This role within the World Bank Group (WBG) focuses on the Environmental & Social (E&S) risks associated with new and existing investments in the Financial Intermediary (FI) sector for the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The specialist is based in Nairobi and is responsible for managing E&S risks, ensuring FI clients (including Banks, Funds, NBFIs, and Micro Finance Institutions) adhere to IFC's sustainability framework and performance standards throughout the entire investment lifecycle.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead or contribute to the review of E&S documentation to identify risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in the Financial Intermediary sector.
- Provide E&S oversight of IFC investments throughout the project cycle in Financial Intermediaries, including early review, appraisal, public disclosure, board review & approval, commitment & disbursement, and project supervision.
- Deliver fully drafted project-related internal and external documents to support IFC investments.
- Lead or contribute to identification and development of E&S risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in managing E&S risks.
- Provide clear guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management to support investment processing and decision-making throughout the investment cycle.
- Support FI clients in the development and implementation of their Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMSs) and build their capacity.
- When leading E&S assessments, provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring effective and efficient use of staff, consultants, and resources to ensure the timely completion of deliverables.
- Discuss and support the investment team in the formulation of E&S provisions for legal agreements.
- Proactively monitor portfolio clients to achieve compliance with the agreed E&S conditions of an investment.
- Clearly document and communicate gaps between client performance and IFC E&S requirements to the client and IFC management.
- Support industry teams and clients responding to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) investigations and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests.
- As needed, participate in cross-regional and global teams responsible for the preparation of policy interpretation notes on E&S topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work.
- Prepare management briefs of relevant E&S matters.
- Contribute to regional portfolio reviews and periodic reports.
- Other duties as required.
Selection Criteria and Qualifications
- Education: Advanced degree (Masters) in environmental science, engineering, or other relevant disciplines.
- Professional Experience: Minimum of eight years professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence applied to Financial institutions (preferably in the Africa region).
- Sector Expertise: Direct experience advising or supporting commercial banks, PE funds, insurance companies, or other financial sector actors integrating E&S risk management frameworks and Development Financial Institution (DFI) requirements.
- Standards Knowledge: Experience working with IFC’s sustainability framework, particularly the IFC Performance Standards.
- Work Environment: Working experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile or conflict-affected environments.
- Travel: Availability for frequent travel.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources of data to develop appropriate E&S risk management solutions.
- Personal Attributes: 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. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.
- MDB Experience (Advantage): Prior work with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or DFI or donor-funded programs, including familiarity with their operational policies, reporting requirements, and project cycles, is an advantage.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English (essential) and French (an advantage).
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