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.
IFC’s Infrastructure Department provides investment and advisory services for private sector clients across energy, mining, transport, and telecom/media/technology sectors, and further mobilizes private sector capital from institutional investors and other financial institutions. Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory (SIA) works with IFC clients to build community buy-in for and ensure broad stakeholder benefit from infrastructure and natural resource projects. SIA has developed a Climate Advisory practice to support IFC mainstream and sustainable finance investments in infrastructure. The team provides value add support to clients in member countries to decarbonize in line with global goals of meeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; to better understand and respond to climate risk through enhanced adaptation; and to plan for a just transition to build a shared prosperity in a new climate economy. Climate action is at the core of IFC’s business.
Main duties and responsibilities
The SIA team is seeking to hire a highly motivated and driven climate specialist to develop business and implement climate advisory projects globally in energy, transport, mining and TMT sectors. This position is a 3-year contract subject to confirmation.
Across all areas of responsibilities, the position will focus on supporting (i) the development and implementation of corporate climate advisory (CCA) services with a goal to contributing to growing IFC Infrastructure’s Sustainability Linked Finance business; (ii) the development of analytical tools and delivery of strategic knowledge for climate action and improved climate risk management for IFC infrastructure sectors; and (iii) the development of thought leadership via publications and external partnerships to enhance climate action.
The staff member will report to and work with the climate advisory services program lead and technical lead, based in Washington DC. His/her main tasks will include (but not be limited to) the following:
Product Development for Climate Risk and Resilience, and the Just Transition
• Depending on experience, lead or support the Climate Risk and Resilience and Just Transition thematic areas in SIA, driving the thematic business development strategy.
• Leverage existing climate risk disclosure and just transition frameworks/taxonomies developed by relevant industry groups, regulatory bodies (e.g. International Capital Markets Association, Climate Bonds Initiative, Science-Based Targets Initiative, International Financial Reporting Standards), and the scientific community regarding climate change adaptation.
• Work with Team Leads and in collaboration with other departments to develop, refine, pitch and implement advisory products and services with clients specific to Climate Risk, Adaptation and Resilience.
• Work with the Team Leads to frame the strategy and offering, and define SIA’s Just Transition advisory services and products, and champion business development.
• Support/lead coordination of internal thematic working groups in these subjects.
Team portfolio management
• Develop project concept notes, project implementation plans, budgets, workplans, bi-annual project supervision reports and evidence collection for development impact/results measurement.
• Manage dashboards to track project progress and human resource mobilization.
• Support relationship building and mobilization of Climate Advisory strategic integration to Tier 1 client planning and systems management.
• Support administration and development of content for consultants’ procurement and client contracting.
Business development for climate action and sustainable finance
• Prepare client pitches using PowerPoint and research databases to tailor presentations for prospective clients in energy, mining, transport and TMT sector in emerging markets.
• Contribute to tailored presentations to support investment officers and client relationship managers to engage in strategic dialogue around beyond-compliance sustainability with clients.
• Provide technical inputs and designing advisory projects for private sector clients with a focus on climate solutions for development challenges as part of green/blue/social/sustainability-linked financings.
• Support for upcoming roadshows, client meetings and external events, including logistics and content development.
Delivery of CCA client projects
• Implement client-facing advisory engagements on climate risk and resilience roadmaps and just transition plans.
• Project delivery will be under the oversight of the CCA Team Lead, with an expectation of significant initiative and ownership of tasks and extensive delivery and project coordination support. Tasks may include:
• Developing and applying frameworks for analysis, problem-solving and solution development.
• Structuring research approaches and conducting primary and secondary data collection.
• Executing analytical and interpretative tasks on projects, such as market analysis, business and financial analysis, sustainability performance analysis, and data modelling.
• Communicating findings orally and in writing (e.g., contributing major components to project reports, producing PowerPoint slides, providing oral and written management briefings).
• Managing small projects and contributing significantly to larger projects, for private sector clients. For more experienced candidates, managing larger projects and project workstreams.
• Perform project reporting and administration tasks on an as need basis.
• Coordinate partner delivery and quality controlling deliverables to ensure quality and timeliness.
Knowledge management and practice development support
• Capture lessons learned from regional projects and developing relevant knowledge products. This may include preparing case studies, organizing virtual and face-to-face events and BBLs, and contributing to reports and other publications.
• Identify knowledge gaps and co-develop relevant knowledge products and practice materials.
• Act as supporting point person for SIA Climate Risk and Resilience and Just Transition offerings, coordinate case study knowledge between CCA and other IFC departments and develop content as needed.
• Support CCA preparation for and contribute at internal climate knowledge sharing forums.
• Support/lead fundraising and donor reporting efforts for this program.
The tasks described above will require strong coordination with IFC’s SIA team, other climate advisory team members, as well as E&S, results measurement, climate business department, sustainable finance and regional project teams.
The selected candidate is expected to report for duty in IFC HQ Washington DC, and work with IFC teams in Washington DC and other duty stations. Travel will be required.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must have a sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (minimum 8 years).
• Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Environmental Finance, International Development Public Policy, Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in corporate-level climate risk and opportunity assessment and strategy development. Asset level climate risk assessment and mitigation a plus.
• Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing operations using innovative approaches, including demonstrated ability to uphold operational procedures.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills, with critical thinking and creative solution development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in particular ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders, and relay strategic relevance of technical content.
• Experience in producing high quality business development, client reporting, project reporting, knowledge products and communications outputs, and efficient using MS PowerPoint and Word.
• Understanding of the infrastructure and natural resources sectors and related business strategy and climate and social issues.
• Tangible experience in capacity building and training a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues in a team environment, and to work on multiple client projects across a given time.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and to travel.
• Ability to handle a large workload, balance and prioritize competing demands under high pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships and influence decision-making, tailoring approach depending on the seniority level of business contacts.
• High level of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work project requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially ability to dialogue effectively with and relate to clients and diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English essential; ability to work in other World Bank Group languages (notably, French, Spanish or Portuguese) a plus.
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.
