Environmental and Social Development Specialist, South America Region

Environmental and Social Development Specialist, South America Region

Job #: req32614
Organization: IFC
Sector: Environment
Grade: GF
Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): Spanish, Portuguese
Closing Date: 4/17/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is recruiting a dynamic, motivated Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to provide support for its investment operations in infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and agribusiness sectors in the South America (CASES) region. This professional will provide E&S guidance to clients and investment and advisory teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PS) and Sustainability Policy, with the aim of promoting compliance and enhancing the impact and additionality of IFC-supported business activities.

The position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the South America region.

Duties and Accountabilities

1. Lead or contribute to the review of E&S issues and risks in new investments and select advisory engagements for projects in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Services and Infrastructure.
2. Work on IFC investments throughout the project cycle covering early review, appraisal, public disclosure, board review & approval, commitment & disbursement and project supervision and delivering fully drafted project related internal and external reports.
3. Lead or contribute to identification and development of E&S risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in addressing identified issues.
4. Provide clear and responsive guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management in project decision-making and processing throughout the investment cycle, including clear communication to teams.
5. Support formulation of E&S legal conditions for IFC projects.
6. 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.
7. Support industry teams and clients in response to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests where needed.
8. Support analyzing and reporting internally portfolio data, missing information and support follow up on pending issues.
9. Support client E&S capacity-building.

Selection Criteria

1. Advanced degree (Masters) in science, engineering, or other relevant disciplines.
2. Minimum of seven years professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in LAC in the infrastructure, manufacturing, services and agribusiness sectors.
3. Experience working with IFC/World Bank/E&S Policies and Standards specifically IFC Performance Standards.
4. Willingness to travel regularly.
5. Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources and draw conclusions from limited data.
6. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
7. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
8. Ability to communicate effectively and concisely on complex E&S issues in spoken and written form.
9. Proficiency in English essential, with Spanish and Portuguese preferred.
10. Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams.
11. High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner, respond diplomatically and remain calm under pressure.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.