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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world.

The E&S Policy and Risk (CES) Department, acts as the custodian and guardian of IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) policies and standards and serves as an independent “regulator” of IFC’s E&S risk management. 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 CAO and non-CAO complaints.
• Policy, Knowledge, and Learning: 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 ESG Sustainability Advice and Solutions Department (CEG), IFC’s investment departments and the Legal Department.

Objectives/Purpose of Assignment

IFC’s Environmental and Social Performance Standards define IFC clients’ responsibilities for managing the E&S risks and impacts arising from their business activities.

The CES department is looking for an ETC of a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience including applied private sector experience in E&S risk management to support lead risk officers in the E&S oversight function and will undertake the following:

Review and assess the potential environmental and social (E&S) risks and/or impacts of assigned projects against the IFC requirements of Performance Standards (PSs) on Environmental and Social Sustainability.

Review project documentation and project categorization at PDS-concept stage and/or appraisal, for lead risk officers’ clearance and concurrence. At portfolio stage review E&S performance of high-risk projects and assess their compliance with IFC’s PSs, the WBG EHS guidelines, sector specific guidelines, other relevant guidance and policies.

Articulate (verbally and in writing) key environmental and social risks and impacts to lead risk officers, project teams and management.

Work together with the ESROs on assigned tasks during appraisal and supervision of E&S High Risk Projects and any given department assignments and initiatives.

Duties and Accountabilities

The selected candidate will work as part of a seasoned team, guided by Lead Regional Risk Officers as well as by Associates and Analysts reporting to the CESRM manager to support the following:

• New Business: Support CES’s risk function on new business by reviewing investment team E&S diligence and undertaking independent due diligence of IFC’s proposed investments in high E&S risk direct investment projects (e.g., in the mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, agribusiness, health, education and tourism, retail and property sectors) and/or high E&S risk investments through financial intermediaries (e.g., banks, private equity, and capital markets investors). It is expected to conduct reviews of project concept documents, including E&S category, scope of proposed E&S diligence, E&S requirements, contextual risk, etc. and reviewing each processing stage of high E&S risk transactions, identifying E&S risks and any gaps in proposed E&S risk management approaches as well as advising on structuring, appropriate mitigation measures and opining on risk and mitigants as proposed by teams in project disclosure documents. .
• Portfolio: Support CES’s risk function of portfolio monitoring by reviewing client reporting, investment agreements, investment team E&S monitoring reports (and supporting documentation) and performing independent analysis of IFC’s portfolio. Contribute to coordinating with CEG staff, review proposed corrective action plans and follow up on associated commitments as relevant. The ETC will conduct region specific portfolio reviews and analysis to identify and assess risks and trends and quality assurance.
• External Review commitments: IFC’s implementation of management commitments in relation to the Board Review of IFC’s E&S Accountability, including CAO, in coordination with other CES and CEG functions.
• Complaints Response: Support CES/CEG staff in developing solutions and responses to CAO and non-CAO cases at the project and systemic level, advise on communications with other external stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community complainants, follow up on commitments related to complaints response, and contribute to the mainstreaming of the grievance function for IFC.
• Policy: Support CES’s policy function in reviewing, updating policy documents and developing guidance and procedures based on lessons learned in the new business, risk, and grievance response functions.
• Research assistance: Identify and synthesize lessons learned on trends, case studies and good practices and support other research needs in connection with complaint portfolio and issues arising under IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other E&S policies and procedures, including any updates with respect to such policies and procedures.
• Knowledge Products: 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 relevant discipline (e.g., environmental management, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or other related discipline) as well as proven experience in one or more areas of environmental risk management.
• Minimum of 12 years’ work experience, including applied private sector experience in E&S risk management and/or associated with the assessment and management of environmental and/or social impacts in a consultancy, industrial or commercial role and with other relevant experience in consideration to the specific areas of accountability described above.
• A good understanding and proven experience of IFC Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards are required. Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.
• Drafting, Research and Communication: Ability to synthesize and analyze diverse E&S related information; ability to analyze data for trends and craft clear and concise points or messages, as well as communicate complex E&S issues in a manner that can be understood by non-experts. and produce a range of supporting graphics to illustrate.
• 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.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from sometimes limited data.
• A dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional and ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Other language skills desirable.
• 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

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