Environment & Social Specialist, Financial Intermediary, LAC Region

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is recognized as the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to promote economic development by encouraging private sector investment, IFC operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities, with a mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. IFC is committed to sustainable development and works closely with various stakeholders to ensure that its projects align with environmental and social standards.

Job Overview:
The Environment & Social Specialist position within the IFC's Central America, Caribbean, Colombia & Mexico Environmental and Social (E&S) Team (CCMES) is designed for professionals with substantial experience in environmental and social appraisal and supervision activities specifically related to Financial Intermediaries (FI). The role involves appraising new FI investment proposals and providing expert advice to ensure compliance with IFC's environmental and social requirements. The specialist will play a crucial role in supervising the environmental and social performance of allocated FI projects, assisting in the delivery of annual supervision work plans, and maintaining IFC management systems related to FI investments. Additionally, the position requires the design and delivery of learning programs on sustainability and environmental risk management, as well as the development of tools and guidelines to enhance project processing efficiencies. The specialist will also collaborate with other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to harmonize training and capacity-building efforts, while identifying and synthesizing lessons learned from various projects to support ongoing research and development of IFC's Sustainability Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Environment & Social Specialist include:

• Appraising new Financial Intermediary (FI) investment proposals and supporting the Financial Institution team throughout project preparation on environmental and social (E&S) requirements.
• Providing expert advice and communicating IFC requirements to private sector clients and investment staff to achieve positive sustainable development outcomes.
• Supervising the environmental and social performance of specific allocated FI projects.
• Assisting in the delivery of annual supervision work plans for projects, including coordination with regional departments.
• Maintaining and updating IFC management systems and tools related to FI investments.
• Designing and delivering learning programs on sustainability and environmental risk management for FIs and IFC staff.
• Developing tools, checklists, and guidelines to improve project processing efficiencies and enhance client management of environmental and social issues.
• Collaborating with other IFIs to synergize training and capacity-building efforts and harmonize project requirements.
• Identifying and synthesizing lessons learned on trends, case studies, and good practices, and supporting research needs related to IFC’s Sustainability Framework and E&S policies. 1
• Assisting with the review and advice on internal procedures, knowledge products, and E&S tools for both internal and external use, ensuring alignment with IFC’s Sustainability Framework and policies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental science, social sciences, or engineering. Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of practical experience in environmental and/or social management and assessment, particularly within the financial sector. A strong understanding of IFC/World Bank E&S Standards, especially the IFC Performance Standards, is essential. Familiarity with operations, procedures, and culture within the organization will be advantageous. Candidates should possess a deep understanding of management systems, particularly environmental management systems, and have experience with indicators that capture the effectiveness of environmental and social management in the context of FIs. Experience working with international banks or bilateral/multilateral development institutions is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, social sciences, or engineering. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental and social issues in the context of financial intermediaries and development projects.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of ten years of practical experience in environmental and/or social management and assessment, with a strong focus on the financial sector. This experience should include familiarity with the operations of international banks and development institutions, as well as a proven track record in project management and the ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is essential for this position, as effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders is critical. Candidates should be able to communicate concisely and effectively in both spoken and written forms. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The role is full-time and may involve travel to various locations within the LAC region. IFC values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of IFC member countries, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and promotes an inclusive work environment.