Oversee and execute a range of essential tasks and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards. This role requires a commitment to delivering high-quality work while adhering to established procedures and best practices. Key accountabilities include managing projects, maintaining accurate records, and fostering collaboration across teams to achieve desired outcomes. The position demands a proactive approach, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines consistently. Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency. Strong communication skills and adaptability are essential to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Lead or participate in the thorough evaluation of Environmental and Social (E&S) documentation to assess potential risks associated with new investments and advisory opportunities within the Financial Intermediary sector, which encompasses Banks, Funds, Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBF Is), and Microfinance Institutions.
Financial Intermediaries are responsible for ensuring Environmental and Social (E&S) compliance for IFC investments across the entire project lifecycle—beginning with initial review and appraisal, progressing through public disclosure, board review and approval, commitment and disbursement phases, and concluding with ongoing project supervision.
Prepare and finalize comprehensive project-related internal and external documentation to facilitate IFC investment activities.
Lead or spearhead the identification and formulation of Environmental & Social (E&S) risk mitigation strategies, as well as innovative solutions that empower clients to effectively manage their E&S risks.
Offer strategic direction to IFC investment teams regarding Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management, ensuring robust support for investment processing and informed decision-making throughout every phase of the investment cycle.
Assist financial institution (FI) clients in designing and deploying their Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESSS) while strengthening their operational capabilities.
When overseeing Environmental and Social (E&S) assessments, offer leadership and assistance to team members, optimizing the allocation and utilization of staff, consultants, and resources to guarantee the punctual delivery of deliverables.
Collaborate closely with the investment team to develop and refine Environmental and Social (E&S) provisions within legal agreements.
Proactively oversee portfolio clients to ensure adherence to mutually agreed-upon environmental and social (E&S) conditions associated with an investment.
Thoroughly identify and document discrepancies between client performance and IFC Environmental & Social (E&S) requirements, subsequently presenting these findings clearly to both the client and IFC management.
Provide guidance to industry teams and clients during Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAN) investigations and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests.
As necessary, collaborate with cross-regional and global teams to develop policy interpretation notes on environmental and social (E&S) topics, while enriching the corporate knowledge base by evaluating and sharing insights derived from project experiences.
Develop concise management briefs summarizing pertinent environmental and social (E&S) issues.
Facilitate regional portfolio reviews and prepare periodic reports to provide strategic insights and updates.
Performs additional tasks as deemed necessary to fulfill operational needs.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must possess an advanced degree, specifically a Master’s, in environmental science, sociology, engineering, or a closely related field.
A minimum of five years of hands-on professional experience in environmental and social (E&S) management, monitoring, and/or due diligence—ideally within financial institutions operating in the Africa region—is required.
Proven track record in providing advisory or operational support to commercial banks, private equity funds, insurance firms, and other financial institutions in implementing Environmental & Social (E&S) risk management frameworks aligned with Development Financial Institution (DFI) mandates.
Proficiency in utilizing IFC’s sustainability framework, with a specific emphasis on the IFC Performance Standards, is essential.
Demonstrated skill in articulating intricate environmental and social topics clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, ensuring comprehension by diverse audiences.
Demonstrates strong collaboration skills to thrive within diverse, interdisciplinary teams, while skillfully advocating for and aligning perspectives to foster consensus and drive collective decision-making.
Proven track record in emerging markets, preferably within fragile or conflict-affected environments.
Requires readiness for extensive travel commitments, often on short notice, to fulfill professional obligations.
Capable of efficiently prioritizing and executing multiple assignments while adhering to stringent time constraints.
Demonstrates exceptional analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and the capacity to evaluate, interpret, and synthesize complex data from varied sources to design effective environmental and social risk management strategies.
High ethical standards and strong emotional awareness are essential, enabling the handling of confidential issues with tact and respect, diplomatic communication, and resilience in high-pressure situations.
Adapts effectively to evolving situations, meticulously organizes and prioritizes tasks, and ensures meticulous attention to detail.
Proficiency in collaborating with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Development Finance Institutions (Dais), or donor-funded initiatives is highly beneficial, particularly in navigating their operational guidelines, compliance standards, and project implementation frameworks.
Fluency in English is a fundamental requirement, while a working knowledge of French is considered a valuable asset.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
