Senior Operations Officer
Nairobi, Kenya
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.
IFC provides both investment and advisory services to support the development of the private sector in emerging markets. IFC’s Investment Services (IS) provide a wide range of financial products, including loans, equity, trade finance, structure finance and syndications, designed to enable companies to manage risk and expand their access to foreign and domestic capital markets. IFC’s Advisory Services (AS) help to establish the necessary conditions to attract private capital, enabling the private sector to grow. IFC’s AS are linked to the greatest needs identified in WBG country and sector strategies, focusing increasingly on developing high-impact market and client level projects that can help IFC clients to attract financing.
IFC’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) team supports IFC IS and AS projects to avoid, mitigate, and manage risks as a way of doing business in a sustainable way. This work is informed by IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards (https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2012/ifc-performance-standards and Corporate Governance Methodology (https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector-expertise/corporate-governance).
The Role
IFC’s Eastern Africa Team is seeking a Senior Operations Officer – Regional ESG Advisory Lead (REAL) to manage AS support for the Africa Region. The REAL will be responsible for delivering ESG advisory solutions through projects and programs across Africa. Based in Nairobi, the position will report to the Regional ESG Manager for Eastern Africa and will support the other two Regional ESG Managers in Africa. The role will be further defined in response to the recent reorganization of the ESG function within IFC.
Specific duties and accountabilities include:
Program strategy, development and management
• Contribute to the development of the overall ESG regional strategy and develop corresponding priorities for ESG advisory client and market support engagements, in close coordination with the ESG, Regional and Industry Teams, and other key internal and external partners.
• Lead the development, management and delivery of ESG advisory projects and client engagements, including overseeing resources, timelines and monitoring of development results.
• Lead a team of ESG specialists in the region to develop business opportunities and client proposals, manage projects and portfolios, and oversee quality of work performed by the team.
• Lead the development of approaches that deliver ESG support to clients in Fragile and Conflict Affected States (FCS) in a manner that is effective and scalable, working in close collaboration with the regional FCS Africa team and regional industry teams.
• Oversee the technical delivery of projects and program. Manage internal and external reporting, communication and program promotion across key stakeholders.
• Manage relationships for successful delivery, including industry and regional management, development partners, World Bank and other external stakeholders.
• Consolidate and analyze lessons learned from project implementation experiences and share with team members and colleagues across the region and globally.
• Stay abreast of ESG market trends, both regionally and globally, to design and provide client products that are current and relevant, seeking input from colleagues as necessary.
• Coordinate with global and regional staff responsible for delivering ESG advisory services to harmonize offerings, problem-solve and coherently deliver advisory support.
Team Coordination, Budget and Financial Management
• Coordinate a team of staff and consultants to deliver an impactful ESG advisory program. This can include working across investment and advisory teams.
• Support the Regional ESG Managers in managing staff performance, communicating clear expectations and accountabilities, providing timely feedback and support to enable team members to succeed in their roles.
• Identify and anticipate financial needs, develop detailed budgets, and manage and report on financial performance per those plans.
• Identify funding sources to deliver on the ESG advisory program, including active regional fundraising, writing proposals for development partners, coordinating with the global team and other fundraising colleagues.
• Control and monitor expenditures according to IFC policies and guidelines and within own approval thresholds while optimizing results.
• Manage relationships with donors, oversee donor reporting and support the Regional ESG Managers in their duties as trust fund managers.
Knowledge Management
• Consolidate and analyze lessons learned from project implementation. Facilitate knowledge flow across IFC and the World Bank Group, sharing lessons and best practices, in the region and globally.
• Share materials, contributing to ESG knowledge management initiatives and enabling connectivity with IFC colleagues in the region and globally.
Selection Criteria
The candidate should be a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in both project and program management. S/he should be recognized as an expert in Environmental, Social or Corporate Governance (ESG) or a relevant field within ESG, with a proven track record in delivering high-quality advisory services. S/he should routinely lead complex projects and integrate work of other (often multi-disciplinary) professional staff. S/he must possess the confidence and expertise to engage effectively with senior-level executives (including board members and senior management), as well as with policymakers and other high-level market operators. Key selection criteria will include:
• Master’s Degree or higher in an area related to environmental or social management, business administration, law, economics, finance, accounting/audit, engineering, or other relevant discipline.
• At least 12 years of relevant work experience in an ESG-related area, ideally in the private sector, private consulting firm or international organization.
• Experience managing advisory services with clients, preferably in the areas of ESG standards and performance.
• FCS and real sector (infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture and services) experience is essential.
• Experience in managing and implementing donor-funded projects, including reporting to development partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed, highly complex and global organization, with strong influencing and interpersonal skills; ability to cultivate an active network inside and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of best available practices related to corporate governance, environmental and social management. Knowledge and experience in applying the IFC Performance Standards is advantageous.
• Relevant experience working in Africa is desirable, though not required.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement large projects and to produce complex reports or studies.
• Demonstrated professional leadership and ability to lead a sizeable and dispersed team to execute projects.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills are essential. French written and spoken communication skills are considered a plus.
• Strong presentation and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
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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