(Senior) Social Development Specialist – GG

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 looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented (Senior) Social Development Specialist to work projects in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region. This professional will be a member of the regional team providing guidance to clients and IFC’s investment and advisory teams on social risk assessment and 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 EAP region.

Roles and Responsibilities

i) Early Screening, Due Diligence, Portfolio supervision

• Lead or contribute to review of social issues and risks related to land acquisition, physical and economic displacement, adverse impacts on project affected communities, indigenous peoples, stakeholder engagement, community development programs, labor rights and non-discrimination in new investments and select advisory engagements in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness sectors.

• Prepare public disclosure documents for new investments as well as internal documentation.

• Lead or contribute to identification and development of social risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in addressing identified social risks and 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, including clear communication to teams.

• Support formulation of E&S legal conditions for IFC projects.

• 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.

• Proactively 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 between client performance and IFC requirements, and related risks and opportunities – particularly in areas of land acquisition and resettlement, indigenous peoples, stakeholder mapping and engagement, labor rights.

• 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 needed, including discussion with CAO and IEG officers as needed.

• 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.

• Prepare management briefs on relevant E&S matters.

• Contribute to regional supervision program reviews and periodic reports.

• Provide guidance and mentor more junior staff and Short-Term Consultants (STCs) working on E&S risk management.

ii) Upstream and Advisory Services

• 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, develop upstream activities.

• 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.

iii) Knowledge Management

• As requested, 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 requested, 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).

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental and social management, anthropology, sociology, economics, or other relevant discipline.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience working on E&S risk management in the international context, with a strong preference for experience in the private sector working across different industry sectors.

• Experience working on E&S Policies and Standards, including those of World Bank Group and other international financial institutions (IFI). Demonstrable familiarity with IFC Performance Standards is an advantage.

• 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.

• 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.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

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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