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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its business in the South America Region. This professional will provide Social guidance to clients and IFC’s investment and advisory teams on social matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PS) and Sustainability Policy, with the aim of promoting compliance and enhancing the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities.
The position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the South America region.

ROLES AND RESPONSABILITIES:

Undertake/lead Social due diligence of IFC’s proposed direct investments and CTA projects in real sector projects (e.g., in the mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, agribusiness, health, education and tourism, retail and property sectors), and/or investments through financial intermediaries through:

•  Gathering and analyzing available information to identify gaps against specific Performance Standards for assigned projects.
•  Identifying and proposing of appropriate mitigation measures to address risks and adverse impacts.
•  Producing of high-quality work products that clearly and logically frame risk mitigation, particularly relating to involuntary resettlement and livelihoods, labor issues (forced labor and child labor), stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms.
•  Coordinating of thematic specialists/consultants to support the social due-diligence process, including development of ToRs, review of work outputs and project management.
•  Coordinating with other lenders’ E&S teams and external stakeholders as needed.
•  Articulating social risks/red flags as well as mitigation measures needed to investment staff, IFC management and to IFC’s Board.
•  Monitoring oversight of the social performance of assigned portfolio of client companies.
•  Provide guidance to E&S team members, investment team and clients on social risk management in line with IFC’s social performance standards.
•  Assist/guide in handling project related complaints from stakeholders and addressing complex technical, institutional or implementation issues related to social development.
•  Provide capacity building to clients and their consultants on conducting E&S Impact Assessment studies, developing Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Resettlement Action Plans, and other E&S studies, as the case may be.
•  Contribute to the design and delivery of learning programs on sustainability and environmental risk management for IFC clients and investment staff – as needed.
•  Lead or contribute to design and delivery of social advice to support individual clients or wider market adoption of good social standards and practices.
•  Help mentor and guide project E&S teams, consultants and junior staff and provide quality enhancement support.
•  Travel to project countries and sites.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in relevant discipline (e.g. Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science or other related social sciences and disciplines).
•  Minimum of five years private sector related work experience, preferably in the assessment and management of environmental and/or social impacts focusing on grievance management, community/stakeholder engagement, resettlement and livelihood restoration management, labor standard and conditions management and engagement with Indigenous Peoples.
•  Knowledge of IFC Sustainability Framework and supporting documents such as Guidance Notes, EHS Guidelines (www.ifc.org/ehs guidelines) and experience working with IFC/World Bank E&S Policies and Standards
•  Experience in engaging directly with community members, CSO and NGOs.
•  Experience in areas of gender-based violence (GBV) and social inclusion is desirable.
•  Driven self-starter with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity.
•  Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize, deal with frequent unexpected changes, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Attention to detail a must.
•  Ability to synthesize and analyze diverse social related data and information.
•  Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English and Portuguese is essential and Spanish is preferred.
•  Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team, and network effectively across boundaries.
•  Ability to travel regularly to and work effectively in IFC client countries is essential.
• Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.

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.