Sustainability Operations Officer - CEMIA

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is recognized as the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to promote sustainable economic growth, the IFC operates in over 100 countries, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing nations. The organization is dedicated to ending poverty and promoting shared prosperity through innovative solutions and partnerships with both public and private sectors. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, emphasizing its role in mobilizing private capital for sustainable development. The IFC's Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory (SIA) Group plays a crucial role in addressing developmental challenges by providing long-term financing and industry-leading expertise to advance infrastructure projects that connect people to essential services, create jobs, and improve lives.

Job Overview:
The Sustainability Operations Officer will play a pivotal role in supporting the Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory (SIA) Group's initiatives in the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with a significant focus on Pakistan. This position requires a dynamic sustainability expert who possesses a strong background in sustainability, climate risk and adaptation, project management, and business development. The officer will be responsible for identifying client opportunities, building a pipeline of advisory engagements, and articulating the business case for sustainability to IFC Infrastructure clients. The role also involves researching climate vulnerabilities, assessing physical climate risks, and providing recommendations for climate adaptation to help companies minimize the impacts of climate change on their operations and assets. The officer will design and deliver sustainability-focused advisory projects, organize knowledge-sharing events, and develop communication materials to promote best practices in sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Sustainability Operations Officer include:

• Identifying client opportunities and contributing to the development of a pipeline of advisory engagements for IFC Infrastructure clients in the MCT Region.
• Researching market trends in sustainability and shaping solutions for infrastructure clients.
• Analyzing companies' climate vulnerabilities and readiness to manage physical climate risks.
• Assessing physical climate risks such as floods, droughts, and other climate-related hazards affecting infrastructure projects.
• Providing climate adaptation recommendations to support companies in their planning and implementation efforts.
• Helping companies build adaptive capacity at both asset and corporate levels.
• Identifying opportunities for IFC investment in climate adaptation initiatives.
• Conducting vulnerability mapping using GIS-based tools.
• Designing and delivering sustainability-focused advisory projects and brief engagements. 1
• Organizing workshops, roundtables, and webinars to share knowledge on climate adaptation. 1
• Developing communication materials to promote good practices. 1
• Ensuring efficient resource management for advisory solutions, including coordinating team roles and responsibilities. 1
• Overseeing comprehensive project management tasks such as procurement, budgeting, and reporting. 1
• Systematizing successful client experiences for scalability and replication. 1
• Collaborating across WBG teams to leverage IFC's sustainability expertise.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Sustainability Operations Officer position include:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental science, business, engineering, social sciences, economics, international development, public policy, or sustainability.
• A minimum of five to eight years of relevant experience in sustainability, with a preference for candidates who have worked for international development institutions or private sector infrastructure companies.
• Proficiency in climate risk assessment methodologies, climate data analysis, and modeling.
• Demonstrated experience in developing climate adaptation solutions for infrastructure sectors, including energy, mining, transport, waste, and water.
• Experience advising private sector clients on sustainability topics is a plus.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills with various stakeholders.
• High energy, initiative, and flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements.
• Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, business, engineering, social sciences, economics, international development, public policy, or sustainability. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainability and climate risk management in the context of infrastructure projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five to eight years of relevant experience in sustainability, with a preference for candidates who have seven to eight years of progressive experience, particularly in roles related to sustainability within international development institutions or private sector infrastructure companies. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the challenges and opportunities in the field of sustainability and climate adaptation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, proficiency in Urdu, Arabic, and/or Baloch is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The role is full-time and may require international travel as well as travel within Pakistan. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.