(Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Contract

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(Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist

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.

IFC is a recognized leader in the area of Environmental and Social Sustainability and its Performance Standards are widely regarded as a leading global benchmark for the private sector in emerging markets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing senior team tasked with creating a new and impactful environment and social oversight department. The Environmental & Social (E&S) Policy and Risk Department (CES) reports directly to Vice President, Risk & Finance. CES has a mandate to enhance IFC E&S risk management and is seeking highly experienced E&S Specialists to provide risk management related to IFC’s infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, extractives, and services business.

CES delivers four functions:

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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 direct complaints.

4) 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.

While members of the CES team have a primary focus associated with one of these four functions, all team members support and contribute across all of these cross-cutting responsibilities.

CES works in close collaboration with IFC’s investment departments and the ESG Sustainability Advice and Solutions Department (CEG) housed in IFC Operations. CES provides an independent review in the management of E&S risk and the implementation of IFC’s E&S policies and procedures.

CES is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional with at least 12- 15 years of demonstrated experience in Environmental and Social risk management including labor. The selected candidate will work as part of a highly qualified and seasoned team, guided by Principal/Chief Regional Risk Officers and supported by Associates and Analysts, and will report to the Manager, E&S Risk Management Unit.

Duties and Accountabilities:

New business: Reviewing project concept documents, including E&S category, scope of proposed E&S diligence, labor specific requirements, contextual risk, etc. and reviewing each processing stage of high Labor risk transactions. This may include:

• Understanding the project scope, the financial investment structure, the extent of the client’s leverage and access to information;

• Identifying Social and Labor risks and any gaps in proposed Social risk management approaches;

• Advising on structuring, appropriate mitigation measures and contractual alignment of interest to address risks and impacts;

• Opining on risk and mitigants as proposed by teams in project disclosure documents, board papers, labor specific provisions in legal agreements, etc.;

• Engage with project teams as necessary; and

• Contribute to development of high-quality work products that clearly and logically frame and concisely communicate risks and mitigants.

Portfolio: Portfolio monitoring, particularly reviewing clients’ reporting, investment team E&S monitoring reports (and supporting documentation), portfolio reviews provided by CEG and performing independent analysis of IFC’s portfolio to:

• Maintain a Watch List of high risk, non-performing or complaint generating projects with a focus on Social and Labor issues;

• Coordinate with CEG staff to build a clear picture of Social and Labor issues and risks associated with each Watch List client and review recovery action plans proposed by the investment team for agreement with the client;

• Perform assurance/audit reviews of IFC diligence and monitoring work quality on selected projects;

• Conduct sector/region specific portfolio analysis to identify and assess risks and trends and quality assurance;

• Identify issues and operational weaknesses that are systemic, thematic, or of policy nature and propose procedural or policy clarifications as needed; and

• Contribute to regional supervision program reviews.

Grievance Response: Support the grievance response function in developing solutions and responses to CAO and non-CAO cases with Social and labor/working conditions issues at the project and systemic level, advise on communications with other external stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community complainants, follow up on commitments related to complaints response, and contribute to the mainstreaming of the grievance function for IFC. Serve as an independent Peer Reviewer on CAO compliance investigations on Social and labor related aspects and help the team in developing the corporate Management Response.

As part of projects’ monitoring with CAO or non-CAO E&S complaints, work with project teams, particularly the CEG social specialist, to proactively engage clients in finding solutions and addressing non-compliances on aspects related to Social and Labor aspects.

Policy and Knowledge Management: Contribute to the update of policies and develop guidance and procedures on Social and Labor aspects based on lessons learned in the new business, portfolio and grievance response. Identify and synthesize lessons learned on trends, case studies and good practices on Social and labor related issues and support other research needs in connection with complaint portfolio and issues arising under IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other E&S policies and procedures, including any updates with respect to such policies and procedures.

Lead and contribute to the development of training, accreditation, and guidance on Social and labor specific topics. Develop and implement training and capacity building programs for IFC clients for key themes, including (but not limited to) Land acquisition, resettlement, stakeholder engagement, labor and contractor management, supply chain risks, monitoring of worker’s rights, etc.

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.

IFC is a recognized leader in the area of Environmental and Social Sustainability and its Performance Standards are widely regarded as a leading global benchmark for the private sector in emerging markets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing senior team tasked with creating a new and impactful environment and social oversight department. The Environmental & Social (E&S) Policy and Risk Department (CES) reports directly to Vice President, Risk & Finance. CES has a mandate to enhance IFC E&S risk management and is seeking highly experienced E&S Specialists to provide risk management related to IFC’s infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, extractives, and services business.

