Description
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and 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 2019, we invested more than $19 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most (visit www.ifc.org).
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Sustainability Advice and Solutions Department (CEG), housed in IFC Operations, is IFC’s ESG center of excellence. CEG includes approximately 200 staff and consultants with deep experience and global expertise in their respective fields. CEG further leverages this expertise and operational experience in emerging markets to maintain IFC’s leadership in sustainability through ESG standards – the Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards (www.ifc.org/performancestandards) and the Corporate Governance Methodology (www.ifc.org/corporategovernance) – and to encourage the effective adoption of these standards by companies and investors across the emerging markets. More details can be found at www.ifc.org/sustainability.
CEG supports IFC’s investment and advisory clients to manage ESG risks associated with their activities and to find value-added opportunities in their operations. IFC’s advisory activities include advice in public-private partnerships (PPPs) to help national and municipal governments with the selection of private sector partners to improve basic infrastructure and services, mainly in the power, transportation, sanitation, education, and healthcare sectors. IFC typically plays the role of lead advisor in PPP transactions, working closely with public clients, managing external consultants, and applying the same standards it applies to its own portfolio.
IFC is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented professional with experience in assessing E&S risks of infrastructure projects and assisting public and private sector clients in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment studies for greenfield infrastructure projects and due diligence of brownfield projects. The candidate will need strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to join IFC’s East Asia and Pacific ESG team and support the IFC PPP Advisory Services business in the region.
Duties and Accountabilities:
- Identify key E&S risks associated with PPP projects against the requirements of IFC’s Performance Standards;
- Prepare internal E&S documentation to enable IFC’s decision making and attend internal meetings;
- Undertake site visits and meet with IFC PPP clients and other relevant public entities. This task includes workshops and trainings for public officers to present IFC Performance Standards and good international industry practice in E&S risk management and explain measures to align the project with such standards and practice;
- Define the scope of work for E&S Scoping Studies and the E&S content of IFC’s mandates and discuss with internal and external stakeholders to clarify objectives and manage expectations;
- Support in the selection of E&S consultants for the development of the E&S Scoping Studies, including reviews of technical qualifications and proposals;
- Review E&S Scoping Studies for consistency with IFC Performance Standards, accurateness, and completeness;
- Coordinate E&S consultants and subject-matter experts to provide integrated and coherent E&S input for the PPP tender process and explain such input to internal stakeholders, IFC PPP clients, and potential private sector bidders;
- Provide guidance to IFC PPP clients and their consultants conducting E&S Impact Assessment studies, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Resettlement Action Plans, Livelihood Restoration Plans, and others, as the case may be;
- Support the definition of E&S obligations for PPP contracts;
- Provide monthly updates on the E&S performance of PPP projects in the region and support in development of sectoral and regional portfolio reviews;
- Provide organizational and coordination support in the convening of knowledge sharing forums and conferences and contribute to the development of content materials.
Selection Criteria
- Graduate / Advanced Degree in environmental engineering, environment and/or natural resource management or social science, international development, and sustainable development, or other relevant discipline;
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in E&S risk management of infrastructure projects as well as proven experience in one or more areas of E&S risk management, such as:
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Site Assessment, Compliance Audit, Resettlement Action Plan, Livelihood Restoration Plan, Socio-economic studies, and stakeholder/community engagement and consultation activities.
- International experience across developing countries will be advantageous.
- Track record in working with public and private sector clients to identify E&S risks and issues and develop mitigation measures to ensure compliance with good international industry practice.
- Knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework, Performance Standards, and supporting documents such as Guidance Notes, WBG EHS Guidelines, and other IFC publications on sustainability.
- Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze, and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from limited data.
- Exemplary project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadline.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
- Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity, coupled with the ability to recognize when a solution is not available.
- Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Additional language skills are advantageous.
- Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.
- A good team player with strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team, and network effectively across boundaries.
- Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.
