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 E&S Policy and Risk (CES) Department, acts as the custodian and guardian of IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) policies and standards and serves as an independent “regulator” of IFC’s E&S risk management. CES enables IFC to successfully invest in high-risk environments by managing E&S risks on projects more effectively while maintaining adherence to IFC’s sustainability framework.

CES delivers four functions:

• Policy and Standards: CES maintains and updates IFC’s sustainability policies, standards, and procedures as a world-class resource for IFC clients and external networks.
• Risk Management: CES ensures that IFC has appropriate systems, procedures and capacity in place to deliver on E&S risk management. CES adds value to the management of E&S risks, reviewing E&S aspects and classification of all projects at origination and providing oversight, guidance, and support for high-risk projects in the pipeline, as well as for high-risk and non-performing projects in IFC’s investment portfolio.
• Stakeholder Grievance Response: CES facilitates and improves IFC’s ability to resolve stakeholder complaints quickly and effectively, and address both CAO and direct complaints.
• Knowledge, Learning, and Systems: CES fosters the E&S community of practice, transforms lessons learned into guidance, E&S risk management tools and systems, learning, certification of E&S staff and knowledge products that enhance IFC’s E&S performance.

CES works in close collaboration with IFC’s investment departments and the Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) Sustainability Advice and Solutions Department (CEG).

Duties and Accountabilities:

IFC is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional with strong analytical, communications, interpersonal, and environmental and social skills to join CES Policy and Knowledge (CESPK) team to support and contribute to the E&S policy and knowledge functions. The Specialist/Associate Specialist will report to the Senior Manager, CESPK.

Key accountabilities include:

Policies and Standards.  Support CES’s policy and standards function in connection with its role maintaining and updating IFC’s sustainability policies, standards and procedures, including:

• Provide research and analysis into E&S topics relevant to IFC’s Sustainability Framework, including drafting benchmarking analyses of peer policies and standards and emerging or evolving E&S thematic areas
• Assist in the interpretation of IFC’s sustainability policies, standards and procedures
• Produce written and visual content, including discussion papers, talking points, PowerPoint presentations
• Provide project management support to various initiatives related to IFC’s Sustainability Framework and the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines
• Support the organization of internal and external meetings and consultation events, including coordinating logistics and circulating summaries and follow up actions.
Knowledge and Learning.  Support CES’s learning function in developing and delivering E&S learning and knowledge products across the corporation, including:
• Support development and delivery of learning programs for E&S, Investment and Operations staff; provide technical and logistical support for live deliveries for HQ and regional staff; maintain relevant internal platforms including Intranet site
• Coordinate development and implementation of E&S diagnostic tool for E&S staff
• Synthesize data and E&S lessons learned into knowledge and learning products
• Proactively support global coordination on E&S standards and issues with other partners and networks that use IFC’s Performance Standards or that use similar E&S policies or standards, including supporting the organization of the annual ESG Community of Learning event
• Maintain calendar of relevant internal and external events to guide strategic engagement by IFC staff and partnerships with external stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

• Graduate/Advanced degree in relevant discipline (e.g., environmental management, science, social sciences, policy, engineering, law or other related discipline).
• Minimum of five years relevant work experience, including the development of environmental and social policies/standards and knowledge products and/or the assessment and management of environmental and social impacts.
• Knowledge of international good practice for private sector management of E&S risks, including IFC’s Sustainability Framework and supporting documents such as Guidance Notes and EHS Guidelines.
• Ability to synthesize and analyze diverse E&S related data and information from a range of sources, and succinctly communicate (verbally and in writing) the key issues and proposed solutions.
• Ability to take initiative and operate effectively under limited supervision and guidance.
• 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.
• Proven project management experience and skills, including ability to coordinate effectively a range of stakeholders, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and deliver in a timely manner in a high-pace environment.
• 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.