Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, established in 1956 with the mission to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries. IFC aims to reduce poverty and improve lives by fostering economic growth through investments in various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and education. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to creating opportunities for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. IFC focuses on creating markets and opportunities in developing countries, with a strong emphasis on environmental and social sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Development Specialist position at IFC is designed for a dynamic and motivated individual who possesses strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills. This role is crucial in supporting the Financial Intermediary (FI) business in the Eastern Africa region. The specialist will provide essential environmental and social (E&S) guidance to FI clients and the investment and advisory teams at IFC, ensuring compliance with IFC Performance Standards and Sustainability Policy. The primary goal is to enhance the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities while promoting sustainable practices. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders and reporting to the Regional ESG Manager for the Eastern Africa region, making it vital for the specialist to have a comprehensive understanding of E&S matters and their implications for financial institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Environmental and Social Development Specialist include leading or contributing to the review of E&S documentation to identify risks in new investments and advisory engagements within the Financial Intermediary sector, which encompasses banks, funds, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and microfinance institutions. The specialist will provide E&S oversight throughout the project cycle, including early review, appraisal, public disclosure, board review and approval, commitment and disbursement, and project supervision. Additionally, the specialist will draft project-related internal and external documents to support IFC investments, identify and develop E&S risk mitigation measures, and provide clear guidance to investment teams on E&S risk management. The role also involves supporting FI clients in developing and implementing their Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMSs), monitoring portfolio clients for compliance with E&S conditions, and documenting gaps between client performance and IFC E&S requirements. Furthermore, the specialist will participate in cross-regional and global teams, prepare management briefs on relevant E&S matters, and contribute to regional portfolio reviews and periodic reports.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Environmental and Social Development Specialist position, candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters) in environmental science, sociology, engineering, or other relevant disciplines. A minimum of five years of professional experience in E&S management, monitoring, or due diligence applied to financial institutions is required, preferably within the Africa region. Candidates should have direct experience advising or supporting commercial banks, private equity funds, insurance companies, or other financial sector actors in integrating E&S risk management frameworks and Development Financial Institution (DFI) requirements. Familiarity with IFC’s sustainability framework, particularly the IFC Performance Standards, is essential. Strong communication skills, both spoken and written, are necessary to convey complex environmental and social issues effectively to non-experts. The ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team environment is also crucial, along with strong analytical skills and the capacity to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced degree (Masters) in a relevant field such as environmental science, sociology, or engineering. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of environmental and social issues, particularly as they relate to financial institutions and investment processes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in environmental and social management, monitoring, or due diligence, specifically applied to financial institutions. Candidates should have a proven track record of advising or supporting commercial banks, private equity funds, insurance companies, or other financial sector actors in integrating E&S risk management frameworks and DFI requirements. Experience working with IFC’s sustainability framework, particularly the IFC Performance Standards, is highly desirable, as is experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile or conflict-affected environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within IFC. Additionally, proficiency in French is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with clients and stakeholders in the region who speak French.

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