Applications for this consultancy will be received ONLY via e-mail. Please read the job description thoroughly before submitting your application. Instructions on how to apply may be found at the end of this post.
Background/General Description
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group (WBG). Its mission is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing and transition countries, helping to reduce poverty and improve people's lives. IFC finances private sector investments in the developing world, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, helps clients improve their environmental and social performance, and provides technical assistance and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC finances projects that are commercially viable and environmentally and socially sound, and investments entail both direct investments into private sector companies, as well as support for on lending through Financial Intermediaries (FI).
IFC is increasing its support in the hydropower sector in the Africa region, providing equity and debt finance to companies developing and operating hydropower projects, and in addition is piloting a new advisory services (AS) product in the region helping clients, governments and other stakeholders jointly identify, assess and manage cumulative environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts of multiple investments that depend on the presence of the same natural resource in a defined geographic area, e.g. a watershed, and that cannot be addressed by projects/clients individually (landscape approach). Hydropower presents specific issues and challenges in meeting IFC E&S Performance Standards, and there is a growing range of international hydropower-specific guidelines on meeting E&S standards, encompassing IFC and World Bank (WB) guidelines and Good Practice Notes, IFC Sustainable Hydropower Advisory program, and IHA/HSAP (International Hydropower Association / Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol) guidelines.
Objective/Purpose of the Assignment and Scope of Work
IFC is seeking a Lead Environment and Social Specialist (LESS), Infrastructure, who will be accountable for all key E&S project deliverables to help drive the Upstream work for the sector in the region and to support investment staff, focusing specifically on the hydropower sector, and primarily in Africa:
- The LESS will be accountable for all key E&S project deliverables and should have the minimum (core) level of competency expected for any LESS.
- The LESS will be responsible for the overall coordination of the work and be able to lead small teams of CEG specialists and consultants and delegate and identify priority actions while coordinating with internal IFC teams, clients and other stakeholders.
- Support the development of new hydropower projects in Africa, and worldwide, and lead their E&S appraisal to identify strengths and weaknesses to support IFC’s decision-making process. Such appraisals include site visits, supervision of consultants, review of key documents (ESIA, ESMP, RAP, BAP, gap assessments, eFlows assessment) and presentation of key budget assumptions for incorporation in financial models undertaken by investment staff.
- Work with the World Bank to insure alignment between IFC PS and WB Safeguards on World Bank Group (WBG) projects.
- Support portfolio management: review E&S aspects of IFC's portfolio of hydropower investments, including field inspection as necessary, assist in resolving operational weaknesses, and provide advice for project enhancements to both internal and external clients.
- Maintain and build E&S hydropower knowledge and support best practice knowledge-sharing.
- Connect global and regional teams, ensure solutions and knowledge flow across IFC and the wider WBG, and promote adoption of new approaches and best practices.
- Liaise with client's E&S staff, project specialist and lenders' specialists.
- Hire and supervise specialized E&S consultants as necessary.
Selection Criteria
Graduate/Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant discipline (e.g. environmental, science, engineering, hydraulics, hydrology, etc.);
- This specialist should be an E&S expert in the hydropower sector with at least 15 years’ practical and relevant professional experience, including private sector experience, in sustainability and E&S risk management in positions of increasing responsibility, in the private sector and emerging economies.
- Successful track-record in the E&S aspects of development, financing, construction, and operation monitoring of hydropower projects, ideally with extensive experience of integrating technical, environmental, and social aspects of projects to achieve sustainability and bankability.
- Significant work experience in the private sector and emerging economies. Operational experience and experience as lenders' E&S specialist are a plus.
- Knowledge of IFC’s Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards essential.
- In-depth experience on hydropower projects and related E&S risk and issues, particularly the preparation and implementation of Cumulative Impact Assessments.
- International experience required with experience in Africa region highly desirable.
- Familiarity with IFC’s Advisory Services, including polices and systems a plus.
- 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.
- Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Ability to communicate in French will be an advantage.
- Excellent interpersonal, listening and verbal and written communication skills in English and French (Portuguese is a plus). including the ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds, relate well with a wide range of internal and external parties, and develop solutions in potentially tense or conflicting situations.
- 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.
- 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.
Application
Professionals who meet the selection criteria may submit their application by sending an updated CV to Salome Mwirabua [smwirabua@ifc.org] by September 30th, 2024.
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. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
