Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist, PPP, Upstream & Financial Intermediaries – G  

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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented Senior Environmental & Social Specialist to provide support to our Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and Upstream programs and our Financial Intermediaries (FI) program (50% / 50%) in the CCMES region.

PPPs are a tool that helps governments leverage the expertise and efficiency of the private sector, raise capital, and spur development. They also help allocate risk across the public and private sectors to where it can best be managed and ensure that resources are wisely distributed in addressing the most urgent development needs.

IFC’s proactive, early-stage market and project preparation (“upstream”) work supports unlocking private investment across emerging markets by bringing scalable solutions to address some of the world’s toughest development challenges.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of IFC’s key Departments responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume and development reach. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network. The goal is to develop efficient financial systems that will increase financial inclusion and fuel economic growth in client countries and enhance IFC’s developmental impact.

This professional will be a senior member of the regional team providing guidance to clients and IFC’s investment on E&S risk management in alignment with IFC Performance Standards and Sustainability Policy with the aim enhancing E&S outcomes of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates.

This position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the CCM region.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Financial Institutions (FIs)
• Appraise new Financial Intermediary (FI) investment proposals and support IFC’s Financial Institution team throughout the project preparation on E&S requirements.
• Provide expert advice and communicate IFC requirements to private sector clients and investment staff to achieve positive sustainable development outcomes.
• Supervise environmental and social performance of specific allocated FI projects.
• Assist in the delivery of annual supervision work plans for projects including coordination with regional departments.
• Maintain and update IFC management systems and tools relating to FI investments.
• Design and deliver learning programs on sustainability and environmental risk management for FIs and IFC staff.
• Work on the development of tools, checklists and guidelines to improve efficiencies of project processing and enable improved client management of environmental and social issues.
• Work with other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to synergize efforts on FI training and capacity building and harmonization of requirements on projects.
• Identify and synthesize lessons learned on trends, case studies and good practices and support other research needs in connection with complaints and issues arising under IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other E&S policies and procedures, including any updates with respect to such policies and procedures.
• Assist with review and advice on internal procedures, knowledge products and E&S tools produced for both internal and external consumption, consistent with IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other IFC policies as needed.

PPP and Upstream Program:
• Lead and/or contribute to review of E&S issues/risks in new PPP and Upstream projects in multiple sectors (including agribusiness, manufacturing, services and infrastructure, energy), and identification and development of risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions, including through transaction structuring, that support clients in addressing identified issues throughout IFC’s project cycle.
• Provide clear and proactive guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management in project decision-making and processing throughout IFC’s project cycle.
• Proactively monitor portfolio clients and engage with clients and investment departments to achieve compliance with contractual E&S requirements. Clearly document and communicate any outstanding or emerging gaps between client performance and IFC requirements, and related risks to IFC.
• For new business processing and portfolio analysis, help identify systemic bottlenecks existing in the market that prevent adequate E&S risk management in key markets. In collaboration with CTA and Upstream officers, help develop systemic solutions by using technical experience and expertise.
• In coordination with industry and E&S advisory teams, build capacity with clients on E&S risk management, including clients’ monitoring and evaluation of E&S activities and outcomes.
• 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.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental sciences / engineering, social sciences or other relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of professional experience working on E&S risk management in the international context, with strong preference for experience in the private sector working across different industry sectors.
• Experience in the implementation of IFC Performance Standards. Experience working on E&S Policies and Standards, including those of World Bank Group and other international financial institutions (IFI). Must have a deep understanding of management systems in general, and environmental management systems in particular.
• Experience/familiarity with indicators capturing effectiveness of environmental and social management in the context of FIs.
• Experience with international banks and/or bilateral/multilateral development institutions.
• Working experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile and conflict-affected 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 and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish essential.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills including the ability to communicate persuasively on complex issues with a wide range of internal and external parties (including senior staff, management, IFC’s accountability mechanism and clients) and 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 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 the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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