Senior Environmental and Social 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. 

IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated and detail-oriented Senior Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to provide support to infrastructure transactions in Eastern Africa region. This professional will provide E&S guidance to clients and investment and advisory teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PS) and Sustainability Policy, with the aim of promoting compliance and enhancing the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities. The selected specialist will also perform the role of Regional Industry Lead (RIL) for infrastructure sector in Eastern Africa. The position will report to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Regional Manager for the Eastern Africa region.

Duties and Accountabilities:

•  Lead or contribute to review of E&S issues and risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in the infrastructure sectors.

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

•  Lead or contribute to identification and development of E&S risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in addressing identified issues.

•  Provide clear and responsive guidance to IFC industry 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.

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

•  Support clients' E&S capacity building. 

•  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 of relevant E&S matters.

•  Provide guidance to Short-Term Consultants (STCs) working on E&S risk management and supervise the timeliness and quality of their work, in coordination with the Regional Manager.

•  As RIL, conduct pre-screening of new investment projects, propose project E&S categorization and draft E&S language, including early E&S risk deal breakers. 

•  Manage development of the annual supervision plan for infrastructure projects and clear supervision records. 

•  Monitors overdue supervision indicators for the infrastructure and contribute to regional supervision program reviews and periodic reports.

Selection Criteria

•  Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, sociology or other relevant disciplines.

•  Minimum of ten years professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in the infrastructure sector. 

•  Working experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile and conflict environments.

•  Experience working with IFC/World Bank E&S Policies and Standards. 

•  Willingness to travel regularly. 

•  Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

•  Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources, draw conclusions from limited data and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.

•  High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner, respond diplomatically and remain calm under pressure.

•  Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.

•  Proficiency in English essential, with French skills an advantage. 

•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate persuasively 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.

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 recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.
"Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting."

Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

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

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

---