E T Consultant

Contract

This is a World Bank Group grade: EC2 contract. More about World Bank Group grade: EC2 contracts.

E T Consultant

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

Background /General Description:

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. Through the EU Sustainable Finance Project, IFC aims to support Azerbaijan in enhancing sustainable financing mechanisms, promoting green finance, and contributing to the efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Projects:

Eu Sustainable Finance Project: The overall objective of the project is to increase the flow of climate finance towards climate change mitigation and adaptation private sector initiatives/projects in different sectors and as a result, reduce GHG emissions. The project will work in the Europe region, primarily focusing on the Balkans (Albania, Kosovo, Serbia), Caucuses (Azerbaijan, Georgia), Moldova, and Ukraine. The rationale for the country selection is based on the pre-implementation findings suggesting that in these countries the climate finance market is at a nascent level, and the need is great for IFC advisory services for creating enabling regulatory environment and building capacity of financial institutions to enable their green transformation. The project will also work with EU-member countries in Eastern Europe (incl. Bulgaria, Poland, Romania,) where there is significant potential for IFC climate investments. To achieve its goal the project will: 1) create an enabling sustainable finance environment by working with national financial regulators/enablers to establish national legislative/regulatory frameworks; 2) develop the supply for green finance through advisory work with financial institutions to build capacity/undergo green transformation and leveraging green finance across banking and microfinancing associations; 3) enhance the regional sustainable finance knowledge through IFC’s Green Banking Academy (GBAC) events and services.

DIGILAB Finance ECA Project: The Project is a hands-on acceleration program for financial institutions to develop their digital transformation strategies. It will enable senior-level executives of participating FIs to identify their current states of digitalization and internal challenges; enrich their visions to transform; support the change management process; and prepare for digital success through adaptions to their operating models. Ultimately, the program will result in FIs developing a high-level digital vision and a prioritized road map to achieve that digital vision. Over the project implementation, sixteen financial institutions, over different cohorts, are targeted to participate in the training program.

IFC Engagement in COP29

The IFC's engagement in COP29 centers around catalyzing the role of the financial sector in driving forward global climate action. This involves orchestrating public-private partnerships for climate projects, showcasing innovative green finance products, engaging in policy dialogues to refine sustainable finance regulations, and facilitating knowledge exchange to build capacity among financial institutions. Through these efforts, IFC aims to foster international collaboration, influence policy development, and amplify commitments towards sustainable investment, thereby enhancing the flow of finance to climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

Scope of Work and Activities:

Strategic Initiatives and Policy Advocacy:

Lead strategic efforts to bolster sustainable finance and digital transformation within the financial sector, ensuring alignment with the EU Sustainable Finance Project's goals and the digital innovation aims of the DIGILAB Finance ECA Project. Advocate with national regulators and policy stakeholders for the adoption of legislative and regulatory frameworks conducive to sustainable finance and digital transformation. Provide technical support for the establishment of national guidelines and standards for sustainable finance in line with EU practices.

Capacity Building and Advisory Services:

Provide advisory services and capacity-building programs to financial institutions, focusing on green transformation, enhancing digital capabilities, and incorporating climate risk in financial decision-making. Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in sustainable finance among local and international stakeholders. Work closely with financial institutions and investors to develop and implement green finance products and services. Collaborate with the IFC’s Green Banking Academy (GBAC) to organize knowledge-sharing events, enhancing the understanding and implementation of sustainable finance principles.

Industry Engagement and Partnership Development:

Engage with various sectors to promote sustainable business practices and investments, providing technical support and facilitating the transition to green operations. Build partnerships between financial institutions, government entities, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to support sustainable finance initiatives. Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and international forums related to COP29, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among participants. Support initiatives that enhance the capacity of stakeholders to engage in climate finance and sustainable development projects, leveraging international experiences and best practices.

Operational Support and Project Implementation:

Assist the Azerbaijan Country team and other regional teams in implementing project goals, including planning, facilitating meetings and workshops, and monitoring project progress. Coordinate preparation for COP29 activities, focusing on the financial sector’s engagement in climate discussions and the promotion of finance flows consistent with a low-carbon, climate-resilient pathway. Facilitate the development of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at mobilizing private sector investment for climate action projects, contributing to national and international climate objectives.

