Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Description

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, visitwww.ifc.org

TheEnvironment and Social Sustainability Solutions Department (CEG), includesapproximately 200 staff and consultants. As part of its mandate, CEG supportsIFCs investment and advisory teams to manage ESG risks associated with theiractivities and find solutions to client issues on basis of our Environmentaland Social (E&S) Performance Standards (http://www.ifc.org/performancestandards) and the CorporateGovernance Methodology (http://www.ifc.org/corporategovernance). CEG furtherleverages this expertise and operational experience in emerging markets toencourage the effective adoption of these standards by companies and investorsacross emerging markets. More details can be found athttp://www.ifc.org/sustainability.

IFCis looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented Senior Environmental& Social Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, andanalytical skills to provide support to the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey,Afghanistan and Pakistan (MCT) region. This professional will provide guidanceto clients, investment and advisory teams on E&S risk management vis–visIFC Performance Standards and Sustainability Policy with the aim of promotingcompliance with IFCs performance standards and enhanced impact andadditionality of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates.

Thisposition will report to the CEG Regional Manager for the MCT region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead or contribute to assessment of E&S issues/risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in multiple sectors (including infrastructure, manufacturing, services and agribusiness).
Lead or contribute to identification and development of risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in addressing identified issues; advise on structuring, appropriate mitigation measures and contractual alignment of interest to address risks and impacts.
Provide clear and responsive guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management in project decision-making and processing in light of E&S risk issues, including clear communication to teams and management throughout the investment cycle.
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.
Discuss and support formulation of E&S legal conditions for projects legal agreements.
Proactively monitor portfolio clients and engage with clients and investment departments to achieve compliance. Clearly document and communicate any outstanding or emerging gaps between client performance and IFC requirements, and related risks to IFC.
Support industry teams and clients in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests, leading discussion with CAO and IEG officers.
In coordination with industry and CEG advisory teams, build capacity with clients on issues related to E&S issues, including clients monitoring and evaluation of E&S activities and outcomes.
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.
On the basis of portfolio analysis, help identify systemic bottlenecks existing in the market that prevent adequate E&S risk management in key markets. In collaboration with Upstream officers and advisory teams, help develop upstream activities by using technical experience and expertise.
Work proactively to identify opportunities for advisory engagements that result in greater development impact and value for the client; provide expert input into new IFC advisory offering.
Participate in strategic decision making (as needed) regarding IFC role in advisory support to enhance E&S risk management. Where relevant support the development of appropriate solutions.
As needed, participate in cross-regional and global teams responsible for the preparation of policy interpretation notes on E&S topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work.
As needed, participate in forums or conferences to showcase IFC experience, approach and value proposition (which includes serving as a panelist or moderator for internal and external events).
Prepare management briefs of relevant E&S matters.
Provide guidance/mentor more junior staff and Short-Term Consultants (STCs) working on E&S risk management and supervise the timeliness and quality of their work, in coordination with the Regional Team Lead.

Selection Criteria

Masters degree or equivalent in sociology/social sciences, environmental management/engineering, economics or other relevant disciplines.
Minimum of 12 years of professional experience working on E&S due diligence in the international context, with strong preference for experience in the private sector working across different industry sectors.
Experience working on E&S Policies and Standards. Experience with international financial institutions (IFI) and/or World Bank Group Standards preferred.
Working experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile and conflict environments.
Willingness to travel regularly in emerging market countries.
Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from sometimes 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 environmental and social issues in spoken and written form, in a manner that can be understood by non-experts. Proficiency in English is essential. Additional language skills in Arabic, Russian and/or Turkish is desired.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal and external parties (including senior staff, management, IFCs accountability mechanism and clients) and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams.
Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
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.

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 theWorld BankandIFC, including our values and inspiring stories.