Senior Environmental and Social Dev Specialist

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

IFC is looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented Senior Environmental & Social Specialist to support infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness-related transactions in the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MCT) region. This professional will be a senior member of the regional team guiding clients and IFC's investment and advisory teams on E&S risk management in the sectors listed, in alignment with IFC Performance Standards and Sustainability Policy to enhance E&S outcomes of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates.

This position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the MCT region.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesEarly Screening, Due Diligence, Portfolio supervisionLead or contribute to the review of E&S issues/risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in multiple sectors (including infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness), and identification and development of risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions, including through transaction structuring, that support clients in addressing identified issues throughout IFC's project cycle.

Clear and proactive guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management in project decision-making and processing throughout the investment cycle.

When leading E&S assessments, ensure effective and efficient use of staff, consultants, and resources, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables. Provide guidance and support to team members.

Proactively monitor portfolio clients and engage with clients and investment departments to achieve compliance with contractual E&S requirements. Document and communicate any outstanding or emerging gaps between client performance and IFC requirements and related risks to IFC.

Support industry teams and clients in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests, leading discussions with CAO and IEG officers.

Coordinate with industry and CEG advisory teams to build capacity with clients on E&S risk management, including clients' monitoring and evaluation of E&S activities and outcomes.

Contribute to portfolio analysis to identify systemic issues and assess trends, including any issues of a policy nature, and propose policy adjustments as needed.

Contribute to regional supervision program reviews and periodic reports.Upstream and Advisory ServicesBased on new business processing and portfolio analysis, help identify systemic bottlenecks existing in the market that prevent adequate E&S risk management in key markets. In collaboration with Upstream officers and advisory teams, help develop upstream activities using technical experience and expertise.

Work proactively to identify opportunities for advisory engagements that result in greater development impact and value for the client; provide expert input into new IFC advisory offerings.

Participate in strategic decision-making (as needed) regarding IFC's role in advisory support to enhance E&S risk management. Where relevant, support the development of appropriate solutions.Knowledge ManagementParticipate in cross-regional and global teams responsible for preparing policy interpretation notes on E&S 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 experience, approach and value proposition (which includes serving as a panelist or moderator for internal and external events).

Prepare management briefs of relevant E&S matters.

In coordination with the ESG Regional Manager, provide guidance/mentorship to more junior staff and Short-Term Consultants (STCs) working on E&S risk management and supervise the timeliness and quality of their work.Selection CriteriaAdvanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, social sciences, finance, or other relevant disciplines.

Minimum of seven years of professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring, and/or due diligence, with a preference for financial sector experience in the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan region.

Experience working with IFC/World Bank E&S Policies and Standards, specifically IFC Performance Standards.

Willingness to travel regularly within the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources, and draw conclusions from limited data.

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.

Ability to communicate effectively and concisely on complex E&S issues in spoken and written form.

Proficiency in English is essential, with Arabic or Turkish language skills an advantage.

Ability to work effectively as a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team member, influence and negotiate points of view within teams.

High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly and respectfully, respond diplomatically, and remain calm under pressure.

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.#J-18808-Ljbffr