Associate Industry Specialist - Energy

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank Group (WBG). The WBG was established with the mission to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. It is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, operating with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development through partnerships with public and private sector entities. The IFC specifically aims to accelerate private sector investment in energy infrastructure, leveraging its resources to promote innovative financing products and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Associate Industry Specialist position is a critical role within the Energy Investments, Solutions & Impact (KIESI) team of the World Bank Group. This position is primarily focused on providing technical advice and expertise to regional investment teams, particularly in the context of renewable energy projects in Africa and Europe. The successful candidate will work closely with Principal and Senior Industry Specialists to support the development and implementation of energy projects, ensuring they are technically sound and aligned with industry best practices. The role involves conducting technical due diligence for power projects, analyzing the design and operational performance of energy projects, and monitoring global trends in renewable energy technologies. The Associate Industry Specialist will also contribute to capacity-building initiatives by sharing technical expertise and best practices with colleagues and stakeholders, thereby enhancing the IFC's impact in the energy sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Industry Specialist include supporting technical due diligence for power projects, which encompasses solar PV, wind, and other generation technologies. The role requires providing analysis on the design, construction, and operational performance of energy projects to inform investment decisions and ensure compliance with IFC standards. The Associate will review and validate cost estimates, operating parameters, and other technical inputs in financial models to guide investment decisions. Additionally, the position involves monitoring and analyzing global trends in renewable energy technologies and market developments to provide actionable insights for IFC’s investment and advisory activities. The Associate will also contribute to capacity-building initiatives by sharing technical expertise and best practices with colleagues and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Industry Specialist position include a Master’s degree in engineering, with a focus on energy or a closely related field. Candidates must have at least 5 years of recent relevant experience in the electric power industry, with a strong preference for experience in the private sector and emerging markets. Demonstrated expertise in renewable energy technologies, particularly solar PV and wind, is essential, along with up-to-date knowledge of capital costs, operating parameters, contracting terms, and technical advancements. A proven track record in roles such as Lenders’ Technical Advisor, Owner’s Engineer, or EPC contracting on energy projects in emerging markets is also required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and fluency in French is preferred, with Spanish language skills considered a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering, specifically with a focus on energy or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of energy projects and for providing the necessary expertise in the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of recent relevant experience in the electric power industry. This experience should ideally be in the private sector and in emerging markets, where the candidate has demonstrated expertise in renewable energy technologies and has a proven track record in relevant roles on energy projects.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Fluency in French is preferred, and while not essential, proficiency in Spanish would be considered an advantageous addition to the candidate's skill set.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 4 years. The selected candidate's duty station will be determined based on organizational requirements and business needs, with possible locations including Vienna, Austria, and Washington, D.C., United States. If the successful candidate is based in Washington, D.C., the appointment will be treated as international recruitment, and the applicable Staff Rules and benefits package for internationally recruited staff will 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.