Senior Industry Specialist - Power Engineer

-; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global development institution is seeking a Senior Industry Specialist - Power Engineer to provide technical advice on energy projects, focusing on transmission and distribution. The role involves leading appraisals, monitoring project performance, and supporting sector strategies. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree in engineering and extensive experience in the electric power industry.

Benefits

Retirement plan

Medical insurance

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in the electric power industry.
• Expert-level knowledge in transmission and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical appraisal of transmission & distribution investments.
• Monitor performance of energy projects in IFC's portfolio.
• Support early-stage project development and technical advisory.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Senior Industry Specialist - Power Engineer

Job #: req33068

Organization: IFC

Sector: Energy

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Required Language(s): English, Spanish

Preferred Language(s): Portuguese, French

Closing Date: 5/29/2025 (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.

The Global Energy (CEMEN) unit, in collaboration with regional industry groups, is responsible for IFC's energy business, including power generation with a focus on renewables, transmission and distribution, and innovative clean energy technologies such as battery storage and green hydrogen.

IFC is recruiting a Senior Industry Specialist to provide technical advice and support to investment staff. The position will focus primarily on transmission & distribution and, as a secondary priority, renewable power projects (solar, wind, hydro, BESS). The position will be based in Washington D.C. and will report to IFC's Global Energy Sector Manager.

Duties and Accountabilities

1. Lead the technical/industry appraisal of potential transmission & distribution investments to support IFC's decision-making process. Appraisals can include site visits, client meetings, supervision of Lenders Technical Advisors (LTAs) or other consultants, review of operational data (e.g., on losses, grid reliability, collection rates), review of major contracts (e.g., concessions, PPAs), and review of CAPEX & OPEX assumptions in financial models.
2. Monitor the construction and/or operational performance of energy projects in IFC's portfolio, including engaging in detail on specific challenges or problems as needed.
3. Support 'Upstream' energy projects ranging from sector-level studies to early-stage project development to focused technical advisory activities for specific clients. This will include supporting the development and expansion of IFC's Future Grids Alliance.
4. Contribute to Global Energy's sector work in transmission & distribution. This can include identifying market trends, developing and implementing sector strategies, and new initiatives to respond to business needs and grow the investment pipeline.
5. Maintain and build T&D sector knowledge and support best practice knowledge sharing.
6. Liaise with client's operational and technical staff, project engineers, and lenders' engineers.
7. Procure and supervise specialized engineering firms as necessary, including for LTA roles.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum a Master's degree in engineering (or other relevant discipline) and 12+ years of relevant experience in the electric power industry, including significant experience in the private sector and emerging markets.
• Successful track record in areas such as electric utility management and operations, transmission and distribution engineering, power system planning, power and energy transactions, generation project development, and power plant/T&D construction and operations.
• Expert-level knowledge and expertise in (i) transmission and distribution, and preferably also (ii) renewable energy and/or other generation technologies.
• Up-to-date knowledge of capital costs and operating parameters of T&D infrastructure and diverse generation technologies.
• Knowledge of deregulated market operation and tariff calculation is a plus.
• Operational experience as lenders' engineer is considered a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish. Fluency in written and spoken Portuguese and/or French is a plus.

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.