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.

Climate action is at the core of IFC’s business. In fiscal year 2023, IFC delivered 46% in own-account climate finance and mobilized $6.8 billion for climate.  The World Bank Climate Change Action Plan (2021 – 2025) outlines the institutions collective response to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement (referred to as “Paris Alignment”). The Agreement explains the need to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Per the Action Plan, IFC has committed to align 85% of new operations with the goals of Paris Agreement by July 1, 2023, and 100% of these by July 1, 2025 and to achieve at least of 35% of its investments in climate positive activities.

As part of the IFC, the Climate Business Department (CBD) works across the organization and beyond to implement the Climate Change Action Plan and to deliver on Paris Alignment. CBD is responsible for among other things, supporting IFC investment and advisory teams to identify and account for climate investments, track committed climate finance, partner across the institution on the IFC’s Labeled Bond Program (Green, Blue, Transition), develop analytical tools, lead climate risk management, and develop thought leadership via publications and external partnerships. This is all to help scale IFC climate impact and guard against greenwashing.

CBD is seeking an Operations Officer to support the department in the development of climate-focused training courses (such as, Paris Alignment, Sustainability-Linked and Green Finances, Decarbonization, Transition Finance) using inputs from specialists across IFC industry teams. The position will be based in Washington DC and will report to a CBD Global Head of Learning and Inclusion under the direct supervision of the Principal Investment Officer.  The selected candidate will lead the creation of knowledge and learning infrastructure for corporate wide climate knowledge and learning and particularly for the thematic, cross-sectoral areas of focus for CBD (decarbonization, labeled bonds, EVs, carbon, circular economy etc).  The candidate will take a leadership role in helping the department to roll out multiple internal and external capacity building programs while also supporting upstream climate business-related markets development across thematic areas to mobilize more private capital. S/he will also support action research and just-in-time training on topics such as carbon pricing, climate risk, and impact measurement. S/he may also be called to implement partnerships with external learning institutions.

Duties and Accountabilities

Accountabilities may include but not be limited to the following.  Other ad-hoc responsibilities may be added by the Climate Director and Global Head of Learning as needed.

Provide effective Knowledge and Learning (K&L) Solutions

Lead the Climate K&L and internal communication agenda tailored to specific needs of staff across the Climate Business Department Industry Sectors, and broader IFC including:

•  Develop, enhance, and implement a new Climate K&L strategy/plan, coordinating with the Climate Business leads and industry anchors for ongoing feedback, and implementation.
•  Implement and strengthen Climate K&L practices including knowledge capture and retention, as well as expertise development and learning for Climate.
•  Provide specialized services to support knowledge sharing and collaboration across Climate Business /IFC teams, including facilitating engagement workshops, after-action reviews, supporting communities of practice, lessons capture, and knowledge sharing (internal and external).
•  Deliver the Monitoring & Evaluation framework and report to measure the Climate K&L plan progress.
•  Ensure that relevant Climate knowledge is shared with newly appointed WBG/IFC leaders in a timely manner.
•  Manage the update of the department’s learning curricula and coordinate the delivery of onboarding/learning activities, including design of new face-to-face and online learning events (including self-paced online learning, short videos, job-aids, resources, etc.).
•  Manage procurement and payment of knowledge/learning activities and vendors.
•  Lead execution of multi-modal and/or multi-location Climate knowledge sharing events to facilitate the understanding of Climate concepts and related content, share findings, lessons learned, etc., through formats such as sector days, Climate Knowledge Forum, BBLs, workshops, clinics, webinars, and conferences. Work in close collaboration with subject matter experts, GKLO, KM officers in other Industry Groups, and World Bank to deliver successful learning sessions.
•  Coordinate clearance and submission of Climate Lessons and other innovative climate business resources for public disclosure. Manage Climate’s lessons library. Ensure that Climate related lessons and knowledge are shared with WBG operational staff, development partners, and other external stakeholders.
•  Work with Climate/Industry teams to define and capture relevant lessons from processes and experiences and provide advice on creation and dissemination of knowledge products (including reports), project best practices, lessons learned, learning events, guidance documents, etc. and leverage opportunities to showcase knowledge created through a variety of channels.
•  Review the current intranet, and extranet sites, and work in coordination with corporate communications and CIT teams to define requirements and update/maintain sites as needed.
•  Support dissemination of Climate knowledge, best practices and lesson learned across IFC and WBG, managing the production of internal Climate newsletters, in coordination with corporate communications.
•  Actively participate in World Bank Group KM community to ensure collaboration and knowledge exchange with the industries, regions, IBRD, and MIGA

Effectively oversee the Climate Knowledge and Learning Team, including: 

•  Manage K&L Team budget and staffing (mostly consultants).
•  Oversee work assignments and provide ongoing feedback to ensure high quality delivery.
•  Coach and mentor team members and provide constructive feedback.
•  Promote team cohesion and effective and clear communication.
•  Assess challenges and opportunities for team members and teamwork program and partner with team members to develop creative, client-focused solutions.

Support the Climate Department on any other initiatives to grow the climate business

•  Coordinate with the Climate business leads/network, IFC IT and data teams to define requirements for a Climate Business Dashboard
•  Produce adhoc reports, as needed, on the assigned climate portfolio including monitoring progress against project milestones and KPIs
•  Contribute to sector-specific data analysis and stress-testing of various operating models to help generate ideas for new projects, new products, and platform businesses.
•  Support the identification and assessment of climate opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
•  Help spot game-changing trends, technologies, partnerships and business models that can scale climate capacity internally and externally.
•  Work with the World Bank to exploit synergies in content and pedagogy for climate related trainings.

Selection Criteria

The candidate should be a professional with in-depth expertise in knowledge management and learning and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight time constraints, to develop innovative approaches, and integrate work of other professional staff. S/he can interact with confidence with internal and external teams and stakeholders at senior levels.

•  Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, International Relations, Science, Engineering, or other relevant field. Academic or practical background in the Knowledge, Learning, Capacity Building fields would be ideal.
•  At least 8 years of relevant experience in the field of knowledge management, learning, training with demonstrated ability to engage on a range of issues in developing countries including advice on both program and project development.
•  Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model focused on climate.
•  Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
•  Experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
•  Capacity to innovate and challenge the status quo and experience in new idea generation, business development, and creating projects/programs from scratch.
•  Ability to effectively manage vendors, staff and consultants working on knowledge and learning platforms.
•  Proven ability to conduct analysis from surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
•  Proven experience in design and delivery of learning activities using different means and tools to reach audiences with specific needs and level of engagement including collaboration tools/approaches.
•  Track record of producing and/or managing knowledge, and communication products such as short notes, job-aids, videos, publications, newsletters etc.
•  Experience in results measurement and knowledge and learning strategy in the WBG.
•  Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, including the ability to represent and synthesize ideas in a clear and concise format, both written and verbally.
•  Attention to detail and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments on schedule.
•  Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues, at all levels.
•  Outstanding organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

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.