Senior Social Development Specialist

international finance corporation

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.

The Regional Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) teams support IFC's industry departments to manage ESG risks associated with their activities and find solutions to client issues on basis of our Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards (www.ifc.org/performance standards) and the Corporate Governance Methodology (www.ifc.org/corporategovernance). The teams further leverage this expertise and operational experience in emerging markets to encourage the effective adoption of these standards by companies and investors across emerging markets. More details can be found at www.ifc.org/sustainability.  

The Role

IFC is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented senior professional with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to provide support to Eastern Africa ESG team, clients, investment and advisory teams on social 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. 

Based in Nairobi, the position will report to the Regional ESG Manager for the Eastern Africa region. The specialist may also need to support other regions in Africa. 

Specific Duties and Accountabilities 

Early Screening, Due Diligence, Portfolio

•  Lead and assess complex social issues/risks in new and portfolio investments, advisory and upstream engagements related to stakeholder engagement, labor and working conditions, gender concerns, land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, community health and safety, security,  Indigenous Peoples issues and cultural heritage, and tailor risk management and mitigation measures and solutions to support clients in addressing identified issues; 

•  Provide clear technical advice and guidance on social aspects in accordance with the IFC Performance Standards requirements while effectively working with IFC industry teams in project decision-making and proposing practical solutions in light of social risk issues, including clear communication to internal and external stakeholders throughout the investment cycle, determination of social legal conditions for the project legal agreement, public disclosure, etc.;

•  Proactively monitor portfolio clients that require significant support in social performance and engage with clients to develop a pathway to achieve compliance over time;

•  Contribute to portfolio reviews on selected social risk and social development issues while flagging key issues and risks emerging in the region;

•  Closely work with E&S Policy and Risk Teams on project reviews and addressing social issues in line with IFC requirements; 

•  Coordinate with the stakeholder grievance response teams, in responding and tracking project grievances as well as engaging with civil society organizations (CSOs);

•  Support portfolio teams and clients in response to CAO (Compliance Advisor Ombudsman - the independent accountability mechanism for IFC) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests, leading discussion with CAO and IEG officers; and

•  Develop and build relations within IFC and with clients and contribute to supporting new investments as well as building capacity with clients on social risks and related issues to the IFC Performance Standards.

Upstream and Advisory Services

•  Identify, assess and guide key social risk aspects existing at the market and client level in order to unlock future investments and address them early on as part of project development;

•  Participate in strategic decision making regarding IFC role in advisory and upstream support to enhance social risk management performance and, where relevant, support the development of appropriate solutions; and

•  Work proactively to identify opportunities for advisory engagements that result in greater development impact and value for the client and provide expert input into new IFC advisory and upstream offering. 

Stakeholder Management

•  Manage complex technical, institutional and program implementation issues regarding social risk management and enhance operational support while leading the pertinent dialogue with internal and external stakeholders; and

•  Lead and guide the management and ongoing dialogue with civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in requesting information, raising concerns and providing training on the implementation of IFC Performance Standards in IFC investment projects.

Knowledge Management

•  Lead and participate in cross-regional and global teams responsible for the preparation of policy interpretation notes on social topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned and emerging social issues in the Africa region;

•  Identify and 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 related to thematic area; and

•  Prepare management briefs of relevant regional social issues as needed.

Supervision and Support

•  Provide guidance to more junior staff and Short-Term Consultants (STCs) working on social risk management and supervise the timeliness and quality of their work, in coordination with the Regional ESG Manager.

Selection Criteria

•  Minimum of a Post-graduate/Master's degree in social sciences, anthropology, sociology or other related relevant discipline;

•  Minimum of 12 years of proven experience working on social due diligence in the international context, with strong preference for experience in the private sector working across different industries (for example, agribusiness, infrastructure, manufacturing and services, etc.);

•  Proven track record working in developing and implementing risk management measures in accordance with the social aspects of the IFC Performance Standards, other international financial institutions and/or World Bank Group E&S Policies and Standards;

•  Demonstrated experience working on social issues related to stakeholder engagement, labor and working conditions, land acquisition and resettlement, indigenous peoples, cultural heritage, community health and safety, security and influx;

•  Working experience in emerging markets and a good understanding of the context and dynamics of the Africa region, experience working in fragile and conflict environments is an added advantage;

•  Willingness to travel regularly to countries and remote areas in the Africa region;

•  Experience of mentoring and guiding junior staff and consultants on social risk management, identifying key issues, clearly establishing social requirements throughout the project cycle, and advising on the application of the IFC Performance Standards to the realities of each of the projects and the environment in which they operate;

•  Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are essential.  Additional language skills relevant to the region(s) of interest (e.g. French) are advantageous;

•  Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity with demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail while managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines;

•  Excellent interpersonal, listening, communication and presentation skills including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal and external parties (including senior staff, management, IFC's accountability mechanism and clients) and seek solutions in potentially tense or conflict situations with ability to influence and negotiate within teams and with clients;

•  Experience in working effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams; and, 

•  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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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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