Environmental Specialist – Biodiversity (LAC Region)

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC has approximately 200 staff and consultants working on environmental and social (E&S) issues related to the Performance Standards in support of its investment and advisory business, supporting both clients and IFC’s investment and advisory teams to manage ESG risks associated with their activities and find solutions in alignment with the Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards (http://www.ifc.org/performancestandards).

IFC has been a leader in private sector biodiversity risk management for the past 15 years and with the development of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its emphasis on private sector action, this work has become even more pressing. Our focus is operational as well as strategic, and the position will enable the candidate to identify real world solutions through private sector biodiversity management.

To support its efforts in this space, IFC is looking for a biodiversity specialist to lead our regional activities in Central America, Caribbean, Colombia, and Mexico (CCM).
The position will report to the Regional ESG Manager for the CCM.
ROLES AND RESPONSABILITIES:
The primary focus of the work is risk management, which includes a project-specific focus on investments as well upstream and advisory engagements to provide broader support to clients and develop capacity to manage risks to biodiversity. The candidate will be expected to work with projects’ lead E&S specialists and as needed, in coordination with specialists in other thematic fields develop integrated approaches to review and monitor projects’ management of biodiversity issues in compliance with contractual requirements.
The candidate will be interacting with clients and IFC investment and advisory staff in multiple industrial and commercial sectors (e.g., infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services.) to mainstream biodiversity considerations through the implementation of IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources and, as needed, other Performance Standards.

• Support project lead E&S specialists in the screening of prospective projects in CCM region with respect to biodiversity risks.
• Support project E&S specialists in gathering and analyzing available information, such as clients’ project documentation, to identify gaps against PS6 as relevant to the sector (e.g., infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.).
• Support in the identification and development of mitigation measures for biodiversity-specific risks and impacts in alignment with the mitigation hierarchy and PS6 and develop measures to monitor implementation through plans and programs.
• For the agribusiness sector, support the mapping of biodiversity-related supply chain risk and assist in the development of approaches to promote more sustainable practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance project structure, by supporting IFC’s E&S specialists and investment staff to provide clients with guidance in integrating biodiversity into E&S Management Systems to comply with PS6.
• Provide capacity-building, training and other support to both private sector as well as government clients to better understand the value of and need to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Oversee, coordinate and manage biodiversity consultants working in CCM region, including contractual and technical management.
• Track portfolio-wide risks with respect to biodiversity aspects across CCM region.
• Lead/contribute to the design and delivery of biodiversity and nature related learning programs both internally and externally.
• Represent IFC at biodiversity-related conferences, technical meetings, industry events and environmental fora. Provide organizational and coordination support in the convening of departmental and external knowledge sharing forums and contribute to the development of content materials.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management or similar).
• At least 10 years’ work experience in private sector biodiversity management with experience in emerging markets.
• Deep knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of CCM region ecosystems, flora and fauna. Significant working experience in the application of IFC’s PS6 and Guidance Note (GN) 6. Experience of application of PS6 in IFC-financed projects is preferred.
• A working knowledge of other aspects of IFC’s Sustainability Framework including PS 1-5, 7 and 8, related Guidance Notes and EHS Guidelines (www.ifc.org/ehsguidelines) is advantageous.
• Experience in the wind, hydropower and agribusiness sectors and in electricity transmission and distribution would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in English essential, with Spanish skills an advantage.
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills. Good inter-personal and cross-cultural skills.
• Willing and able to work effectively within a large, complex organization.
• Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.
• A strategic, practical-minded individual that seeks fit-for-purposes approaches and a willingness to build skills in negotiation.
• A skilled multi-tasker with willingness to take on any level of task. Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize, deal with frequent unexpected changes, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• A good team player with strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team, and network effectively across boundaries.
• Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.

World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
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.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.