Associate Environmental and Social Developmental Specialist, Stakeholder Grievance Response

Contract

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Associate Environmental and Social Developmental Specialist, Stakeholder Grievance Response

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 Environmental & Social (E&S) Policy and Risk Department (CES) is responsible for:

• Policy: maintaining IFC’s E&S policies, procedures and systems.

• Knowledge: developing knowledge products training and accreditation for IFC staff.

• Risk: providing E&S policy and risk oversight of the high-risk projects in IFC’s investment and advisory pipeline, and high-risk and non-performing projects in IFC’s investment portfolio.

• Stakeholder Grievance Response: facilitating and improving IFC’s ability to resolve stakeholder complaints quickly and effectively, and to address both CAO complaints and project-related E&S complaints received directly by IFC (Direct Complaints).

CES works in close collaboration with IFC’s investment departments and the ESG Sustainability Advice and Solutions Department (CEG). Within CES, the Stakeholder Grievance Response (SGR) team delivers on IFC’s commitment to accountability and responsiveness to project-affected communities by supporting early action and proactive problem solving by IFC teams and clients when responding to E&S complaints from external stakeholders.

Objectives / Purpose of the Assignment

IFC’s Environmental and Social Performance Standards (www.ifc.org/performancestandards) define IFC clients’ responsibilities for managing the E&S risks and impacts arising from their business activities. Where local communities are potentially impacted, they should have recourse to communicate their concerns to the client company through a project-level grievance mechanism, and, if necessary, to IFC directly. They also have access to CAO, IFC's independent accountability mechanism. The SGR function was created to facilitate these processes and strengthen IFC’s response to E&S complaints.

CES is looking for a highly motivated E&S professional to join the SGR team. The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams and CES policy, knowledge and risk officers to engage effectively with CAO, IFC clients, CSOs, and project stakeholders to facilitate timely response to and resolution of E&S concerns and complaints, including both CAO and Direct Complaints. SGR staff champion complaints responsiveness; contribute to relevant policy work and knowledge products; and develop and deliver staff training, lessons learned, and guidance relating to grievance response.

While SGR staff cover a global portfolio, this role is intended to have a particular focus on the Asia region.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Lead engagement, training, and project support for IFC's response to CAO and Direct Complaints

• Advise teams, management, and clients on complex, high-profile cases. Provide guidance related to complainant engagement and contribute to problem-solving and complaint resolution.

• Proactively engage across departments and offer solutions to resolve E&S issues at the project and systemic levels, and to mainstream the grievance response function in IFC

• Oversee the preparation and clearance of IFC’s responses to CAO. Advise teams based on case precedent and awareness of broader CAO relationship.

• Guide teams through the Direct Complaints process, and facilitate early and proactive response to complaints received directly by IFC.

• Develop and deliver regular progress reports and training, guidance materials, and lessons learned to IFC staff and management.

• Engage on E&S complaints response issues with internal (e.g., World Bank, MIGA) and external stakeholders (e.g., clients, complainants, partners, CSOs).

Selection Criteria

• Graduate/advance degree in environmental or social sciences, international development, sustainable development, or other relevant discipline, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, including with community engagement, civil society, or grievance mechanisms.

• Demonstrated understanding of the IFC Performance Standards or equivalent.

• Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. 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.

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Additional language skills preferred.

• Experience in research and analysis. Ability to synthesize and analyze diverse E&S related data and information, craft clear and concise points or messages, and communicate on complex E&S issues in a manner that can be understood by non-experts.

• Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal & external parties (including senior staff, management, CAO, clients, complainants, and CSOs) and seek solutions in potentially tense or conflictual situations.

• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team.

• High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner.

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.