Overseeing a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities, this role involves performing key tasks and ensuring adherence to established guidelines. Accountabilities include maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency while fulfilling operational requirements. The position demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Additionally, the role requires strong communication skills to collaborate with team members and stakeholders, fostering a productive and cohesive work environment.
You will be responsible for leading or supporting the evaluation of Environmental and Social (E&S) documentation to assess potential risks associated with new investments and advisory engagements within the Financial Intermediary sector, encompassing Banks, Funds, Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBF Is), and Microfinance Institutions.
In the domain of Financial Intermediaries, oversee Environmental and Social (E&S) considerations for IFC investments across the entire project lifecycle—from preliminary evaluation and appraisal to public disclosure, board review and approval, commitment and disbursement, and ongoing project supervision.
Prepare and submit comprehensive internal and external project documentation to facilitate IFC investment processes.
Spearhead or collaborate on the identification and formulation of Environment and Social (E&S) risk mitigation strategies and value-enhancing solutions, empowering clients to effectively manage and mitigate their E&S risks.
Deliver expert direction to IFC investment teams regarding E&S risk management, facilitating streamlined investment processing and informed decision-making across all stages of the investment lifecycle.
Provide guidance to financial institution clients as they design, develop, and deploy their Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESSS) while enhancing their operational capabilities.
When overseeing E&S assessments, offer strategic direction and assistance to team members, optimizing the utilization of staff, consultants, and resources to facilitate the punctual delivery of project outcomes.
Engage collaboratively with the investment team to assist in developing Environmental and Social (E&S) provisions within legal agreements.
Diligently oversee portfolio clients to ensure adherence to the established environmental and social (E&S) compliance conditions of each investment.
Document and communicate any discrepancies between client performance and IFC Environmental and Social (E&S) requirements to both the client and IFC management in a clear and concise manner.
Provide assistance to sector teams and clients in addressing inquiries from the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAN) investigations as well as requests from the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG).
Depending on requirements, collaborate with cross-regional and global teams to draft policy interpretation notes on E&S topics and enhance the corporate knowledge base by evaluating and sharing lessons learned from project experiences.
Develop comprehensive management briefs on pertinent environmental and social (E&S) issues.
Assist in facilitating regional portfolio reviews and preparing periodic reports to ensure comprehensive analysis and documentation of portfolio performance.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary, along with fulfilling any other tasks pertinent to the role or business operations.
Selection Criteria
An advanced degree, specifically a Master’s, in environmental science, sociology, engineering, or a related field is required.
Professional candidates must possess a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in Environmental and Social (E&S) management, monitoring, or due diligence, with a preference for roles involving financial institutions within the African region.
Experienced professionals with a track record of guiding or aiding commercial banks, private equity funds, insurance companies, and other financial institutions in incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk management systems and adhering to Development Financial Institution (DFI) standards are encouraged to apply.
Professionals with hands-on involvement in IFC’s sustainability framework—specifically the IFC Performance Standards—are sought for this role. Familiarity with these standards is essential to ensure alignment with environmental and social governance requirements in project assessments and due diligence processes.
Proficient in articulating intricate environmental and social topics clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, to ensure accessibility for diverse audiences.
Proven capability to collaborate seamlessly within diverse, cross-functional, and multicultural teams, adept at articulating and negotiating perspectives to achieve collective consensus.
Professional experience in emerging markets, preferably within fragile or conflict-affected environments, is required.
Frequent travel is a requirement of this role, necessitating a high degree of flexibility and mobility to meet business demands.
Demonstrated capacity to prioritize and execute numerous responsibilities efficiently within stringent time constraints.
Strong analytical capabilities and strategic thinking are essential to effectively assess, interpret, and synthesize varied data sources, enabling the formulation of tailored environmental and social (E&S) risk management strategies.
Demonstrates strong personal integrity and emotional intelligence, adept at managing sensitive situations with discretion and respect, while responding diplomatically and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.
Proven capability in adjusting to evolving conditions, efficiently managing and prioritizing tasks, and upholding meticulous attention to detail.
Proficiency in collaborating with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Development Finance Institutions (Dais), or donor-funded initiatives is beneficial, particularly regarding their operational guidelines, compliance standards, and project execution frameworks.
Fluency in English is a fundamental requirement, with proficiency in French considered an additional benefit.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
