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.

The ES&G Sustainability Advice & Solutions Department (CEG) is IFC’s center of excellence in sustainability. It offers a wide range of expertise to help IFC clients identify and manage complex environmental, social and governance issues and to find value-added opportunities in their business operations.

IFC operates in a complex and dynamic environment and recognizes the important role that civil society organizations (CSOs) play in advancing socially and environmentally responsible development. Effective engagement with CSOs requires a comprehensive understanding of their priorities, modus operandi and capacity, as well as their ability to partner with IFC or IFC clients to contribute to the development agenda or improve development outcomes.

IFC is seeking to recruit a Senior Operations Officer to lead the CEG CSO engagement team in CEG. The position reports to the CEG Director.

The newly established CEG CSO Operational Support Team will shape and implement an enhanced approach to CSO relationship building and management, acting as a focal point for civil society engagement across IFC. The Senior Operations Officer will coordinate the team that includes four field-based Operation Officers reporting to the CEG Regional Managers and conducts regional and project-level stakeholder engagement. Under the guidance of the Senior Operations Officer, the team will develop, implement and monitor a comprehensive civil society engagement strategy and plan, to support IFC’s overall sustainability and stakeholder engagement objectives. A successful candidate will have a strong understanding of reputational risk management and an appreciation of private sector environmental and social sustainability issues in emerging markets.

The position will work closely with IFC’s Communications & Outreach Department, Industry Departments and the Environmental & Social Policy and Risk Department.

Duties and Accountabilities

•  Designing and implementing a comprehensive civil society engagement strategy and plan, including objectives, targets, and timelines.
•  Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the civil society engagement strategy and plan, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
•  Calibrating CSO engagement through CSO mapping, CSO engagement plans and an enhanced internal alert system to identify, flag and respond to emerging CSO reputational risk early on.
•  Managing the identification and pairing of CSO relationship managers to build and maintain effective engagement, regular consultations, dialogues, and partnerships with CSO.
•  Providing support to CEG Regional Managers in their CSO approach and dialogue, coordinating a team of four field-based Operation Officers as a secondary supervisor.
•  Applying in-depth CSO knowledge and expertise with reputational risk in evaluating engagement responses and opportunities, guiding and providing direct support to IFC operational teams and clients.
•  Writing comprehensive reports and updates on CSO engagement activities, integrating a broad range of complex issues, challenges, perspectives and recommendations into a cohesive narrative. Ensuring CSO perspectives and priorities are integrated as appropriate into the IFC’s operations and decision-making.
•  Reviewing and directing analytical and research work performed by team members and quickly assessing the meaning of such work, identifying gaps, inaccuracies, and key relevant conclusions.
•  Organizing training and developing resources to support staff in effectively interacting with CSOs.
Ensuring systematic sharing of good practices and lessons across the team to support the adoption of new approaches and best practices.
•  Building and leveraging internal and external networks to maintain expertise, stay informed and anticipate challenges and opportunities.

Selection Criteria

•  A Master’s degree in social sciences, communications, sustainable development, development studies, or a related field.
•  At least ten years of experience in civil society engagement or reputational risk management, preferably in development finance in emerging markets.
•  Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
•  Excellent diagnostic skills, proactive problem-solving and identifying and refining courses of action in complex and changing situations.
•  Excellent team player with interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including CSOs, government officials, development partners, IFC management and other actors.
•  Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources.
•  Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and to work effectively under pressure.
•  Effectively deal with complexity, ambiguity and crisis with confidence and discretion.
•  Knowledge of the IFC’s policies, procedures, and standards, a plus.
•  Be committed to development and have a proven track record showing alignment with the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and values.
•  Languages: Fluent in English.  

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.