional and global teams responsible for preparing policy interpretation notes on E&S topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work
• Prepare management briefs of relevant E&S matters
• Travel regularly within the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan region and elsewhere
• Guide Short-Term Consultants (STCs) working on E&S risk management and supervise the timeliness and quality of their work in coordination with the Regional Manager

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, sociology, or other relevant disciplines
• Minimum of ten years of professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring, and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan region in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services, or agribusiness sectors
• Working experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile and conflict environments
• Experience working with IFC/World Bank E&S Policies and Standards
• Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources, draw conclusions from limited data, and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations
• High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly and respectfully, respond diplomatically, and remain calm under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail
• Proficiency in English is essential, with Russian and/or Arabic language skills an advantage
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively with a wide range of internal and external parties (including senior staff, management, IFC’s accountability mechanism, and clients), present E&S risks and management solutions in a manner that non-experts can understand
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate points of view within teams

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27991&site=1