Description

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. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

In 2021, the World Bank adopted a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) that aims to deliver record levels of climate finance to developing countries, reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation, and align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement. IFC has committed to align 85% of new operations with the goals of Paris Agreement by July 1, 2023 and 100% of these by July 1, 2025.

IFC’s Climate Business Department (CBD) works across the organization and beyond to implement the CCAP. The Department is responsible for among other things, supporting IFC investment and advisory teams to identify and account for climate investments, track committed climate finance, partner with the Treasury department on IFC’s Green Bond Program, develop analytical tools, lead climate risk management, and develop thought leadership via publications and external partnerships.

Within CBD, the Climate Finance & Policy Team (CBDCF) supports action leadership on topics such as Paris alignment and climate finance assessment of IFC’s investments, structuring of sustainable/green finance instruments, carbon pricing, climate risk, and impact measurement, as well as upstream climate business-related markets development to mobilize more private capital including through carbon credits.

In this context, the CBDCF team seeks to hire an Associate Operations Officer to be based in Washington DC and who will report to the CBDCF Manager.

Duties & Accountabilities:

The Associate Operations Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the climate assessment of IFC investments across various regions and industries. The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•  Paris Alignment Implementation: Collaborating with CBD colleagues and industry departments in ensuring IFC’s investments align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This includes:

    o  Supporting teams in conducting comprehensive Paris Alignment assessments of IFC’s investments encompassing both climate mitigation and adaptation/resilience considerations.
o  Developing and updating corporate processes, operational guidelines, internal policies and IT systems to integrate Paris Alignment considerations throughout IFC’s investment cycle.
o  Assisting in the preparation of materials and delivering training sessions on Paris Alignment for investment teams and other IFC departments.
o  Contributing to the coordination efforts with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) to enhance consistency in investment assessments for Paris Alignment.

•  Climate Finance:

    o  Incorporating climate-related considerations, associated risks and opportunities into IFC’s investment processes.
o  Assisting teams in structuring and developing sustainable finance instruments, such as green bonds, green loans, sustainability-linked loans, and adaptation finance, tailored to clients’ business and climate commitments.
o  Contributing to innovation, including supporting the development of approaches to transition finance and carbon finance.
o  Developing and updating corporate processes, operational guidelines, internal policies and systems to mainstream climate considerations throughout IFC’s investment cycle, including the implementation of new climate metrics.

•  Thought Leadership:

    o  Staying informed about emerging trends, research, and developments in the fields of climate finance, transition finance, carbon finance and Paris Alignment.
o  Making proposals to ensure that IFC’s practices and strategy align with latest market developments.

•  Reporting and Documentation: Preparing comprehensive reports, presentations, and other relevant documentation to communicate progress, findings, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, in a timely manner and with attention to details.

•  Collaboration and Teamwork: Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive work environment, including through effective teamwork and knowledge sharing with team members and other departments, particularly industry departments. 

•  Other: Contributing to other activities that the team may be assigned from time to time or as the mandate evolves.

Selection Criteria

•  Education: Hold a master’s degree in Business Administration, International Affairs, Economics, Environmental Affairs, Finance, Engineering, or a related field. 

•  Technical Expertise: Demonstrate exceptional technical skills with a minimum of five (5) years of full-time relevant professional experience, two (2) of which should be in a climate-related role.

    o  Climate: Possess expertise in areas such as climate change mitigation, decarbonization, or climate adaptation/resilience. Practical experience with the assessment of Paris Alignment for private investments will be considered an advantage.
o  Sustainability Finance: Demonstrate experience in green bonds, adaptation finance, sustainability-linked loans or other sustainable finance instruments. A strong understanding of the MDB investment practices for private sector projects and direct investment/banking experience will be considered a significant advantage.
o  Sector-specific expertise: Relevant experience in financial intermediaries, including financial institutions and funds, is preferred.

•  Policy and Market Knowledge: Exhibit a thorough understanding of key climate change policy and market issues, including in relation to Paris Alignment.

•  Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to think strategically and provide innovative solutions to climate finance or Paris Alignment challenges. Show evidence of developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives that have had a significant impact.

•  Project Management Expertise: Demonstrate expertise in project management, including planning, organizing, and executing impactful projects. 

•  Communication: Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with fluency in other languages being an advantage.

•  Team Player: Show the ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with clients and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. Function as a team player, contributing to a positive and inclusive work environment.

•  Flexibility: Display a willingness to adapt to diverse tasks and expand the scope of work and responsibilities as required. Showcase the ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving work environment.

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.