Senior Environmental & Social Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, the IFC focuses on the private sector in emerging markets. With a presence in over 100 countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the IFC is dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. In fiscal year 2025, the IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The organization operates with a mission to create markets and opportunities in developing countries, utilizing its capital, expertise, and influence to address urgent global challenges. For more information, visit their website at https://www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environmental & Social Specialist position at IFC is designed for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional who will provide critical support to infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness-related transactions, with a particular focus on occupational health and safety in the Africa region. This role is pivotal in guiding clients and investment teams on Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management in accordance with IFC Performance Standards and Sustainability Policy. The specialist will be a senior member of the regional team, responsible for promoting compliance with IFC’s performance standards and enhancing the impact of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates. Reporting to the ESG Regional Manager for West – Central and Southern Africa, the specialist will engage in various activities including early screening, due diligence, and portfolio supervision, while also contributing to upstream and advisory services and knowledge management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Environmental & Social Specialist include leading or contributing to the assessment of E&S issues and risks in new investments and advisory engagements. This involves identifying and developing risk mitigation measures, advising on structuring and contractual alignment to address risks, and providing guidance to investment teams throughout the investment cycle. The specialist will also monitor portfolio clients, engage with them to achieve compliance, and document any gaps between client performance and IFC requirements. Additionally, the role includes supporting industry teams in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman requests, building client capacity on E&S issues, contributing to portfolio analysis, and participating in strategic decision-making regarding advisory support. The specialist will also engage in knowledge management activities, including preparing policy interpretation notes and participating in forums to showcase IFC's experience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Environmental & Social Specialist position must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental management, occupational health and safety management, engineering, economics, finance, climate change, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines. A minimum of 12 years of professional experience in E&S due diligence in an international context is required, with a strong preference for experience in the private sector, particularly in the agribusiness sector. Familiarity with E&S Policies and Standards, especially those of International Financial Institutions (IFI) and/or the World Bank Group, is essential. Practical experience in addressing E&S issues across various sectors, along with consultancy or operational experience in developing countries, is advantageous. Experience in managing occupational health and safety risks is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as environmental management, occupational health and safety management, engineering, economics, finance, climate change, or social sciences. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of E&S issues and for effectively contributing to the organization's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of professional experience in E&S due diligence, particularly in an international context. Candidates should have a strong preference for experience in the private sector, especially within the agribusiness sector. Experience with E&S Policies and Standards, particularly those of International Financial Institutions (IFI) and/or the World Bank Group, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have practical experience in addressing E&S issues across various sectors and possess consultancy or operational experience in developing countries.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication on complex environmental and social issues is essential. While English is the required language, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where multiple languages are spoken.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries may apply. 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 being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The culture at the World Bank Group emphasizes a sense of urgency, thoughtful risk-taking, and empowerment and accountability among its employees.