Principal Environmental Specialist – GH  

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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. 

IFC is seeking a Principal Environmental Specialist to provide leadership and guidance to IFC’s Central America, Caribbean, Colombia, and Mexico (CCM) region E&S team, clients, investment, and advisory teams on environmental risk management vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards with the aim of promoting compliance with IFC’s E&S standards and enhanced impact and additionality of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates. The Principal Environmental Specialist will support in strategic decision making about environmental risk management across the lending portfolio, promote building environmental sustainability into project design and implementation, support the use of sound environmental assessment methodologies across sectors and countries, and lead knowledge and learning initiatives. This position will report to CCM’s E&S Regional Manager. 

Duties and Accountabilities 

•  Provide technical advice and lead complex and challenging environmental risks and impacts in new investments and select advisory engagements.

•  Lead E&S project teams for large and complex new investment and select advisory projects, ensuring effective E&S risk management support to teams and Management, and sound solutions to clients. 

•  Proactively monitor the environmental performance of multiple high-risk portfolio projects and clients.

•  Distill broader E&S risk trends in IFC’s portfolio; provide input to portfolio analysis and trends at portfolio management reviews.

•  Support the CCM E&S Regional Manager in facilitating and coordinating operations, including acting as delegated official in the absence of the Manager. 

•  Consistently demonstrate high visibility and leadership on ESG in the region.

•  Provide guidance and leadership through mentoring and coaching staff and consultants to ensure high quality of work performed by the team.

•  Support the Regional E&S Manager and Regional Industry Leads with annual performance assessments of E&S staff based and working in LAC through regular and timely feedback.

•  Support teams and clients to pro-actively respond and find solutions to stakeholder grievances submitted to client, IFC or CAO. 

•  Participate in strategic decision making regarding IFC role in advisory and upstream support to enhance E&S risk management performance. Where relevant support the development of appropriate solutions.

•  Provide expert input into the preparation of policy interpretation notes on environmental topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work. 

•  Represent IFC at relevant external technical forums; develop position paper(s) in area of expertise.

Selection Criteria

•  Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental science, engineering, or other relevant discipline(s).

•  Minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience, including private sector experience in sustainability and E&S risk management, Experience in leading E&S due diligence and E&S monitoring for projects financed by development financial institutions an added advantage.

•  International experience required with experience in LAC region preferred and an added advantage.

•  In-depth experience in infrastructure and energy sectors, plus experience in other sectors is also preferred.  

•  Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English and Spanish is essential; Portuguese is highly advantageous.

•  Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal and external parties and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.

•  High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner. Diplomatic approach and calm under pressure.

•  Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams, superior mentoring skills.

•  Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from sometimes limited data.

•  Exemplary project management skills and 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.

•  Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity, coupled with the ability to recognize when a solution is not available.

•  Deep knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards.

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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at [email protected], and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.