Environmental and Social Development Specialist

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group (WBG)—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and developing countries. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and knowledge 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 create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. 

IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its Financial Intermediary (FI)-related business in the South-Asia 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.

The position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the South-Asia region.

Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to the review of E&S issues and risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in the Financial Intermediary sector (including Banks, Funds, NBFIs, and Micro Finance Institutions)
• In Financial Intermediaries work on IFC investments throughout the project cycle covering early review, appraisal, public disclosure, board review & approval, commitment & disbursement, and project supervision and delivering fully drafted project-related internal and external reports
• 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
• Perform analyses on the development and implementation of clients’ Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS)
• 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 analyzing and reporting internally portfolio data, and missing information and support follow-up on pending issues
• 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 preference for financial sector experience in the South-Asia region
• Experience working with IFC/World Bank/E&S Policies and Standards specifically IFC Performance Standards
• Willingness to travel regularly
• 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 as 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=28792&site=1