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.

Climate action is at the core of IFC’s business. In fiscal year 2024, IFC delivered $9.1 billion in own-account long-term climate finance and mobilized an additional $10.2 billion. The World Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan (2021 – 2025) outlines our collective response to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement (referred to as “Paris Alignment”). IFC has committed to align 85% of new operations with these goals starting July 1, 2023, and to align 100% of new operations starting July 1, 2025.

IFC’s Climate Business Department is instrumental in implementing the Climate Change Action Plan and achieving Paris Alignment. The Department’s responsibilities include supporting IFC’s investment and advisory teams in identifying climate investments, tracking committed climate finance, collaborating on IFC’s Labeled Bond Program (Green, Blue, Transition), developing analytical tools, leading climate risk management, and fostering thought leadership through publications and external partnerships. These efforts aim to scale IFC’s climate impact and prevent greenwashing.

The Climate Finance & Policy Team within this Department is tasked with mainstreaming Paris alignment in IFC’s operations, assessing climate finance in investments, aiding in structuring sustainable/green finance instruments, contributing to carbon market development, and leading climate impact measurement, including GHG accounting and financed emissions. One of its core priorities is to grow support to clients in relation to climate adaptation and resilience. The team also significantly contributes to climate risk assessment and reporting, including climate physical risks.

In this context, the Climate Finance & Policy Team is looking to hire a Senior Operations Officer – Climate Specialist, based in Washington DC. 

The Lead for Climate Adaptation & Resilience will play a critical leadership role within IFC’s Climate Finance & Policy Team, spearheading efforts to significantly scale IFC’s adaptation finance program and expand its impact on climate adaptation and resilience across emerging markets. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping IFC’s adaptation finance strategy, advancing tools and metrics to enhance IFC’s market leadership, managing physical climate risks, and ensuring that IFC’s investments align with the Paris Agreement. The role demands deep expertise in adaptation finance, risk management, and capacity building, with a focus on driving the growth of IFC’s adaptation finance pipeline and embedding robust internal systems and processes.

Duties & Accountabilities

Climate Finance Leadership

•  Lead the development and implementation of sector and regional strategies in collaboration with IFC industry and regional teams to identify adaptation investment opportunities and position IFC as a global leader in adaptation finance across emerging markets.
•  Spearhead the development of innovative products, initiatives and taxonomies to support the growth of IFC’s adaptation finance program.
•  Contribute to the structuring of investments, including by leveraging blended finance instruments to unlock adaptation finance opportunities.
•  Assist industry teams with business development and deal origination.
•  Provide expert support to investment teams and clients in structuring climate adaptation and resilience projects.
•  Institutionalize guidance notes, methodologies, best practices, and tools to mainstream adaptation finance across IFC operations.
•  Oversee the design and improvement of metrics and accountability frameworks to accurately report IFC’s adaptation finance contributions and prevent greenwashing.
•  Contribute to the development of the new climate Accountability and Decision-Making Framework for Climate Finance.
•  Engage actively in MDB working groups to shape joint methodologies for tracking climate adaptation finance flows.

Paris Alignment Implementation (Physical Climate Risk Management)

•  Support the assessment of IFC’s investments to ensure alignment with the Paris Agreement’s climate adaptation goals.
•  Collaborate with IFC industry teams to refine and champion the development of sector-specific guidance and tools for aligning investments with the Paris Agreement’s climate adaptation objectives.
•  Introduce and implement innovative solutions to streamline Paris Alignment assessments, improving operational efficiency and reliability while considering the materiality of physical climate risks and leveraging certifications where possible.

Knowledge Management & Capacity Building

•  Serve as IFC’s primary subject-matter expert on climate adaptation and resilience, providing technical expertise and guidance to investment, advisory, and upstream teams.
•  Stay at the forefront of emerging research, technologies, and trends in climate adaptation and resilience, and efficiently share key insights with internal stakeholders.
•  Lead efforts to equip IFC with the best available physical climate risk assessment tools – whether internally developed or externally procured – to ensure they meet IFC’s cross-sectoral business needs.
•  Identify and address capacity gaps within IFC related to adaptation finance and Paris Alignment, developing and implementing targeted training programs to enhance the organization’s capabilities.
•  Design and lead capacity-building initiatives, delivering training sessions to internal teams on adaptation finance and Paris Alignment best practices.

Partnerships & Communication

•  Lead engagements with donors and partners to secure blended finance, grants, and other resources to support adaptation and resilience projects.
•  Build and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders, including MDBs, IFIs, clients, and consultants, advocating for greater investment in adaptation finance and Paris Alignment.
•  Represent IFC at major international conferences, events, and forums, showcasing IFC’s thought leadership and expertise in adaptation and resilience finance.
•  Play an active role in shaping and disseminating IFC’s external communications, emphasizing the organization’s contributions to global adaptation finance and resilience-building efforts.

Collaboration and Teamwork

•  Contribute to the leadership and management of the Climate Finance & Policy unit.
•  Champion a collaborative and inclusive work culture, ensuring effective teamwork and knowledge-sharing within the Climate Finance & Policy team and across departments.
•  Guide, mentor, and develop junior staff, fostering their technical and leadership skills in adaptation finance and Paris Alignment.
•  Work closely with teams across IFC to ensure alignment and coordination on adaptation and resilience strategies, creating synergies that enhance operational effectiveness.

Selection Criteria

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.