Deliverables/Specific Outputs Expected from Specialist:

• Facilitation in development and delivery of strategic plans and policy recommendations for enhancing sustainable finance and digital transformation frameworks within the financial sector. • Provision and development of reports on engagements with national regulators and policy stakeholders, outlining advocacy efforts and outcomes. • Facilitate the development and adoption of green finance products and services among financial institutions and investors, contributing to the broader objectives of enhancing sustainable finance practices. • Compile and submit reports on advisory services provided, including outcomes of capacity-building initiatives focused on green transformation and digital readiness. • Deliver reports on industry-specific engagements and technical support provided to promote sustainable business practices and green investments. • Document the development and progress of partnerships between financial institutions, government entities, NGOs, and the private sector, emphasizing collaborative efforts towards sustainable finance. • Provide regular updates and progress reports on the operational support given to the Azerbaijan Country team and other regional teams, detailing the implementation of project goals and activities. • Prepare comprehensive plans and reports on the preparation and execution of COP29-related activities, detailing the financial sector’s engagement and contributions to climate discussions. • Document the development, facilitation, and outcomes of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at climate action, including case studies and lessons learned. • Produce detailed summaries of meetings, workshops, and forums related to COP29, capturing key discussions, stakeholder engagement strategies, and collaborative initiatives. • Create capacity-building materials and reports on initiatives designed to enhance stakeholder participation in climate finance and sustainable development projects.

Acceptance of Deliverables:

Complete the task as agreed to by Management.

The Deliverable must be submitted on time, per the outputs expected. All written deliverables shall be submitted in the language specified by Management. These deliverables must be precise, technically correct, and free of errors. All written deliverables shall be submitted in electronic versions by email.

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

Background /General Description:

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. Through the EU Sustainable Finance Project, IFC aims to support Azerbaijan in enhancing sustainable financing mechanisms, promoting green finance, and contributing to the efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Projects:

Eu Sustainable Finance Project: The overall objective of the project is to increase the flow of climate finance towards climate change mitigation and adaptation private sector initiatives/projects in different sectors and as a result, reduce GHG emissions. The project will work in the Europe region, primarily focusing on the Balkans (Albania, Kosovo, Serbia), Caucuses (Azerbaijan, Georgia), Moldova, and Ukraine. The rationale for the country selection is based on the pre-implementation findings suggesting that in these countries the climate finance market is at a nascent level, and the need is great for IFC advisory services for creating enabling regulatory environment and building capacity of financial institutions to enable their green transformation. The project will also work with EU-member countries in Eastern Europe (incl. Bulgaria, Poland, Romania,) where there is significant potential for IFC climate investments. To achieve its goal the project will: 1) create an enabling sustainable finance environment by working with national financial regulators/enablers to establish national legislative/regulatory frameworks; 2) develop the supply for green finance through advisory work with financial institutions to build capacity/undergo green transformation and leveraging green finance across banking and microfinancing associations; 3) enhance the regional sustainable finance knowledge through IFC’s Green Banking Academy (GBAC) events and services.

DIGILAB Finance ECA Project: The Project is a hands-on acceleration program for financial institutions to develop their digital transformation strategies. It will enable senior-level executives of participating FIs to identify their current states of digitalization and internal challenges; enrich their visions to transform; support the change management process; and prepare for digital success through adaptions to their operating models. Ultimately, the program will result in FIs developing a high-level digital vision and a prioritized road map to achieve that digital vision. Over the project implementation, sixteen financial institutions, over different cohorts, are targeted to participate in the training program.

IFC Engagement in COP29

The IFC's engagement in COP29 centers around catalyzing the role of the financial sector in driving forward global climate action. This involves orchestrating public-private partnerships for climate projects, showcasing innovative green finance products, engaging in policy dialogues to refine sustainable finance regulations, and facilitating knowledge exchange to build capacity among financial institutions. Through these efforts, IFC aims to foster international collaboration, influence policy development, and amplify commitments towards sustainable investment, thereby enhancing the flow of finance to climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

Scope of Work and Activities:

Strategic Initiatives and Policy Advocacy:

Lead strategic efforts to bolster sustainable finance and digital transformation within the financial sector, ensuring alignment with the EU Sustainable Finance Project's goals and the digital innovation aims of the DIGILAB Finance ECA Project. Advocate with national regulators and policy stakeholders for the adoption of legislative and regulatory frameworks conducive to sustainable finance and digital transformation. Provide technical support for the establishment of national guidelines and standards for sustainable finance in line with EU practices.

