Environmental Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the bank of the European Union, established in 195

• It plays a crucial role in financing projects that contribute to the EU's policy objectives. The EIB operates in over 160 countries and employs around 3,000 staff members. Its mission is to support sustainable investment that fosters economic growth and job creation while ensuring environmental sustainability. The EIB is committed to promoting innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development across Europe and beyond, making it a key player in the global financial landscape.

Job Overview:
As an Environmental Specialist within the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Division (CESDEV) of the Innovation & Competitiveness Department (INCO), you will be instrumental in driving sustainable initiatives within a diverse and international organization. This role requires regular office presence at the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg and offers the opportunity to engage with various divisions within the INCO Department. You will collaborate with top-tier professionals, including social, climate, and environmental advisors, and coordinate with Environmental and Social Specialists from other departments. Your expertise will be essential in managing external Environmental consultants and expanding your professional network. This position not only allows you to contribute to sustainable development across Europe but also provides a high level of autonomy and the chance to build valuable relationships with international financial institutions, public authorities, and EU institutions. You will represent the EIB at high-level project meetings, showcasing your skills and making a meaningful impact in advancing sustainable and innovative projects across Europe.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include offering expert guidance on environmental risk assessments and due diligence for individual projects, ensuring compliance with EIB environmental standards. You will review environmental and social assessments and related studies to verify their quality and completeness. Additionally, you will help prepare appraisal reports for high-risk projects and may participate in appraisal missions to assess EIB support. Monitoring ongoing projects to confirm compliance with environmental commitments and the achievement of expected development outcomes will also be part of your duties. You will provide advice to project teams on handling environmental complaints and information requests, assist in organizing consultancy services for environmental due diligence and specialized studies, and contribute to creating and applying the Bank’s environmental and social standards. Furthermore, you will represent your department in working groups and prepare management briefings on key environmental and social issues. Lastly, you will help develop and deliver training on EIB environmental standards for staff and project promoters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (minimum equivalent to a Bachelor) preferably in a relevant field such as environmental and natural science/management/engineering, development studies, economics, or another relevant discipline. A minimum of 5 years of recent and relevant professional experience related to environmental due diligence and/or the application of international environmental best practices in the sectors covered by the department’s mandate is required. Preference will be given to candidates who have managed complex tasks/projects. A sound knowledge of international good practices related to environmental due diligence frameworks, processes, and tools, along with solid experience in their application in a project context, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in inter-disciplinary contexts and have experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and local communities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field, such as environmental and natural science/management/engineering, development studies, economics, or another relevant discipline. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the application of best practices in various sectors.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of recent and relevant professional experience in environmental due diligence and the application of international environmental best practices. Candidates with experience managing complex tasks or projects will be given preference. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the Environmental Specialist can effectively navigate the challenges associated with environmental assessments and compliance.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is also required. While a good command of French is not explicitly stated as a prerequisite for hire, it is essential for future career development within the EIB, as both English and French are official working languages. Proficiency in other languages, such as Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese, is considered an advantage, especially for candidates with experience in emerging markets or developing countries.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position at grade 5, offering a permanent contract. The EIB provides relocation support for successful candidates. The recruitment process includes panel interviews, which are expected to commence in January 202

• The position involves business travel to non-EU countries, including regions such as the Eastern Neighbourhood, South and East Mediterranean, Latin America, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The EIB values diversity and encourages all suitably qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their background. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and invites applicants with disabilities or chronic conditions to request reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.