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 financial year 2023, IFC delivered 46% in own-account climate finance and mobilized an additional $6.8 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 Transition Finance Team is leading IFC works financing corporate climate transitions to net-zero emissions. The team is building a systematic approach to build experience and capacity in expanding the market for Transition Finance and broadening engagement to support wider market adoption and growth. As a first step IFC has developed a draft sector-agnostic Transition Finance framework building on existing taxonomies and best practices for emerging economies, which is currently being piloted and operationalized for wider adoption. 

In this context, the Climate Transition Team is seeking to hire a highly motivated Extended Term (E T) Consultant – Transition Finance Specialist. This role will be pivotal in supporting and advancing IFC’s Transition Finance work with financial institutions and commercial banks, focusing on developing and operationalizing transition finance frameworks, taxonomies, and innovative financial products as well as capacity development and training. The consultant will work closely with the Global Lead for Transition Finance, co-managing key workstreams. This position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with a broad network of teams across IFC—ranging from industry and regional departments to corporate units—as well as engage with external partners and stakeholder. The consultant will be responsible for supporting the strategic direction of IFC’s Transition Finance initiatives, contributing to the development of tools, operational handbooks, knowledge products and training materials to help financial institutions navigate the transition to net-zero, while ensuring alignment with global climate standards and best practices.

Duties and Accountabilities

The E T Consultant – Transition Finance Specialist will be a core member of the Climate Transition Finance Team and is expected to contribute to solutions and execution of the team’s approach on Transition Finance. Accountabilities may include but not be limited to the following:

Support Transition Finance Work Stream with a focus on Financial Institutions:

•  Work closely with the Global Lead for Transition Finance to co-manage the implementation of IFC’s Transition Finance strategy, particularly with financial institutions and commercial banks in emerging markets.
•  Support the Global Lead in tracking and reporting on developments in transition taxonomies, regulatory changes, and market best practices, providing strategic insights and advice as needed.
•  Co-lead the relationship management with key financial institutions, regulators, and industry stakeholders alongside the Global Lead, helping to advance the Transition Finance agenda.

Support for Operationalization and Taxonomy Integration:

•  Contribute to the operationalization of the IFC Transition Finance approach, ensuring it is aligned with global taxonomies, emerging regulatory frameworks, and sectoral best practices.
•  Lead the development of an operational handbook tailored for financial institutions and banks, ensuring it reflects practical applications of Transition Finance standards and regulatory requirements.
•  Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure consistency between the Transition Finance framework and taxonomies, while advising on their application in financial institution operations.

Design, Delivery, and Implementation of FI Pilots:

•  Support the Global Lead as well as FIG counterparts in the design, delivery, and implementation of Financial Institution (FI) pilots with a focus on transition-labelled products such as transition bonds and sustainability-linked loans.
•  Work closely with sectoral banking co-leads to ensure that transition products are developed and aligned with the specific needs of financial institutions.
•  Ensure close collaboration and partnership between IFC teams and clients during the development and roll-out of these products, with a focus on scalability and market relevance.

Training and Innovation for Transition Plans and Instruments:

•  Lead the design and delivery of training materials for FIG (Financial Institutions Group) and FIG clients, focusing on transition plans, setting net-zero targets, and integrating sustainability into business operations.
•  Develop innovative financial instruments that support financial institutions in transitioning toward net-zero, ensuring that they are aligned with market needs and regulatory expectations.
•  Coordinate the development of training workshops and materials that help financial institutions integrate new transition finance products and processes into their business models.

External Engagement and Thought Leadership:

•  Support the Global Lead in engaging with external market setters and regulators such as ICMA (International Capital Market Association), ensuring IFC remains at the forefront of Transition Finance discussions.
•  Lead research and contribute to thought leadership efforts, producing insights, reports, and recommendations that position IFC as a key player in the development of Transition Finance standards and products.
•  Work collaboratively with the Global Lead to engage stakeholders, including industry associations, regulators, and thought leaders, to shape and influence the evolution of Transition Finance frameworks and practices.

Monitoring and Reporting 

•  Support of the portfolio management, monitoring and reporting for the wider unit and the Transition Finance theme.
•  Coordinate engagements with IFC experts and industry teams, external investors & partners to advance climate/sustainable finance.

Selection Criteria

•  MBA/Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business, Mathematics, Law or related areas.
•  Strong technical background and a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in finance with a focus on sustainability, green or climate mitigation/adaptation finance.
•  Experience working with financial institutions (especially commercial banks) or advising them on transition plans, sustainable finance products, or ESG regulatory compliance.
•  Private sector experience is highly desirable, particularly in roles involving the development and execution of sustainable finance strategies or products within financial institutions.
•  Experience in emerging markets is advantageous, especially in supporting the development of sustainable finance products and frameworks within those markets.
•  Familiarity with emerging markets taxonomies and relevant regulatory frameworks, such as the ASEAN, GFANZ, ICMA, EU Taxonomy, ISSB, or Science-Based Targets (SBTi), is highly advisable.
•  Experience in fixed income markets, particularly with products like green bonds, transition bonds, or sustainability-linked loans, is a strong advantage.
•  Candidates with a consulting background who have advised financial institutions on transition finance and decarbonization strategies are also encouraged to apply.
•  Knowledge of transition-linked financial products such as transition bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and blended finance structures.
•  Understanding of ESG frameworks, sustainability KPIs, and disclosure standards, such as TCFD, ISSB, and voluntary carbon market mechanisms.
•  Strong analytical and quantitative skills to assess financial risks and opportunities related to transition finance, especially within the banking sector.
•  Understanding of financing operations by International Finance Institutions, and IFC investment cycles will be considered a significant advantage.
•  Capital market knowledge, including policy and regulatory developments related to climate finance.
•  Independent planning and delivery of project tasks keeping timelines, and ensuring quality results with attention to detail.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
•  Ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with clients and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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