Job: Environmental Specialist

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Deadline: Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Background / General description

The mission of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the arm of the World Bank Group (WBG) working with the private sector, is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries, help reduce poverty, and improve people's lives. IFC finances projects that are commercially viable and environmentally and socially sound. Sustainable development is a strategic priority for IFC.

On the basis of IFC's Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability, the Environment, Social and Governance Department (CES) has helped IFC establish a leadership position in the global development community on the application of environment, social and governance practices in the private sector. The commitment to sustainable development and good governance is achieved through the promotion of good practice standards and provision of advice and support to clients that help manage risk, enhance development outcomes and add value to client's businesses. CES is seeking to strengthen its global team of environmental and social specialists supporting Advisory Services projects through the recruitment of an Environmental Specialist. The position will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Duties and Accountabilities

Technical responsibilities will include:

• Assess environmental and social risks and opportunities of Advisory Services high risk activities, identify potential environmental and social impacts as early in the project cycle as possible, and develop recommendations for the project team
• Work with project teams to define steps required to ensure that Advisory activities are designed and implemented in a manner consistent with the principles of IFC's Performance Standards and the World Bank Group's Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines.
• Oversee the supervision of the environmental and social performance of specific allocated projects.
• Prepare various internal project documents for internal approval, as per the established relevant IFC procedures using internal IT based systems;
• Produce and disseminate good practices and guidance notes to Advisory Services teams Travel as necessary and undertake ad-hoc tasks assigned by supervisor/s.

Selection Criteria

An advanced degree in engineering, environmental sciences, or other relevant discipline.

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience with no less than 5 years' experience in conducting environment and social assessments work, preferably in a consulting environment.
• Knowledge and project experience with IFC‘s Environmental and Social Performance Standards and the World Bank Group Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines.
• In-depth experience in environmental issues associated projects in renewable energy, infrastructures and waste management
• Experience in working with private sector industry is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills.
• Consultancy, contracting and/or operational experience in developing countries would be advantageous.
• Track record of ability to operate as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
• Excellent team player who can effectively network across boundaries. Resumes should not exceed four pages and other supporting materials should be no more than four pages (including cover letter). IFC's Recruitment and Employment Policies reflect its strong values for cultural, racial and gender diversity: IFC encourages women to apply Note to Internal Staff: If the selected candidate(s) is a current World Bank Group staff member with a regular or Open-Ended appointment, then he/she will retain that appointment type. All others will be offered a 3-year renewable term appointment.

More Info and Application