E T Consultant – Legal
Washington DC, United States
JOB DETAIL
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.
The E&S Policy and Risk (CES) Department, acts as the custodian of IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) policies and standards and provides independent oversight of IFC’s E&S risk management on projects. CES enables IFC to successfully invest in high-risk environments by managing E&S risks on projects more effectively while maintaining adherence to IFC’s sustainability framework.
CES delivers four functions:
• Policy and Standards: CES maintains and updates IFC’s sustainability policies, standards, and procedures as a world-class resource for IFC clients and external networks.
• Risk Management: CES ensures that IFC has appropriate systems, procedures and capacity in place to deliver on E&S risk management. CES adds value to the management of E&S risks, reviewing E&S aspects and classification of all projects at origination and providing oversight, guidance, and support for high-risk projects in the pipeline, as well as for high-risk and non-performing projects in IFC’s investment portfolio.
• Stakeholder Grievance Response: CES facilitates and improves IFC’s ability to resolve stakeholder complaints quickly and effectively, and address both Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and non-CAO complaints.
• Knowledge, Learning, and Systems: CES fosters the E&S community of practice, transforms lessons learned into guidance, E&S risk management tools and systems, learning, certification of E&S staff and knowledge products that enhance IFC’s E&S performance.
CES works in close collaboration with the Legal Department (CLED), IFC’s investment departments and the ES&G Sustainability Advice and Solutions department (CEG), which has 150 professionals and is housed in IFC Operations.
CLED, under the Vice President and General Counsel, is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory and corporate matters. Specifically, CLED supports client departments in (i) the delivery of IFC’s annual program of financing private sector projects in emerging markets; (ii) project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation); (iii) the delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-national lending, equity and quasi-equity transactions; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. CLED works in close collaboration with all of IFC’s departments, including CEG and CES.
Duties and Accountabilities
The ETC will be a part of both CES and CLED. The ETC position is embedded within CES and reports to Senior Manager, CES. The ETC will, under the joint guidance of the Senior Counsel working within CES and the Principal Counsel working within CLED, support the following activities:
• Research assistance in connection with issues arising under IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other E&S policies and procedures, including any updates with respect to such policies and procedures.
• Support CES staff in developing responses to CAO cases and advise on communications with other external stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community complainants.
• Assistance with review and advice on internal procedures, knowledge products and E&S tools produced for both internal and external consumption, consistent with IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other IFC policies as needed.
Selection Criteria
• Graduate or Post-graduate degree in law: All applicants must have obtained a degree in law (J.D, L.L.M., PhD, or equivalent), and must be qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
• At least 5 years relevant working experience, with experience/knowledge of environmental and/or social standards, environmental laws and lender/investor liability required. Knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework a plus.
• Drafting, Research and Communication: Proven ability to draft briefs, policies and memorandums. Conducts research as necessary to acquire insight and information. Is aware of the need for precision and focus on quality. Ability to synthesize and analyze diverse E&S related information, craft clear and concise points or messages, and communicate on complex E&S issues in a manner that can be understood by non-experts.
• Independence: Carries out work with due care, preparing accurate documents and reports, ensuring that pertinent facts are fairly presented. Interprets information in an objective manner. Does not divulge confidential information.
• Legal Reasoning: Breaks down problem into their component parts. Articulates the implications of situations in a step-by-step way. Remains objective when reviewing problems or situations to understand the issues. Makes sure he/she possesses all the facts.
• Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity.
• Proven ability to multi-task and operate effectively in a matrix structure and high-pace environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Superior editing capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal & external parties (including senior staff, management, CAO, and CSOs) and seek solutions in potentially tense or conflictual situations.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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.
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