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 is looking to recruit an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) with expertise in climate physical risk and climate adaptation & resilience. The ETC will be based in Washington DC and will report directly to the CBDCF Manager.

Duties & Accountabilities:

 •  Integration of Climate Risk Assessments and Strategies: Spearhead the integration of physical climate risk assessments into IFC projects, encompassing identification, mitigation and alignment with the WB Climate Action Plan, objectives of the Paris Agreement, and broader Climate Finance goals.

•  Investment Alignment: Collaborate with CBD colleagues and industry departments in ensuring IFC’s investments align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and to grow climate finance for adaptation. This includes:
o  Support teams in conducting comprehensive Paris Alignment assessments of IFC’s investments from a climate physical risk perspective, taking into consideration industry-specific Climate Risk Reduction and Resilience benchmarks, and factoring in prevailing climate policies and contextual nuances.
o  Proactively identify climate adaptation/resilience considerations in IFC’s proposed investments.
o  Contribute to the coordination efforts with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) to enhance consistency in investment assessments for Paris Alignment.

•  Climate Physical Risk Tools Oversight:
o  Oversee the evolution of IFC’s Climate Risk Portal, providing high-level technical direction on climate metrics, risk evaluations, and adaptation strategies for projects.
o  Stay updated with market tools for assessing climate physical risks and gauge their suitability for the IFC and its client frameworks.

•  Portfolio Management: Coordinate portfolio management tasks with industry and insurance experts, including stress tests on IFC’s portfolio for climate physical risk.
•  Metrics Development: Formulate metrics on climate adaptation and resilience tailored for the private sector.
•  Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with external stakeholders, such as governmental agencies and NGOs, fostering strategic alliances and sharing best practices on climate resilience.

•  Thought Leadership:
o  Stay informed about emerging trends, research, and developments in the fields of climate physical risk and climate adaptation and resilience.
o  Periodically evaluate IFC’s climate risk methodologies, ensuring alignment with global standards and the latest scientific insights.
o  Establish a mechanism to integrate project learnings, refining risk mitigation strategies over time.

•  Inter-departmental Collaboration and Teamwork:
o  Forge and maintain strong relationships with departments such as industry, risk, E&S and impact measurement.
o  Increase awareness about climate physical risks within IFC, its clients, and partners, possibly through workshops, seminars, and training sessions.
o  Enhance team expertise by emphasizing training, mentoring, and capacity-building in climate physics.

•  Other: Engage in emerging tasks or changes in the team’s mandate, ensuring adaptability and future-readiness.

Selection Criteria

•  Educational: Graduate degree in Engineering with a Master’s in disciplines like climate, civil or environmental engineering, geology, hydrology, or other related scientific disciplines.
•  Experience: Minimum of 5 years in climate risk evaluations, disaster risk management related to climate, and climate finance adaptation strategies.
•  Technical Expertise: Technical expertise in assessing climate change adaptation for investments and executing financial and E&S climate risk assessments.
•  Analytical Skills: Proficiency in tools such as Excel, GIS, climate prediction models, digital platforms, and other tech-driven analytical tools.
•  Project Management Expertise: Demonstrate expertise in project management, including planning, organizing, and executing impactful projects.
•  Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills in English. Fluency in other languages is a plus.
•  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.
•  Organizational Skills: Aptitude to manage and deliver quality reports and presentations.
•  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

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