IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its business in the North, West and the Horn of Africa. This professional will provide E&S guidance to clients and IFC’s investment and advisory teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PS) and Sustainability Policy, with the aim of promoting compliance and enhancing the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities.The position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the North, West and the Horn of Africa region.

Duties and Accountabilities:

•  Lead or contribute to review of E&S issues and risks in new investments in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness sectors.

•  Prepare concise public disclosure documents for new investments as well as internal documentation.

•  Lead or contribute to identification and development of E&S risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in addressing identified issues.

•  Provide clear and responsive guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management in project decision-making and processing throughout the investment cycle.

•  Support formulation of E&S legal conditions for IFC projects. 

•  Monitor portfolio clients and engage with these clients and investment departments to achieve compliance with contractual E&S requirements, clearly documenting and communicating any outstanding or emerging gaps in client performance and IFC requirements, and related risks and opportunities.

•  Contribute to portfolio analysis to identify systemic issues and assess trends; or of policy nature and propose policy adjustments as needed.

•  Contribute to regional supervision program reviews and periodic reports.

•  Support industry teams and clients in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests where needed, including discussions with CAO and IEG officers, as needed.

•  Support client E&S capacity-building. 

•  Contribute to the preparation of management briefs of relevant E&S matters.

Selection Criteria

•  Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, sociology or other relevant disciplines.

•  Minimum of seven years professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in the North, West and the Horn of Africa in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services or agribusiness sectors. 

•  Experience working with IFC/World Bank/E&S Policies and Standards. 

•  Willingness to travel regularly. 

•  Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources and draw conclusions from limited data.

•  Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.

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

•  Ability to communicate effectively and concisely on complex E&S issues in spoken and written form.

•  Proficiency in English essential, with French and Arabic language skills as an advantage. 

•  Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams.

•  High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner, respond diplomatically and remain calm under pressure.