Environmental Safeguards Lead/Sr. Specialist Inter-American Development Bank Washington, DC, United States

Organization: The Inter-American Development Bank
Position Title: Environmental Safeguards Lead/Sr. Specialist
Location: Washington, D.C.
Closing: October 26, 2012

The Environmental Safeguards Unit (ESG) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced environmental specialist to join a group of social and environmental professionals, providing direction and leadership in mainstreaming strategic environmental priorities in the Bank´s development portfolio. The specialist will support the design and implementation of Bank´s operations and will ensure that they comply with the IDB´s environmental safeguards policies and internationally recognized best practices. He/she will also contribute to the development of new approaches, guidance and reviews will develop knowledge products and disseminate these through workshops and training programs for Bank staff, borrowers and external specialist.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•         Advise on sustainability risks in the design and implementation of environmentally sensitive and complex projects and programs, and identifying necessary mitigation measures and  

          supportive corrective actions.

•         Provide leadership for the development and implementation of best practices related to the management of environmental impacts and risks, including institutional capacity building.

•         Provide technical expertise to project teams on key issues related to environmental impact assessment.

•         Conduct due diligence and supervision of projects in support of IDB safeguard policies.

•         Supervise technical support for the environmental sustainability components of projects.

•         Lead the development of sector and thematic studies, assessment guidance and the dissemination of good practices through the organization of conferences, publications, and

          partnerships.

•         Conduct training sessions on environmental safeguards issues for IDB staff, executing agencies and consultants.

•         Coach and mentor more junior staff

 

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

 

•     Technical capacity in the field of environmental management and handling of development projects in infrastructure and other sectors.

•     Demonstrated expertise in the application of strategic approaches to the assessment and management of safeguard issues. 

•     Deep knowledge and internationally recognized expertise in the environmental management (environmental engineering, impact assessment, etc.) or related fields.

•     Broad understanding of the practical, scientific, economic and political dimensions of environmental policy and international development, as well as broad state-of-the-art knowledge of sector issues as they relate to the natural environment.  

•     Demonstrated expertise in the application of cutting edge strategic approaches to environmental planning and management.

•     Proven ability to apply advanced technical knowledge, expertise skills in a team leadership role to resolve and manage complex issues around environmental safeguards compliance.

•     Knowledge of public and private environmental management systems, and how these relate to private sector and public sector investments with impact on the environment.

•     Demonstrated interest and experience in knowledge management, in preparation/delivery of technical guidelines and training programs concerning environmental management and planning, technical issues and the Bank's safeguard policies.

 

CORE COMPETENCIES

 

Strong interpersonal skills; hard working, proactive, able to handle multiple tasks and work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams with ease with proven ability to be resolve conflicts and facilitate constructive and pragmatic solutions. Ability to work effectively with project teams and borrowers, providing initiative and leadership when appropriate.

 

•     Client Focus: Deep and broad understanding of the client's priorities, business opportunities and challenges; Sets the strategic business direction to best meet the client's evolving needs while

               balancing the interests of the IDB.

•     Collaboration and Influence: Creates and uses effective communication and influence strategies for achieving results across organizational units and boundaries; Encourages diverse points of   

                view to obtain the best solution or result.

•     Innovation and Creativity: Identifies unique approaches to deal with solutions for which no known precedent exists

•     Critical Thinking and Judgment: Balances competing priorities in making recommendations; Leverages the network of resources and experts to reach the best outcome.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

•     Education: Master degree, environmental management, environmental engineering or any other related field; a PhD could be beneficial.

•     Experience: A specialized knowledge and expertise built preferably in a multi or bi-lateral development institution, a recognized consulting firm, a private sector group or NGO during at least 6

                years of experience in environmental safeguards issues, environmental impact assessment and related areas.

•     Languages: Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills and proficiency in at least two of the Bank´Bank's official languages (English, Spanish, French or Portuguese); English and Spanish

                preferred. Any other official languages would be beneficial.

 

The Bank offers excellent benefits, including relocation expenses (if applicable), and a competitive compensation package.

 

The IDB is committed to gender equality and encourages women to apply.

We seek diversity also in terms of nationality, ethnicity, race and educational background.

Persons living with disability or HIV/AIDS are equally encouraged to apply.

 

Closing date: October 26, 2012

 

PLEASE APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.IADB.ORG/CAREERS