Environmental and Social Development Specialist

Job #: req37006
Organization: IFC
Sector: Environment
Grade: GF
Term Duration:  3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
Location: Nairobi,Kenya
Required Language(s): Englis
Preferred Language(s): French
Closing Date: 6/19/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

IFC is seeking a dynamic, motivated Environmental & Social (E&S) Development Specialist with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support its Financial Intermediary (FI) business in Eastern Africa region. This professional will provide E&S guidance to FI clients and IFC's investment and advisory teams on E&S matters vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards (PSs) and Sustainability Policy, with the aim of promoting compliance and enhancing the impact and additionality of IFC- supported business activities. The position will report to the Regional ESG Manager for the Eastern Africa region.

DutiesandAccountabilities:

• Lead or contribute to the review of E&S documentation to identify risks in new investments and select advisory engagements in the Financial Intermediary sector (including Banks, Funds, NBFIs and Micro Finance Institutions).
• In Financial Intermediaries, provide E&S oversight of IFC investments throughout the project cycle including early review, appraisal, public disclosure, board review & approval, commitment & disbursement and project supervision.
• Deliver fully drafted project related internal and external documents to support IFC investments.
• Lead or contribute to identification and development of E&S risk mitigation measures and value-add solutions that support clients in managing E&S risks.
• Provide clear guidance to IFC investment teams on E&S risk management to support investment processing and decision-making throughout the investment cycle.
• Support FI clients in the development and implementation of their Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMSs) and build their capacity.
• When leading E&S assessments, provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring effective and efficient use of staff, consultants, and resources to ensure the timely completion of deliverables. 
• Discuss and support the investment team in the formulation of E&S provisions for legal agreements.
• Proactively monitor portfolio clients to achieve compliance with the agreed E&S conditions of an investment. 
• Clearly document and communicate gaps between client performance and IFC E&S requirements to the client and IFC management.
• Support industry teams and clients responding to Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) investigations and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) requests.
• As needed, participate in cross-regional and global teams responsible for the preparation of policy interpretation notes on E&S topics and contribute to the corporate knowledge base by analyzing and disseminating lessons learned from project work.
• Prepare management briefs of relevant E&S matters.
• Contribute to regional portfolio reviews and periodic reports.
• Other duties as required.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (Masters) in environmental science, Sociology, engineering, or other relevant disciplines.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience working on E&S management, monitoring and/or due diligence applied to financial institutions (preferably in the Africa region).
• Direct experience advising or supporting commercial banks, PE funds, insurance companies, or other financial sector actors integrating E&S risk management frameworks and Development Financial Institution (DFI) requirements. 
• Experience working with IFC’s sustainability framework particularly the IFC Performance Standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely on complex environmental and social issues in spoken and written form, in a manner that can be understood by non-experts.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team, influence and negotiate point of view within teams.
• Working experience in emerging markets, ideally in fragile or conflict affected environments.
• Availability for frequent travel.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and summarize diverse sources of data to develop appropriate E&S risk management solutions.
• High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner, respond diplomatically and remain calm under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail. 
• Prior work with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or DFI or donor-funded programs, including familiarity with their operational policies, reporting requirements, and project cycles, is an advantage.
• Proficiency in English (essential) and French (an advantage). 

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.