Principal Environmental and Social Development Specialist - Europe

Principal Environmental and Social Development Specialist - Europe

Job #: req32737
Organization: IFC
Sector: Environment
Grade: GH
Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Vienna, Austria
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 4/25/2025 (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 looking for a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented Principal Environmental & Social Development Specialist whose primary role is to support the ESG Regional Manager (ESG) for Europe and the environmental and social (E&S) specialist team in:

1. Lead appraisals and supervisions for infrastructure and natural resources (INR) investment projects across the region.
2. Support the regional E&S Specialists across sectors as main technical advisor to assure consistency on risk approach and management according to IFC’s sustainability framework.
3. Coordinate and enhance portfolio supervision across sectors according to E&S Review Procedures (ESRP).
4. Support ESGRM on cross-cutting initiatives and affairs to be designed and implemented in the ESG team.

Organizational structure

The position resides within a management matrix. As such, the position requires proactive communication with: (I) Regional and Industry INR departments’ new business and portfolio management teams; (II) Regional Industry Leads; (III) E&S Policy and Risk Department (CES) and the CES Risk Officers assigned to the region. The Principal E&S Development Specialist reports to the ESG Regional Manager in Europe.

Duties & Accountabilities :

1. E&S Specialist on Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) High-Risk and Mid - Risk Project (LESS or SESS)
   • Lead appraisals and supervisions for infrastructure and natural resources (INR) investment projects across the region.
2. E&S risk management
   • Support the regional E&S Specialists across sectors as main technical advisor to assure consistency on risk approach and management according to IFC’s sustainability framework, providing guidance to foster efficiency, consistency and quality on E&S deliverables.
   • Establish a guidance and knowledge-sharing systematic mechanism (e.g. Community of Practice) for E&S specialists across the region to share lessons learned and provide advice for efficiency, consistency and quality assurance purposes across the different sectors, as well as relationship management with Industry Departments and Clients.
   • Conduct trainings for the EUR E&S Specialists on quality assurance of E&S deliverables for DI.
   • Identify points of articulation with current Advisory programs or new needs for Advisory program developments; provide feedback on Advisory programs from a DI perspective.
3. Support on project supervision
   • Coordinate and enhance portfolio supervision across sectors according to E&S Review Procedures (ESRP), by leading on integrated planning, coherent and systematic implementation, and ensuring that records are completed and submitted with quality.
   • Design and develop an integrated planning of project supervision across sectors together with RILs, which will encompass a systematic review of E&S risks across the portfolio, including but not restricted to the development and implementation of performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the portfolio.
   • Systematically monitor progress and provide regular updates to senior management, providing insights on the KPI results analysis of the ESG Monthly Report.
   • Identify areas for advisory support, of a systematic nature across projects.
   • Support project LESSs on project-level ESRR downgrades and upgrades (if needed).
   • Provide input to the quarterly regional portfolio reviews and participate in portfolio meetings (as needed).
4. Support to ESG Regional Manager
   • Support the ESGRM on the design and implementation of cross-cutting initiatives within the ESG team.
   • Support in liaison with CES to implement improvement initiatives derived from the CES team to the Regions and vice versa.
   • Assist with identifying staffing needs for projects.
   • Advise ESGRM on transversal ESG team affairs; be a proxy for the ESGRM.

Selection Criteria

1. Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in science, engineering, sociology or other relevant disciplines.
2. At least 12 years of relevant professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence, with a preference for private sector experience in Europe mainly in the infrastructure sector, and in the manufacturing, services or agribusiness sectors.
3. Exemplary seniority on project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
4. High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, people management skills, with the ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner, respond diplomatically and remain calm under pressure.
5. Strong experience working with IFC/World Bank E&S Policies and Standards.
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate persuasively with a wide range of internal and external parties (including senior staff, management, IFC’s accountability mechanism and clients) and present E&S risks and management solutions in a manner that non-experts can understand.
7. Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources, draw conclusions from limited data and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.
8. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
9. Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams.
10. Willingness to travel regularly.
11. Proficiency in English essential, with other languages spoken in the region as an advantage.

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.