Environment and Social Specialist – Environmental, Social Policy and Standards
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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The Environmental and Social Policy and Risk Department (CES) acts as the custodian and guardian of IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) policies and standards. 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 the E&S aspects and classification of all projects at origination and providing oversight, guidance, and support for high-risk projects in the pipeline and for high-risk and non-performing projects in IFC’s investment portfolio.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Response: CES facilitates IFC’s ability to resolve stakeholder complaints quickly and effectively, shapes IFC’s approach to civil society engagement, and supports regional ESG teams in addressing both CAO and direct complaints.
• Knowledge, Learning, and Systems: CES promotes IFC’s leadership in the E&S space by fostering the E&S community of practice, transforming lessons learned into guidance, E&S risk management tools and systems, and offering training programs for IFC staff and clients.
Duties and Accountabilities
IFC is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional with strong analytical, communications, interpersonal, environmental, and social skills to join CES’s Policy and Standards (CESPS) team and support and contribute to the E&S policy function. The Specialist will report to the CESPS Manager.
The E&S Specialist will support CES’s policy and standards unit in its role of maintaining and updating IFC’s Sustainability Framework (Sustainability Policy, Performance Standards, and related Guidance Notes), the World Bank Group Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Guidelines, and in providing policy support to key networks supported by the unit. Key accountabilities will include, but will not be limited to:
• Contribute to the preparation for and implementation of the forthcoming update of IFC’s Sustainability Framework. This will include a range of sub-tasks, such as becoming familiar with emerging E&S issues and discussion topics, facilitating discussions with technical experts within and outside of IFC, synthesizing outputs of such discussions in a manner conducive to making informed policy decisions and engaging with a range of stakeholders on matters relating to the update;
• Provide high-quality research and analysis into key E&S topics relevant to IFC’s Sustainability Framework, including drafting analyses of thematic areas, engaging and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders on these areas, and presenting to senior audiences;
• Support global coordination on E&S policy and standards with other Development Finance Institutions / Multilateral Development Banks (DFIs/MDBs), partners, and networks that use IFC’s Performance Standards or similar E&S policies or standards;
• Represent CES and IFC in internal and external fora, including with other DFIs/MDBs to align policies; as well as with civil society organizations (CSOs) providing feedback on IFC’s policies and standards;
• Provide policy and standards-related input to key E&S networks supported by the unit, notably the Equator Principles Financial Institutions, G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group, and Sustainable Banking & Finance Network;
• Produce and present high-quality written and visual content, including discussion papers, talking points, and PowerPoint presentations suitable for sharing with shareholders, senior IFC management, and external stakeholders.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., environmental management, science, social sciences, policy, engineering, law, or other related discipline).
• Minimum of 8 years relevant work experience, including experience with the development of E&S policies/standards and/or assessment and management of E&S risks and impacts in a private sector context.
• Knowledge of international good practice for private sector management of E&S risks, including IFC’s Sustainability Framework and supporting documents such as the Guidance Notes and EHS Guidelines. Experience with developing E&S policies (including analysis, formulation, drafting, and consultation).
• International experience required with experience in developing countries preferred. Willingness and ability to travel to developing countries;
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources;
• Ability to take initiative and operate effectively under limited supervision and guidance.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team, and network effectively across boundaries.
• Proven project management experience and skills, including the ability to coordinate effectively a range of stakeholders and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and deliver in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
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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