Environmental and Social Development Specialist – GF

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 Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its business in the North, West and the Horn of Africa. This professional will provide E&S guidance to clients and IFC’s 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 North, West and the Horn of Africa region.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Lead or contribute to 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 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 in client performance and IFC requirements, and related risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to portfolio analysis to identify systemic issues and assess trends; or of 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.
• Support client E&S capacity-building.
• Contribute to the preparation of management briefs of relevant E&S matters.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, sociology or other relevant disciplines.
• Minimum of seven years professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in the North, West and the Horn of Africa in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services or agribusiness sectors.
• Experience working with IFC/World Bank/E&S Policies and 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 essential, with French and Arabic language skills 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.

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.

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