Oversee and execute key responsibilities and obligations in alignment with established objectives, ensuring adherence to organizational standards and protocols. Facilitate operational efficiency by managing assigned tasks, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations and internal policies. Perform duties with a focus on precision, accountability, and continuous improvement to support overall team and organizational success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve departmental goals, address challenges proactively, and contribute to strategic initiatives that drive performance and growth.
Conduct thorough reviews or collaborate in assessing E&S documentation to detect potential risks associated with new investments and advisory engagements within the Financial Intermediary sector, encompassing Banks, Funds, NBF Is, and Microfinance Institutions.
Financial Intermediaries require Environment & Social (E&S) oversight of IFC investments throughout the entire project cycle, encompassing early evaluation, appraisal, public disclosure, board review and approval, commitment and disbursement, as well as ongoing project supervision.
Prepare and submit complete project-related internal and external documentation required to facilitate IFC investments.
Professionally lead or actively participate in the identification and formulation of E&S risk mitigation strategies and value-added solutions to effectively support clients in managing environmental and social risks.
Offer expert direction to IFC investment teams regarding E&S risk management, ensuring comprehensive support for investment processing and informed decision-making throughout each phase of the investment cycle.
Assist financial institution clients in establishing and executing their Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESSS) while enhancing their operational capabilities.
For E&S assessments, lead by offering guidance and support to team members, optimizing the utilization of staff, consultants, and resources to facilitate the timely delivery of outputs.
Collaborate closely with the investment team to help develop and implement environmental and social (E&S) provisions within legal agreements.
Consistently oversee assigned portfolio clients to ensure adherence to the agreed-upon environmental and social (E&S) conditions of an investment.
Document and report discrepancies between client performance and IFC E&S requirements to both the client and IFC management in a clear and comprehensive manner.
Provide guidance and assistance to industry teams and clients in addressing inquiries from the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAN) and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG).
As warranted, engage with cross-regional and global teams tasked with drafting policy interpretation notes on environmental and social (E&S) matters, while also enhancing the corporate knowledge base by evaluating and distributing key insights derived from project experiences.
Compile comprehensive management briefs focusing on essential environmental and social (E&S) issues.
Participate in regional portfolio assessments and submit periodic reporting.
Performs additional duties as necessary to meet operational needs, including but not limited to supporting colleagues, addressing urgent requests, and fulfilling any other responsibilities assigned by management.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must possess an advanced degree, specifically a Master’s, in environmental science, sociology, engineering, or a closely related field.
With a minimum of five years of hands-on professional experience in Environmental and Social (E&S) management, monitoring, or due diligence—ideally within the financial sector and across the Africa region—you bring a strong foundation to this role.
Proficiency in providing advisory or operational support to commercial banks, private equity firms, insurance companies, and other financial entities regarding the integration of environmental and social (E&S) risk management frameworks and compliance with Development Financial Institution (DFI) requirements is required.
Proficiency in utilizing IFC’s sustainability framework, with a specific emphasis on the IFC Performance Standards, is essential.
Demonstrate proficiency in articulating intricate environmental and social topics with clarity and precision, both verbally and in writing, ensuring accessibility to audiences without specialized expertise.
Demonstrated capacity to collaborate productively within diverse, interdisciplinary teams and skillfully advocate for individual perspectives through negotiation and influence.
Experience in emerging markets, preferably within fragile or conflict-affected environments, is required.
Frequent travel is required as part of this role, necessitating flexibility in scheduling and readiness to undertake domestic or international journeys as needed.
Demonstrated capability to juggle numerous responsibilities while consistently meeting stringent time constraints.
Skilled in analytical thinking and strategic decision-making, with a proficiency in evaluating and synthesizing complex data from varied sources to craft effective Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management strategies.
High personal integrity and emotional intelligence are essential, enabling the ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and respect. Demonstrating strong diplomatic skills, the ideal candidate must respond effectively in challenging situations while maintaining composure under pressure.
Adaptability in dynamic environments, exceptional organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail are essential competencies for this role.
Proficiency in collaborating with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Development Finance Institutions (Dais), or donor-funded initiatives—along with a solid grasp of their operational guidelines, reporting standards, and project execution frameworks—is highly beneficial.
Fluency in English is a fundamental requirement, while knowledge of French is considered beneficial.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years