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

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy (IFC 3.0) to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected Situations (FCS). This strategy calls for generating our own opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. It requires taking a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in our member countries and addressing these bottlenecks through World Bank Group (WBG) engagement on policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level. It also requires capacity to leverage WBG programs and projects to develop our own proactive sector interventions and to imagine and design projects even in the absence of reforms.

The Sustainability & Gender Solutions Department (CEG), includes approximately 200 staff and consultants. CEG supports IFC’s global and regional Upstream teams to manage Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) risks associated with their activities and find solutions to client issues on basis of our Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards (www.ifc.org/performancestandards) and the Corporate Governance (CG) Methodology (www.ifc.org/corporategovernance). CEG further leverages this expertise and operational experience in emerging markets to encourage the effective adoption of these standards by companies and investors across emerging markets. More details can be found at www.ifc.org/sustainability

IFC is seeking an E&S Specialist for Upstream with extensive expertise in E&S issues in Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Financial Intermediaries. The selected candidate will focus on supporting the development of a high-quality Upstream pipeline in the Asia Pacific region that meets IFC’s Performance Standards and CG Methodology. 

• Support the E&S component of broad and complex upstream projects for MAS, FIG, INFRA in Asia, involving multi-disciplinary teams. 
• Identify and screen key E&S risks associated with the assigned projects against the requirements of IFC’s Performance Standards. 
• Prepare internal E&S documentation to enable IFC’s decision making and attend internal meetings .
• (when COVID-19 travel restriction will be lifted) Undertake site visits and meet with IFC project clients and other relevant public or private entities. This task includes design and delivery of workshops and trainings for project officers to present IFC Performance Standards and good international industry practice (GIIP) in E&S risk management and explain measures to align the project with such standards and practice.
• Define the scope of work and prepare Term of Reference (ToR) for E&S Studies (at scoping and project level) and discuss with internal and external clients to clarify objectives and manage expectations and delivery. 
• Support in the selection of E&S consultants for the development of the E&S Studies, including reviews of technical qualifications and proposals.
• Management of the E&S consultancy firm to ensure the output is delivered in quality and timing and in line with the ToR and the IFC Performance Standards.
• Review E&S Studies for consistency with IFC Performance Standards, accurateness, and completeness. 
• Screen national legislation and procedure and asses’ gaps with IFC Performance Standards.
• Provide guidance to IFC clients and their consultants conducting E&S Impact Assessment studies, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Resettlement Action Plans, Livelihood Restoration Plans, and others studies, as the case maybe. 
• Undertake E&S screening using IFC tools and guidance, and E&S Due Diligence or Appraisal work, and summarize and present the findings as per IFC procedures, preparing internal and external documentation, as needed. 
• Provide updates on the E&S performance of the assigned projects to be submitted to the ESG Upstream Lead for Asia Pacific.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced Degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental engineering, environment and/or natural resource management or social science, international development, and sustainable development, or other relevant discipline.  
• Advanced degree with as minimum 10 years work experience related to E&S risk management and E&S Due Diligence of complex manufacturing and infrastructure projects as well as development and review of safeguards documentation such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Compliance Audit, Land review, Resettlement Action Plan, Livelihood Restoration Plan, stakeholder/community engagement and consultation activities, Environmental Site Assessment, country E&S legislative framework and policy review to identify gaps with IFC Performance Standards where any, E&S Scoping Studies,  etc. 
• Track record in working with public and private sector clients to identify E&S risks and complex issues and develop mitigation measures to ensure compliance with GIIP. 
• Practical knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework, Performance Standards, and  related Guidance Notes, other IFC publications on sustainability and WBG Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze, and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from limited data.
• Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity, coupled with the ability to recognize when a solution is not available.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential.  Additional language skills are advantageous.
• Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities (once Covid-19 travel restriction allow).
• A 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.

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.