CES delivers four functions:

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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 direct complaints.

4) 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.

While members of the CES team have a primary focus associated with one of these four functions, all team members support and contribute across all of these cross-cutting responsibilities.

CES works in close collaboration with IFC’s investment departments and the ESG Sustainability Advice and Solutions Department (CEG) housed in IFC Operations. CES provides an independent review in the management of E&S risk and the implementation of IFC’s E&S policies and procedures.

CES is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional with at least 12- 15 years of demonstrated experience in Environmental and Social risk management including labor. The selected candidate will work as part of a highly qualified and seasoned team, guided by Principal/Chief Regional Risk Officers and supported by Associates and Analysts, and will report to the Manager, E&S Risk Management Unit.

Duties and Accountabilities:

New business: Reviewing project concept documents, including E&S category, scope of proposed E&S diligence, labor specific requirements, contextual risk, etc. and reviewing each processing stage of high Labor risk transactions. This may include:

Portfolio: Portfolio monitoring, particularly reviewing clients’ reporting, investment team E&S monitoring reports (and supporting documentation), portfolio reviews provided by CEG and performing independent analysis of IFC’s portfolio to:

Grievance Response: Support the grievance response function in developing solutions and responses to CAO and non-CAO cases with Social and labor/working conditions issues at the project and systemic level, advise on communications with other external stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community complainants, follow up on commitments related to complaints response, and contribute to the mainstreaming of the grievance function for IFC. Serve as an independent Peer Reviewer on CAO compliance investigations on Social and labor related aspects and help the team in developing the corporate Management Response.

As part of projects’ monitoring with CAO or non-CAO E&S complaints, work with project teams, particularly the CEG social specialist, to proactively engage clients in finding solutions and addressing non-compliances on aspects related to Social and Labor aspects.

Policy and Knowledge Management: Contribute to the update of policies and develop guidance and procedures on Social and Labor aspects based on lessons learned in the new business, portfolio and grievance response. Identify and synthesize lessons learned on trends, case studies and good practices on Social and labor related issues and support other research needs in connection with complaint portfolio and issues arising under IFC’s Sustainability Framework and other E&S policies and procedures, including any updates with respect to such policies and procedures.

Lead and contribute to the development of training, accreditation, and guidance on Social and labor specific topics. Develop and implement training and capacity building programs for IFC clients for key themes, including (but not limited to) Land acquisition, resettlement, stakeholder engagement, labor and contractor management, supply chain risks, monitoring of worker’s rights, etc.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum of 12- 15 years of relevant professional experience, including private sector experience in sustainability, with specific emphasis on social and labor risk management.

• Graduate/advanced degree in social sciences, anthropology, sociology or other related relevant discipline as well as proven experience related to one or more areas of social and labor risk management, such as: stakeholder engagement, labor and working conditions, gender, involuntary resettlement, Indigenous Peoples including Free, Prior & Informed Consultation (FPIC), and cultural heritage.

• In-depth and direct experience with the application of IFC’s Sustainability Framework with a focus on PS 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and/or Good International Industry Practices and standards.

• Demonstrated experience and in-depth understanding of land acquisition, resettlement and stakeholder engagement issues across sectors and geographies. Strong experience and developing and implementing Resettlement Action Plans, Livelihood Restoration plans, Stakeholder Engagement and other plans in accordance with PS 5 and/or international standards are required.

• Demonstrated experience and in-depth understanding of aspects covered under PS2 (labor and working conditions), including supply chain issues. Demonstrated experience in labor assessments, audits, and industrial relations of private sector companies in agribusiness, infrastructure, and manufacturing/services projects in accordance with PS and/or other international standards will be a distinct advantage.

• Demonstrated experience and in-depth understanding of Indigenous Peoples issues and implementation of Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) processes.

• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills including the ability to relate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholder/parties and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations. Track record of conducting stakeholder engagement in developing countries, and experience globally is required.

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Other language skills, such as Spanish, French or Portuguese, are a plus.

• Pragmatic, solution-oriented and practical knowledge of implementing technical standards, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity. Consensus builder with an ability to bring together different stakeholders to engage, collaborate and identify solutions to complex social issues.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines. Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.

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

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.