Principal Environmental Specialist, South America Region Job #: req32547 Organization: IFC Sector: Environment Grade: GH Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Sao Paulo,Brazil Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Portuguese, Spanish Closing Date: 4/11/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
The International Finance Corporation (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 over 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 seeking a Principal Environmental Specialist to provide support to high risk infrastructure, manufacturing, services and agribusiness-related transactions in the South America region. This professional will be a senior member of the regional team providing guidance to 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 with the aim enhancing E&S outcomes of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates.
The Principal Environmental Specialist will support in strategic decision making about environmental risk management across the lending portfolio, promote building environmental sustainability into project design and implementation, support the use of sound environmental assessment methodologies across sectors and countries, and lead knowledge and learning initiatives. This position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for the South America region.
Duties and Accountabilities
• Provide technical advice and lead complex and challenging environmental risks and impacts in new investments and select advisory engagements in multiple sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, services, agribusiness and financing intermediaries, and identification and development of risk mitigation measures commensurate to the level of risks solutions.
• Lead E&S project teams for large and complex new investment and select advisory projects, ensuring effective E&S risk management support to teams and Management, and sound and value-add solutions to clients.
• Proactively monitor the environmental performance of multiple high-risk portfolio projects and clients across the region.
• Distill broader E&S risk trends in IFC’s portfolio; provide input to portfolio analysis and trends at portfolio management reviews.
• Consistently demonstrate high visibility and leadership on ESG in the region, with a clear solution-oriented approach.
• Provide guidance and leadership through mentoring and coaching staff and consultants to ensure high quality of work performed by the team.
• Support teams and clients to pro-actively respond and find solutions to stakeholder grievances submitted to client, IFC or CAO.
• Participate in strategic decision making regarding IFC role in advisory and upstream support to enhance E&S risk management performance. Where relevant support the development of appropriate solutions.
• Provide expert input into the preparation of policy interpretation notes on environmental topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work.
• Represent IFC at relevant external technical forums; develop position paper(s) in area of expertise.
• In coordination with industry and advisory teams, build capacity with clients on E&S risk management, including clients’ monitoring and evaluation of E&S activities and outcomes.
Selection Criteria
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in environmental science, engineering, social sciences or other relevant discipline(s).
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience, including: a) private sector experience in sustainability and E&S risk management, b) experience in leading E&S due diligence and E&S monitoring for high-risk projects financed by development financial institutions.
• Strong and relevant experience in applying the IFC Performance Standards.
• International experience required with experience in LAC region preferred and an added advantage.
• In-depth experience in infrastructure and energy sectors, plus experience in other sectors is also preferred. (e.g. agribusiness, manufacturing, mining)
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English and Spanish is essential; Portuguese is highly advantageous.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills including the ability to relate well with a wide range of internal and external parties and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.
• High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner. Diplomatic approach and calm under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams, superior mentoring skills.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from sometimes limited data.
• Exemplary project management skills and 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.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity, coupled with the ability to recognize when a solution is not available.
• Deep knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards.
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.
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