Environmental and 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 in developing countries. 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, please visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated Environmental & Social (E&S) Development Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its Financial Intermediary (FI) business in Eastern Africa region. This professional will provide E&S guidance to FI clients and IFC's investment and advisory teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PSs) 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 FI sector in the region. The position will report to the Regional ESG Manager for the Eastern Africa region.

Duties and Accountabilities:

•  Lead or contribute to the review of E&S issues and risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in the Financial Intermediary sector (including Banks, Funds, NBFIs and Micro Finance Institutions).

•  In Financial Intermediaries, work on IFC investments throughout the project cycle covering early review, appraisal, public disclosure, board review & approval, commitment & disbursement and project supervision and delivering fully drafted project related internal and external reports.

•  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 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.

•  Support FI clients in the development and implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) of financial institutions. 

•  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.

•  Oversee proactive portfolio monitoring of high-risk projects requiring significant support, opine on XPSRs across FI portfolio.

•  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.

•  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.

•  Contribute to regional supervision program reviews and periodic reports.

Selection Criteria

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

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

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

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

•  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.

•  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 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 than 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.

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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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