(Senior) Social Development Specialist – South America Region

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 drive impactful projects. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The (Senior) Social Development Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness-related transactions in the South LAC region. This position is integral to the regional team, providing guidance to clients and IFC’s investment and advisory teams on social risk management in alignment with IFC Performance Standards and Sustainability Policy. The aim is to enhance environmental and social outcomes of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates. The selected candidate will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the South LAC region and will be responsible for ensuring that social risk management practices are effectively implemented in IFC-funded projects. This role requires a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented professional who can navigate complex social issues and provide strategic solutions to enhance project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Early Screening, Due Diligence, Portfolio supervision: Lead and contribute to the review of social issues and risks in new investments and portfolio projects across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, mining, energy, oil & gas, manufacturing, services, agribusiness, and financial intermediaries. Identify, assess, propose, and develop risk management strategies for projects financed by IFC. Define pragmatic risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions for social risk management in accordance with IFC Performance Standards. Provide guidance and support to IFC clients in addressing identified social risks throughout the project cycle. Ensure proactive monitoring of portfolio clients and engage with clients and IFC investment departments to maintain alignment with social components of IFC Performance Standards. Document and communicate any gaps between project performance and IFC requirements, proposing solutions as necessary. Build capacity with clients on effective social risk management practices. Contribute to regional E&S portfolio analysis to identify systemic issues and trends, proposing policy adjustments as needed. Ensure effective use of consultants and resources for social assessments, supporting industry teams in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests. 2) Upstream and Advisory Services: Identify systemic bottlenecks in the market that hinder adequate social risk management and collaborate with Upstream officers to develop upstream activities for improved social risk management. Proactively identify opportunities for advisory engagements that enhance development impact and provide expert input into new IFC advisory offerings. Participate in strategic decision-making regarding IFC's role in advisory support for social risk management. 3) Knowledge Management: Engage in cross-regional and global teams to prepare policy interpretation notes on social topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work. Participate in forums or conferences to showcase IFC's experience and approach, preparing management briefs on relevant social matters. Mentor junior staff working on social risk management and supervise the quality of their work in coordination with the ESG Regional Manager.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Sociology, Anthropology, Social Sciences, International Development, or a relevant discipline related to Social Risk Management. A minimum of 10+ years of relevant professional experience in social risk management of projects is required, with a strong preference for experience supporting private sector projects across various industry sectors such as infrastructure, mining, energy, oil & gas, manufacturing, agribusiness, and services. The candidate should demonstrate fluency in interpreting and implementing IFC Performance Standards in E&S due diligence processes and be capable of defining strategies for proactive social risk management. Substantial experience in identifying, assessing, and managing risks related to land acquisition, involuntary resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholder engagement, labor conditions, community health and safety, and other material social issues is essential. Proficiency in English is mandatory, with Spanish or Portuguese as preferred languages.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Sociology, Anthropology, Social Sciences, International Development, or any other discipline pertinent to Social Risk Management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social issues and risk management in development projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in social risk management, particularly in the context of projects across multiple sectors. Candidates should have a strong track record of working with private sector projects and demonstrate substantial experience in managing social risks and impacts, particularly in emerging markets and ideally in fragile or conflict-affected environments. The ability to synthesize complex information and formulate practical recommendations is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese considered a strong advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and ensuring clear understanding of social risk management practices.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The selected candidate will be expected to travel regularly to emerging market countries as part of their role. 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 opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.