Capacity Building and Advisory Services:

Provide advisory services and capacity-building programs to financial institutions, focusing on green transformation, enhancing digital capabilities, and incorporating climate risk in financial decision-making. Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in sustainable finance among local and international stakeholders. Work closely with financial institutions and investors to develop and implement green finance products and services. Collaborate with the IFC’s Green Banking Academy (GBAC) to organize knowledge-sharing events, enhancing the understanding and implementation of sustainable finance principles.

Industry Engagement and Partnership Development:

Engage with various sectors to promote sustainable business practices and investments, providing technical support and facilitating the transition to green operations. Build partnerships between financial institutions, government entities, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to support sustainable finance initiatives. Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and international forums related to COP29, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among participants. Support initiatives that enhance the capacity of stakeholders to engage in climate finance and sustainable development projects, leveraging international experiences and best practices.

Operational Support and Project Implementation:

Assist the Azerbaijan Country team and other regional teams in implementing project goals, including planning, facilitating meetings and workshops, and monitoring project progress. Coordinate preparation for COP29 activities, focusing on the financial sector’s engagement in climate discussions and the promotion of finance flows consistent with a low-carbon, climate-resilient pathway. Facilitate the development of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at mobilizing private sector investment for climate action projects, contributing to national and international climate objectives.

Deliverables/Specific Outputs Expected from Specialist:

• Facilitation in development and delivery of strategic plans and policy recommendations for enhancing sustainable finance and digital transformation frameworks within the financial sector. • Provision and development of reports on engagements with national regulators and policy stakeholders, outlining advocacy efforts and outcomes. • Facilitate the development and adoption of green finance products and services among financial institutions and investors, contributing to the broader objectives of enhancing sustainable finance practices. • Compile and submit reports on advisory services provided, including outcomes of capacity-building initiatives focused on green transformation and digital readiness. • Deliver reports on industry-specific engagements and technical support provided to promote sustainable business practices and green investments. • Document the development and progress of partnerships between financial institutions, government entities, NGOs, and the private sector, emphasizing collaborative efforts towards sustainable finance. • Provide regular updates and progress reports on the operational support given to the Azerbaijan Country team and other regional teams, detailing the implementation of project goals and activities. • Prepare comprehensive plans and reports on the preparation and execution of COP29-related activities, detailing the financial sector’s engagement and contributions to climate discussions. • Document the development, facilitation, and outcomes of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at climate action, including case studies and lessons learned. • Produce detailed summaries of meetings, workshops, and forums related to COP29, capturing key discussions, stakeholder engagement strategies, and collaborative initiatives. • Create capacity-building materials and reports on initiatives designed to enhance stakeholder participation in climate finance and sustainable development projects.

Acceptance of Deliverables:

Complete the task as agreed to by Management.

The Deliverable must be submitted on time, per the outputs expected. All written deliverables shall be submitted in the language specified by Management. These deliverables must be precise, technically correct, and free of errors. All written deliverables shall be submitted in electronic versions by email.

Selection Criteria

• A Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, or a related field, with a focus on sustainable finance or environmental economics preferred. • At least 5 years of experience in finance, banking, or related fields, with a strong understanding of development finance and climate finance mechanisms. • Strong analytical skills. • Ability to manage and produce quality reports and presentations. • Strong communication skills in both oral and written English. • Willingness and ability to travel. • Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work well with minimal supervision. • Strong drive to deliver on time and on quality; desire for professional growth. • Collaborative work style and a team player. • Understanding of IFC operations and its investment project cycles as well as its Paris Alignment and Climate Finance approaches is a plus. • Experience in organizing and coordinating events, particularly those related to finance, climate change and sustainability. • Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. • Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Azerbaijani or Russian is a plus.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.