Environment and Social Specialist

Overview

Drive sustainable development by ensuring projects meet IFC's environmental and social standards

You have:

• Advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a related field, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental and social risk management.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental and social risk management, preferably in emerging markets and across diverse sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, or manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying IFC Performance Standards, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, and other international environmental and social frameworks to complex, high-risk projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess environmental and social risks, develop mitigation strategies, and provide practical, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality results under pressure.
• High level of integrity, adaptability, and resilience, with a proactive and results-oriented approach to addressing challenges in dynamic and complex environments.
• Working knowledge of Turkish, Russian and Arabic desired.
• Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.

Environment and Social Specialist

Job #: req36375 Organization: IFC Sector: Environment Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Istanbul,Turkiye Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Russian, Arabic, and Turkish Closing Date: 4/28/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (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 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The Environmental and Social (E&S) team at IFC works to identify, manage, and mitigate environmental and social risks in private sector investments, ensuring alignment with IFC’s Performance Standards. Through its expertise, the unit enables projects across emerging markets to operate responsibly, safeguard communities and ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Our team is united by core values of Impact, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation.

IFC is seeking an Environment and Social Specialist, based in Istanbul, Türkiye, to drive sustainable development by ensuring projects meet IFC’s environmental and social standards. This pivotal role supports private sector investments across the CATES region, fostering positive impact, mitigating risks, and advancing inclusive growth in emerging markets.

Role Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough environmental and social due diligence for IFC investment projects, ensuring alignment with IFC Performance Standards and applicable policies.

• Provide expert guidance to clients on developing and implementing Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs) to address identified risks and improve project outcomes.

• Collaborate with investment teams to integrate environmental and social risk management into project structuring, decision-making, and portfolio monitoring processes.

• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts, including consultations with affected communities, government agencies, and other relevant parties, to ensure inclusive and transparent communication.

• Monitor the environmental and social performance of IFC-financed projects, identifying gaps and recommending corrective actions to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

• Deliver capacity-building initiatives for clients and partners, including training programs and workshops, to strengthen their ability to manage environmental and social risks effectively.

• Provide technical expertise on emerging environmental and social issues, such as stakeholder engagement, resource efficiency, human rights, and labor standards, to inform IFC’s strategic priorities and project design.

• Support the development and refinement of IFC’s environmental and social policies, tools, and methodologies to enhance their effectiveness and applicability across diverse sectors and regions.

• Actively contribute to knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the MCA region and across IFC, fostering innovation and best practices in environmental and social risk management.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a related field, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental and social risk management.

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental and social risk management, preferably in emerging markets and across diverse sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, or manufacturing.

• Demonstrated expertise in applying IFC Performance Standards, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, and other international environmental and social frameworks to complex, high-risk projects.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess environmental and social risks, develop mitigation strategies, and provide practical, actionable recommendations.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality results under pressure.

• High level of integrity, adaptability, and resilience, with a proactive and results-oriented approach to addressing challenges in dynamic and complex environments.

• Working knowledge of Turkish, Russian and Arabic desired.

• Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: worldbank.org