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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. 

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 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.  To deliver on its priorities, CBD’s Climate Capacity & Inclusion Accelerator (CBDCI) team engages with staff, clients and partners to raise global and internal knowledge and capacity to unlock private investment around select thematics including sustainable finance (Green Bonds, Sustainability Bonds, Sustainability-linked finance, Transition Finance, etc.); nature based solutions; and circular economy (business models that reduce the use of virgin materials, maximize the use and retained value of materials along the production and consumption value chain, and reduce waste and pollution).  

CBDCI is seeking an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) to support market transition and business creation under the Circular Economy agenda. IFC’s Circular Economy agenda includes projects that contribute to circularity through product design changes to reduce material inputs; improving production processes to reduce waste and material use; repair, refill, reuse programs to extend the life of products; platforms, services and business models that enable circular activities; and collection, sorting and recycling of materials back into productions cycles. IFC works with internal and external partners to develop knowledge products, tools, and thought leadership which foster a stronger enabling environment for private investment.  Internally, the team supports knowledge transfer across regional and industry teams, conducts research to address common challenges and develops tools to build the capacity of IFC staff to grow its circular economy business. 

This position is based in Washington, D.C. 

Duties and Accountabilities

The ETC will be a core member of the CBDCI team and report to IFC’s Global Circularity Lead. Specific accountabilities will include:

•  Engaging with WBG teams to leverage and deploy tools and knowledge products to support IFC’s Circular economy business.
•  Collaborating with external partners, private sector clients and IFC’s operational teams to conduct research and develop frameworks that promote a strong regulatory and enabling environment for private investment.
•  Designing, implementing and supervising knowledge and advisory projects including donor pitches, fundraising and reporting.
•  Supporting development and execution of IFC’s circularity strategy for FY25 in collaboration with IFC regional and industry teams.
•  Drafting presentations, case studies, and talking points on circular economy policies and other related topics, including for use at external events.
•  Maintaining IFC’s portfolio of circular economy investment and advisory projects across industries.
•  Updating and maintaining IFC’s Circularity Intranet site; proactively contributing updates for relevant internal newsletters (e.g., Climate Matters).
•  Organizing internal and external learning sessions, including with circularity experts and partners from public and private sectors and the WB.
•  Producing materials and relevant updates for IFC’s internal Circular Economy Community of Practice. 

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in a relevant field such as (sustainable) finance, business, environmental or public policy, law, etc.
•  Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable/ESG finance or relevant circularity subsectors (eg. waste management, value chain efficiency, recycling, etc.).
•  Knowledge of climate and sustainable finance with a focus on circularity, plastics, waste and recycling, water, biodiversity, nature-based solutions and inclusion.
•  Prior public sector or policy related work a strong plus when combined with a private sector mindset.
•  Ability to engage across public and private sectors, as well as functional and sectoral boundaries to identify common solutions to thematic challenges.
•  The candidate will have excellent project management skills and be able to deliver across a multifaceted agenda under tight time constraints.
•  Outstanding organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; other languages a plus.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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