(Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist - CSO Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank established in January 201

• Its mission is to finance infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainability. AIIB has grown to include 109 approved members worldwide and is capitalized at USD100 billion. The bank is rated Triple-A by major international credit rating agencies, which reflects its financial strength and commitment to responsible investment. AIIB focuses on unlocking new capital and investing in green, technology-enabled infrastructure that promotes regional connectivity. The organization operates with a commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that its projects align with environmental and social governance standards.

Job Overview:
The (Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist - CSO Engagement will play a crucial role in integrating environmental and social considerations into AIIB's operations. This position is essential for enhancing the bank's engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which is vital for the development of sustainable infrastructure. The specialist will be responsible for evaluating the environmental and social sustainability of investment programs and projects, providing operational support, and managing risks associated with these investments. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with AIIB's Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) and to facilitate effective communication and consultation with CSOs. The specialist will also contribute to knowledge management and capacity building within the organization, ensuring that AIIB remains at the forefront of environmental and social governance practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the (Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist include:

• Participating in the identification, appraisal, design, and implementation of investment programs and projects to evaluate their environmental and social sustainability.
• Managing environmental and social risks and impacts associated with investment projects, including both Sovereign-backed and Non-sovereign-backed financings.
• Conducting due diligence assessments of environmental and social aspects of projects and undertaking field visits as necessary.
• Guiding clients in preparing and implementing environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) and environmental/social management plans (ESMPs).
• Supporting stakeholder consultations, including with CSOs, and ensuring proper disclosure of ESIAs and related studies.
• Monitoring the implementation of environmental and social aspects of projects and addressing any arising issues.
• Assisting clients in addressing non-compliance with environmental and social obligations.
• Conducting reviews of relevant environmental and social laws and regulations to determine their applicability to AIIB-financed projects.
• Contributing to AIIB's knowledge base on environmental and social aspects, particularly regarding climate change and emerging ESG frameworks. 1
• Developing and conducting training on environmental and social sustainability for AIIB staff, consultants, and clients. 1
• Leading the corporate CSO engagement function and advising project teams on CSO engagement strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the (Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist position must possess the following qualifications:

• Proven ability to carry out complex tasks as part of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental or natural science, social science, engineering, planning, community development, law, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social governance, CSO engagement, and environmental planning and management.
• Expertise in building and managing collaborations with CSOs and stakeholders, including experience in complaints handling.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, management, and monitoring of environmental and social aspects of infrastructure programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with knowledge of local languages being an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to coach and mentor junior staff.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in fields such as environmental or natural science, social science, engineering, planning, community development, law, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental and social governance in the context of infrastructure development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass work in environmental and social governance, engagement with civil society organizations, and environmental planning and management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with multilateral development banks, bilateral donors, or private sector organizations, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and manage environmental and social risks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within AIIB. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the countries where AIIB invests would be considered an advantage, enhancing the specialist's ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified under global recruitment, indicating that AIIB is open to applications from candidates worldwide. The recruitment process is merit-based, ensuring that all suitably qualified applicants have equal opportunities regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation. The closing date for applications is set for 11:59 p.m. (GMT+8) on the specified dates. The successful candidate's previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which they will enter AIIB.