Description

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. With operations in over 100 countries, we leverage our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC investments hit record $56 billion, leveraging the power of the private sector to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. 

Climate action is at the core of IFC’s business. In fiscal year 2024, IFC delivered $9.1 billion in own-account long-term climate finance and mobilized an additional $10.2 billion. The World Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan (2021 – 2025) outlines our collective response to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement (referred to as “Paris Alignment”). IFC has committed to align 85% of new operations with these goals starting July 1, 2023, and to align 100% of new operations starting July 1, 2025.

IFC’s Climate Business Department is instrumental in implementing the Climate Change Action Plan and achieving Paris Alignment. The Department’s responsibilities include supporting IFC’s investment and advisory teams in identifying climate investments, tracking committed climate finance, collaborating on IFC’s Labeled Bond Program (Green, Blue, Transition), developing analytical tools, leading climate risk management, and fostering thought leadership through publications and external partnerships. These efforts aim to scale IFC’s climate impact and prevent greenwashing.

The Climate Finance & Policy Team within this Department is tasked with mainstreaming Paris alignment in IFC’s operations, assessing climate finance in investments, aiding in structuring sustainable/green finance instruments, contributing to carbon market development, and leading climate impact measurement, including GHG accounting and financed emissions. The team also significantly contributes to climate risk assessment and reporting.
In this context, the Climate Finance & Policy Team is looking to hire an Extended Time Consultant (ETC) to be based in Washington DC for supporting GHG Accounting of IFC investment operations.

Duties and Accountabilities

The ETC (GHG Accounting specialist) will play a critical role in supporting the Climate Finance & Policy team, focusing on leading data collection, organizing systems, applying advanced methodologies, and documenting Net and Gross GHG Emissions, along with other key environmental indicators. The specialist will ensure that IFC meets both internal and external reporting standards, including those under the WBG Corporate Scorecard. The position is integral to the development of GHG accounting frameworks and the execution of IFC’s climate strategy. Key responsibilities include:

•  Data system design and implementation: Contribute to the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust data collection and management systems for GHG accounting and climate-related reporting, ensuring data integrity and consistency across IFC’s investment portfolio.
•  Methodology and documentation: Apply and enhance GHG emission accounting methodologies across sectors, ensuring thorough documentation and adherence to best practices, covering project-level and portfolio-wide emissions.
•  Quality control and assurance: Contribute to quality control and quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy and credibility of GHG data and reporting, including emissions baselines and benchmarks.
•  Reporting and communication: Prepare comprehensive reports and high-impact presentations that convey progress, insights, and recommendations to internal stakeholders, leadership, and external partners.
•  Capacity building and knowledge management: Drive knowledge-sharing initiatives by developing and delivering training programs that build internal capacity on GHG accounting, ensuring that investment teams and other departments are equipped to meet climate objectives.
•  Cross-functional collaboration: Collaborate closely with industry departments, Treasury, and external partners to streamline GHG accounting processes and ensure alignment with broader climate finance objectives.
•  Strategic support: Provide strategic guidance on improving climate data systems, aligning reporting frameworks with global standards, and integrating new climate-related metrics as IFC scales its climate commitments.
•  Ad-hoc duties: Respond flexibly to the evolving needs of the team and climate program, supporting emerging initiatives or new priorities in climate finance and sustainability reporting.

Selection Criteria

•  A Master’s degree in a Physical Science, Engineering, Business, Finance, Public Policy, or a related discipline is required.
•  At least 5 years of relevant work experience.
•  GHG accounting certifications, such as from the GHG Management Institute, the GHG Protocol, IPCC, or other recognized GHG Accounting Body is an advantage.
•  In-depth expertise in project-level GHG accounting, GHG emission baseline definitions, including boundary setting, GHG benchmarking, and experience across multiple industries. Proven ability to apply international standards, such as the IFI GHG Accounting Methodologies, PCAF, and/or UNFCCC CDM Baseline Methodologies.
•  Strong proficiency in handling large datasets and applying quantitative methodologies for GHG accounting. Expertise in Excel is essential, and familiarity with database management and software tools (e.g., Python, R, or other data analysis platforms) is an advantage.
•  Demonstrated experience in leading audit-ready quality assurance and quality control processes for GHG emission assessments at both the project and portfolio levels, ensuring consistency and accuracy and readiness for public disclosure.
•  Familiarity with global climate finance frameworks, such as the MDB Common Principles for Climate Finance Tracking, and experience working in emerging markets is highly desirable.
•  Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both internal and external audiences. Superior presentation skills are essential.
•  Proven ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment. Ability to manage tasks independently while engaging with diverse stakeholders to find common solutions.
•  A proactive attitude with the flexibility to take on additional responsibilities in response to shifting priorities or new challenges within the climate finance landscape.
•  Fluency in English is required; additional language skills are an advantage.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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