Senior E&S Specialist, Policy and Standards

Job #:
req18232

Organization:
IFC

Sector:
Environment

Grade:
GG

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
7/13/2022 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 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 the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The E&S Policy and Risk Department (CES), 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 a range of projects including those 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 Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and non-CAO 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 Sustainability and Gender Solutions (CEG) department.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Policy & Standards Specialist will support the Policy & Learning Lead on the portfolio of work associated with maintaining IFC's E&S policies, standards and procedures and developing knowledge products, training and accreditation for investment and E&S staff to support effective implementation. The position will report to CES Senior Manager, Policy, Standards & Knowledge Management. Key accountabilities include:
• Supporting the delivery of a portfolio of policy, knowledge and learning work;
• Proactively supporting the maintenance IFC's policies and procedures, including any updates of the Sustainability Policy and Performance Standards, including engaging and coordinating with stakeholders; Lead the management and maintenance of the suite of World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines;
• Contributing to benchmarking and analysis of other equivalent institutional policies and standards and research and analysis into emerging or evolving E&S thematic areas;
• Assisting in coordination of the interpretation of IFC's sustainability policies, standards and procedures;
• Supporting 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;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of a knowledge, learning and training strategy for investment staff, advisory staff and E&S staff in collaboration with the knowledge and learning teams in CEG and IFC's credit departments;
• Support the coordination of development and implementation of learning programs and communities of practice that support the consistent application of IFC's Performance Standards by E&S practitioners, clients and external partners;
• Assisting in coordination with CEG of maintenance and implementation of a pipeline of knowledge products (guidance and tools) to support effective E&S risk management by IFC staff as well as external stakeholders;
• Representing CES and IFC in internal and external fora, including with other multilateral and development banks to align policies and with civil society groups providing feedback on policies.

Selection Criteria
• Graduate/advanced degree in environment, social or related discipline;
• Minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience, including applied private sector experience in E&S risk management, investment and sustainable investment policies;
• Knowledge of policies describing investor commitment to good international industry practice for private sector management of E&S risks, including IFC's Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards;
• Experience with developing E&S policies (including analysis, formulation, drafting and consultation) preferred;
• Experience with developing and delivering training on good practice in E&S risk management preferred;
• International experience required with experience in developing countries preferred. Willingness and ability to travel to developing countries;
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources;
• Demonstrated experience in project management, sound organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines;
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Additional language skills are advantageous;
• Strong interpersonal, listening and communication skills including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal and external parties;
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail;
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams, superior mentoring skills;

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.