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.

MIGA promotes cross-border investment in developing countries by providing guarantees (political risk insurance and credit enhancement) to investors and lenders.

The CAO’s mandate is to assist the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) – the private sector lending and insurance arms of the World Bank Group – to address complaints from people affected by IFC and MIGA activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive and to enhance the E&S outcomes of activities in which these institutions play a role.

CAO’s advisory function provides advice to IFC/MIGA and the Boards with the purpose of improving IFC/MIGA systemic performance on environmental and social sustainability and reducing the risk of harm to people and the environment. CAO’s advisory work provides insights and recommendations on broader environmental and social issues relevant to IFC’s and MIGA’s work by drawing on CAO experience addressing complaints and good international practice.
This position is based in Washington, D.C. and reports to the head of CAO Advisory.

Duties & Accountabilities:

Working under the direction of the Head of Advisory, the Sr Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks, among others:

Strengthening the advisory function’s role

•  Contribute to strategic thinking and planning towards strengthening of CAO’s advisory function and its impactful evolution.
•  Contribute to planning and development of advisory function’s workplan and associated administrative requirements.
•  Support development of advisory function’s internal protocols, operating models, and monitoring and evaluation tools like Management Action Tracking Record.

Developing and delivering advisory products:

•  Lead development of specific advisory products from conception to dissemination with requisite level of quality assurance.
•  Manage specific advisory projects to timelines and within budget, ensure deliverables amongst competing pressures and priorities. Develop method for advisory projects including scope/framing, product timeline, product type/structure, and strategic engagement with internal and external counterparts; manage associated budget, selection and appointment of consultants, communication related to advisory products.
•  Actively support, advise, mentor and guide staff and consultants in management of advisory work.

Data work:

•  Provide hands on oversight of CAO’s case data to assist the Advisory team in developing work plans, lessons learned, recommendations, and other products that aim to improve the environmental and social performance of IFC/MIGA.  Contribute to CAO’s data capture and issue identification, organization, and management processes, such as through quality assurance.  Develop processes and procedures to efficiently produce case data analysis and visualizations using tools such as Excel, Stata, and Tableau, at the request of Advisory and other CAO teams.

Research and Writing:

•  Effectively communicate CAO’s work to a variety of audiences within and outside the World Bank Group
•  Research trends in IFC/MIGA, IBRD/IDA, industry, International Accountability Mechanisms, and other development institutions to assist Advisory in planning and strategy.
•  Research environmental and social topics, particularly those related to the Performance Standards, for Advisory products.

Stakeholder Engagement:

•  Engage with relevant stakeholders including private sector; government; civil society organizations; IFC and MIGA staff, management, and Board; and complainants as appropriate in relation to advisory work.
•  Facilitate workshops, deliver key presentations.

Promote an environment of shared success and teamwork, connecting staff with peers across different practices and areas. 

Selection Criteria

•  MBA/Master’s degree in a relevant field including social sciences, environment, law, development or psychology.
•  10-12 years of relevant professional experience.
•  Excellent research, writing and editing skills. Ability to develop outlines for short and long written products and to coordinate the development of complex studies.  A strategic mindset in delivering messages.
•  Excellent quantitative and qualitative research skills. Demonstrated experience working in related software such as Excel, Stata, or Tableau.
•  Demonstrated understanding of the multilateral financing institutions, in particular IFC/MIGA and World Bank Group policies and operations, particularly as they relate to environmental and social standards.
•  Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
•  Ability to work independently and take initiative.
•  Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure, and capably handle/juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
•  Strong project management skills. Experience in and ability to manage people and financial resources.

Preferred:

•  Experience working on environmental and social sustainability in relation to the private sector.
•  Demonstrated knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework, including the Performance Standards, for identifying and managing environmental and social risks.
•  Able to work effectively in highly sensitive cross-cultural and politically charged environments.
•  Comfortable working in a pressured environment with issues of ethics and integrity at the forefront of work.
•  Demonstrated work in areas related to accountability and community redress.
•  Fluency and/or proficiencies in other languages.

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.