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.

Climate action is at the core of IFC’s business. In fiscal year 2023, IFC delivered 46% in own-account climate finance and mobilized an additional $6.8 billion.  The World Bank Climate Change Action Plan (2021 – 2025) outlines the institution’s collective response to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement (referred to as “Paris Alignment” or “PA”). Under the Action Plan, 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 and to achieve at least of 35% of its investments in climate positive activities. 

IFC’s Climate Business Department (CBD) works across the organization and beyond to implement the Climate Change Action Plan and deliver on Paris Alignment.  Among other things, CBD is responsible for supporting IFC investment and advisory teams to identify and account for climate investments, track committed climate finance, partner across the institution on IFC’s Labeled Bond Program (Green, Blue, Transition), develop analytical tools, lead climate risk management, and develop thought leadership via publications and external partnerships. This is all to help scale IFC climate impact and guard against greenwashing. 

To deliver on its priorities CBD’s Learning and Outreach (CBDLO) team engages with staff and clients to build capacity around select thematic including Sustainable Finance (Green Bonds, Sustainability Bonds, Sustainability-linked finance, Transition Finance, etc); Materials Circularity (business models that maximize the use and retained value of materials along the production and consumption value chain, with a focus on plastics, metals, e-waste); and Nature Based Solutions among others.   

CBDLO is seeking an Operations Officer to support business creation and market transition under the Sustainable Finance and Circularity agendas.  The position will be based in Washington DC and will report to the CBD Global Head of Learning and Outreach under the direct supervision of the Thematic Leads.

Duties and Accountabilities 

The Operations Officer will be a core member of the CBDLO team and is expected to contribute to solutions and execution of the team’s overall priorities.  Accountabilities may include but not be limited to the following, as agreed with the Thematic Leads & the Head of CBDLO.   

Knowledge Creation

•  Engage with technical experts and conduct research to develop relevant knowledge products including guidance notes, case studies, training & pitch materials.
•  Develop, maintain and disseminate talking points for each theme.
•  Maintain an inventory of IFC’s thematic investment and advisory projects across industries.
•  Compile and synthesize market analytics and trends in a user-friendly format as requested.
•  Prepare material for Board Presentation and other climate strategy presentations.
•  Draft input to newsletters.  

Convening & Dissemination 

•  Work with Thematic Leads to develop and execute a knowledge dissemination strategy.  

•  Convene Communities of Practice (CoP) across thematics.
o  Maintain cross-cutting working groups/focal points & CoP participant lists.
o  Organize CoP meetings to foster collaboration.  

•  Organize internal and external learning sessions.
o  Organize and execute demand driven internal and external webinars or training sessions including management of the Sustainable Finance training/webinar program (agenda, logistics and mobilization of speakers and trainers, etc). 

•  Maintain relevant thematic intranet subsites & contribute to IFC’s Climate intranet & external websites.
o  Work with IT to develop/update the intranet sites for each thematic.
o  Ensure relevant thematic content is linked to IFC Industry and Regional intranet sites. 

Project Support 

•  Work with industry teams to conduct global mappings of thematic opportunities and disseminate findings among regional teams.
•  Lead/support global upstream or advisory projects to facilitate scale-up of thematic businesses.    

Selection Criteria

Knowledge of Climate, Sustainable Finance, and development including focus areas such as Circularity, waste and recycling, water, Biodiversity, Nature based solutions and inclusion.   The candidate will have excellent Project Management skills and be able to deliver across a multifaceted agenda under tight time constraints. 

•  Master’s degree in a relevant field such as (sustainable) finance or business.
•  Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable/ESG finance or circularity subsectors (waste management, value chain efficiency, recycling, etc.)
•  Ability to engage across functional and sectoral boundaries to identify common solutions to thematic challenges.
•  Outstanding organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; other languages a plus.  

Plus:
•  Practical experience from an organization that has issued, underwritten, placed or invested in sustainability, or from other sustainable finance service provider.
•  Theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable finance reporting.
•  Good understanding of capital markets and the drivers/trends of sustainable finance developments and regulation.  

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.