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Position Title: (Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist – CSO Engagement
Location: Beijing
Country: China
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank established in January 2016, with a mission focused on financing infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainability. AIIB has grown to include 109 approved members globally and is capitalized up to USD100 billion. The bank is rated Triple-A by major international credit rating agencies, indicating its strong financial standing. AIIB aims to meet the needs of its clients by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is environmentally friendly, technology-enabled, and enhances regional connectivity.

Job Overview:
The (Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist – CSO Engagement plays a crucial role in integrating environmental and social considerations into AIIB's operations. This position is vital for strengthening the bank's engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which is essential for the development of sustainable infrastructure. The specialist will be responsible for addressing environmental and social dimensions across various policies, programs, and projects, ensuring compliance with AIIB's Environmental and Social Policy (ESP). The role involves engaging with CSOs, managing environmental and social risks, and ensuring that AIIB-financed projects yield meaningful outcomes. The specialist will also contribute to the development and enhancement of AIIB's sustainability and fiduciary policies, collaborating with other departments to promote environmental and Social Sustainability.

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 Sovereign-backed and Non-sovereign-backed Financings.
• Conducting screenings for potential environmental and social risks and impacts, and proposing appropriate ES categories for projects.
• Supporting clients in managing environmental and social risks during project preparation and implementation.
• 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. 1
• Reviewing relevant environmental and social laws and regulations in countries where AIIB operates. 1
• Contributing to AIIB's knowledge base on environmental and social aspects, particularly regarding Climate Change and Biodiversity. 1
• Developing and conducting training on environmental and social sustainability for AIIB staff 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 management, particularly in relation to CSO engagement.
• Expertise in building and managing collaborations with CSOs and relevant stakeholders.
• Experience in planning, management, and monitoring of environmental and social aspects of infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to work effectively with public and private sector clients and development partners.
• Experience in developing and implementing environmental, social, and CSO engagement strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 1
• Knowledge of local languages in countries where AIIB invests is advantageous. 1
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. 1
• Ability to coach and mentor junior staff.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the (Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist 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 complex environmental and social issues that the specialist will encounter in their role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally be in working on environmental and social issues, engaging with civil society organizations, and managing environmental planning and management projects. Candidates should have a background in working for or as a consultant to multilateral Development Banks, bilateral donors, or private sector organizations, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex project environments and stakeholder relationships.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within AIIB. Knowledge of the local language(s) of countries where AIIB invests would be considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the specialist's work.

Additional Notes:
AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency, and inclusion in its hiring practices. The organization encourages applications from individuals regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation. The successful applicant's previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which they will enter AIIB. The position may involve full-time engagement and could include opportunities for international collaboration, reflecting AIIB's global operational scope.