Description
Established in 1944, the WBG is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for development solutions. In fiscal year 2018, the WBG committed $67 billion in loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees to its members and private businesses, of which $24 billion was concessional finance to its poorest members. It is governed by 188-member countries and delivers services out of 120 offices with nearly 15,000 staff located globally.
The WBG consists of five specialized institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The World Bank is organized into six client-facing Regional Vice-Presidencies, several corporate functions and thirteen Global Practices to bring best-in-class knowledge and solutions to regional and country clients.
ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND BLUE ECONOMY GLOBAL PRACTICE (GP)
Sustainable environment and natural resources management (ENRM) is at the heart of the WBG’s poverty agenda. Biodiversity and natural resources constitute the social safety net of the poor, representing a food bank and often their only source of livelihood. Sustainable ENRM promotes a green, clean, and resilient world where natural resources – from forests to fisheries, freshwater, oceans, coastal zones and ecosystems – are managed to support livelihoods and strong economies. Sustainable ENRM builds a world better prepared for shocks and global challenges, helping countries limit their exposure to resource scarcity, more-volatile weather patterns, and the long-term consequences of climate change.
The Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy (ENB) Global Practice has been set-up to deliver on the opportunities, benefits and outcomes offered by enhanced management of the environment and natural resources. The ENB GP has close to 300 operations under management, representing $7 billion, and a growing pipeline of new investments under active development.
The Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy Global Practice has two key functions:
1.Provides clients with lending and non-lending services aimed to support the GP’s three core business lines, namely: (i) Forests, Watersheds and Sustainable Landscapes; (ii) Marine, Coastal and Aquatic Resources; and (iii) Pollution Management and Environmental Health. The GP’s activities also include a focus on Clean and Resilient Growth through its work on environmental economics and support to institutional development.
2.Supports effective environmental risk management and sustainability by managing risk at the project level and creating opportunities to advance sustainable development, in a large part through the implementation of the Bank’s environmental policies, such Safeguards Policies for investment projects with concept notes approved before October 1, 2018 and Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) for all other investment projects. The ESF is made up of the World Bank’s vision for sustainable development, the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy for Investment Project Financing, and ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). These set out the mandatory requirements for the World Bank, in relation to the projects it supports through Investment Project Financing (IPF), and for Borrowers.
ENB GP consists of 10 regional units mapped to 6 world regions and one global unit. ENB GP is part of the Sustainable Development Practice Group. The ENB GP unit (SLCEN) in the Latin American and Caribbean Sustainable Development Group (SLCDR) is seeking to recruit an Environmental Specialist (Extended Term Consultant) with skills in environmental impact assessment, environmental management, climate change mitigation and /or adaptation screening and/or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) for Caribbean Region at Washington DC. The selected ET Consultant will report to Practice Manager of the SLCEN, located in Washington DC, and will join a team of about 30 staff, half of which are based in various LAC countries. The specialist will work under direct supervision of the Caribbean Region Environmental Focal Point and Sint Maarten Environmental Focal Point.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide technical support for the screening of Bank projects for environmental impacts, and vulnerabilities and identify risk management opportunities/strategies in Bank operations. (Familiarity with the WBG instruments and procedures is a plus but not a requirement).
• During project preparation: assess the project’s potential environmental footprint and decide which of the Bank’s ESS is most relevant; guide the borrower/project implementation agency in preparing the necessary safeguard instruments and review them for quality; elaborate well-written summaries of key safeguards instruments to include in project documentation; assist in the Environmental and Social Risk Classifications (ESRCs) and preparation of Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs); and help the client to assure the quality of project documentation before submission Bank for formal review and approval.
• Provide guidance and support for the screening of Bank projects for environmental risks, impacts and vulnerabilities, and identify risk management opportunities/strategies including labor influx, occupational health and safety, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Monitor compliance of all project-financed activities with safeguards policies for projects under implementing or with concepts approved before October 1, 2018; For projects being supported by the Bank’s ESF, monitor compliance with the ESSs, sector specific guidelines, other relevant policies, and contract specific conditions; flag issues of non-compliance to borrower and Bank management and advise and support the borrower in developing and implementing remedies.
• Work with borrowers / recipients to effectively assess environmental risks, evaluate all relevant information, propose project risk classification and recommend solutions to comply with the Bank’s ESF, using ESSs, related guidance and good practice notes, as well as internationally accepted good industry practice for informed decision making. Ensure compliance of all project financed activities, including those related to associated facilities, with the Bank’s Safeguards policies and the ESSs and the Bank Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, as well as Good International Industry Practice (GIIP).
• Contribute to analyzing and disseminating lessons learned and best practices from specific World Bank projects for research, knowledge and learning purposes.
• Provide guidance to the borrower on open and transparent engagement (through consultations, information disclosure and grievance redress mechanism) with relevant project stakeholders throughout the project cycle.
• Regularly complete all project-related reporting requirements in the Bank system and provide project-related synopsis to Management as required.
• Participate in dialogue with the Caribbean governments on environmental, natural resources and blue economy priorities.
• Provide technical and operational inputs in ENB project preparation and implementation.
Selection Criteria
• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, natural resources management, environmental or civil engineering, or other relevant disciplines (e.g. applied natural sciences).
• A minimum of five years of full-time relevant experience (work or applied research) on environmental assessment and management including the preparation and/or review of project environmental impact assessments, environmental management plans, capacity assessment and institutional strengthening, public consultation plans, health and safety management/plans, emergency/contingency plans, or other related project environmental plans/studies, environmental project management.
• Knowledge and experience related to environmental impact assessment and management in various sectors, such as water supply and sanitation, energy, transportation, urban development, natural disaster management, agriculture and rural development, health, and education.
• Good analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse qualitative and quantitative environmentally-related data and information.
• Ability to manage and follow up on multiple work-streams simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently is required.
• Ability to work well with a range of stakeholders, including project-affected parties, government officials, non-governmental organizations /civil society, as well as project investors and their staff.
• Familiarity with World Bank’s safeguards policies, ESF and/or IFC’s Performance Standards /MIGA Environmental and Social policies or similar standards would be an advantage. Knowledge of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change GHG accounting methodologies, or similar standards, is a plus.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential. Good command in Spanish is preferred.
• Good team player who can work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, motivate and lead group efforts and network effectively across boundaries.
• Demonstrated skills and commitment to: Client Orientation; Drive for Results; Teamwork (collaboration) and Inclusion; Knowledge, Learning and Communication; and Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making;
BANK COMPETENCIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STANDARDS SPECIALISTS:
Communication:
Able to write and/or present in a fluent, business-like manner with minimal supervision. Able to synthesize (both verbally and in writing) complex issues and clearly summarize key points and questions. Understands the need to tailor communication to the audience and can prepare effective supporting documents to facilitate his/her oral presentation on straightforward subject matter. Creates an environment where respect, tact, and consideration for all cultures are used in all communication.
Due Diligence:
Demonstrates understanding of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and applies the Framework to identify and address environmental and social issues and risks. Works under the supervision of Senior Environmental Specialists to undertake environmental and social due diligence and provides input to the project team on environmental and social issues/risks with minimal supervision. Proactively determines risk mitigation measures. Demonstrates effective time and resource management skills. Provides effective and timely guidance to clients on environmental and social issues/risks, and actively participates in discussions with clients on environmental and social matters.
Portfolio Monitoring:
Works independently requiring minimal supervision to proactively monitor the environmental and social performance of assigned projects. Anticipates potential issues and formulates corrective plans for identified environmental and social problems. Engages effectively with clients to achieve compliance and contributes to discussions on environmental and social matters.
Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two 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 second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.
