Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is a member of the World Bank Group, established to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries. MIGA's mission is to help end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. The organization operates globally, providing guarantee products and expertise to facilitate investment in developing nations. MIGA serves as a one-stop shop for all World Bank Group guarantee business, ensuring simplicity, efficiency, and speed in delivering the best solutions for clients. The agency focuses on sustainability as a strategic priority, addressing environmental and social risks and impacts, including climate change and gender equality, while ensuring compliance with its environmental and social policies. MIGA has a dedicated workforce and operates in numerous countries, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environmental and Social (E&S) Development Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the financial institutions group (FIG) globally. This position requires a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills. The specialist will provide E&S guidance to clients and underwriting teams, ensuring compliance with MIGA’s Sustainability Policy and Performance Standards. The role involves assessing potential E&S risks and impacts of guarantee engagements, developing mitigation plans, and preparing public disclosure documents. The specialist will also lead the preparation of guidance materials, provide training, and support the formulation of E&S legal conditions for MIGA contracts. This position is essential for promoting compliance and enhancing the impact of MIGA-supported business activities, contributing to the overall mission of MIGA to foster sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior E&S Specialist will be responsible for assessing E&S risks and impacts of guarantee engagements in the FIG sector, ensuring compliance with MIGA Performance Standards. Key duties include:

• Conducting assessments of potential E&S risks and impacts for MIGA guarantee support.
• Collaborating with clients to develop mitigation plans that comply with MIGA’s Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability.
• Preparing public disclosure documents and internal documentation per MIGA E&S Review Procedures.
• Leading the preparation of guidance materials on E&S due diligence and monitoring.
• Providing clear guidance to underwriting teams on E&S risk management throughout the guarantee cycle.
• Supporting the formulation of E&S legal conditions for MIGA contracts.
• Contributing to the harmonization of due diligence approaches and processes.
• Identifying and developing E&S risk mitigation measures and solutions for clients.
• Monitoring portfolio clients to ensure compliance with E&S requirements. 1
• Supporting clients’ E&S capacity building and participating in policy interpretation notes on E&S topics. 1
• Representing MIGA at technical meetings and preparing management briefs on relevant E&S matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or PhD) in Environment, Social Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of 8 years of directly relevant work experience in environmental and/or social management and assessment is required, particularly in relation to private sector business activities and the financial sector. Familiarity with MIGA / IFC Performance Standards and Guidance Notes is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with private sector financial intermediaries to identify E&S risks and develop mitigation measures. International experience, especially in developing countries or fragile states, is preferred, along with the ability to travel frequently. Strong organizational skills, analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Environment, Social Science, or Engineering. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of environmental and social issues related to development and investment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, specifically in environmental and social management and assessment. This experience should be directly related to private sector business activities, particularly within the financial sector. A strong background in working with financial intermediaries to identify and mitigate E&S risks is crucial. Experience in international development organizations and familiarity with MIGA / IFC Performance Standards is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in French is highly desirable and considered an asset for this position, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years, and it involves international recruitment. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, 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, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role may require frequent travel to developing countries, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and project investors.