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Environmental Specialist- Sao Paulo, Brazil

Job #:130639
Title:Environmental Specialist
Job Stream:Environment
Location:Sao Paulo, Brazil
Closing Date:03/31/2013
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. 

IFC is seeking to strengthen its global team of environmental and social specialists through the recruitment of an Environmental Specialist. The position will be based in São Paulo.
Duties and Accountabilities:
CES’s Investment Support Group (CESI) is seeking to strengthen its team of environmental and social specialists through the recruitment of an Environmental Specialist, with special emphasis in Infrastructure, to be based in Sao Paulo. 

Duties and Accountability:

Technical responsibilities will include:

• The review and appraisal of new investment proposals for IFC’s consideration, including the identification of potential environmental and social impacts, risks and issues as early in the project cycle as possible, develop recommendations for client actions and draft relevant project processing documentation.

• Work with clients to define steps required to meet the requirements 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.

• Identify opportunities for adding value in an investment project structure. Where and when appropriate, assist IFC investment staff with business development related to environmental opportunities above and beyond risk management.

• Work with client companies and IFC’s Advisory Services department to mobilize technical and financial support for clients to address environmental and social aspects of client’s operations.

• Produce and disseminate good practices and lessons learned documents from IFC’s work around the globe.

• Provide training on environmental and/or social issues to IFC borrowers and IFC investment officers.

• Represent IFC at technical meetings, industry events and environmental fora.
Selection Criteria:
• An advanced degree such as engineering, biology/ecology, environmental sciences or other relevant discipline. 

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience with no less than 5 years experience in conducting international environment and social assessments. 

• Knowledge and project experience with IFC‘s Environmental and Social Performance Standards and the World Bank Group’s Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines.

• In-depth experience in environmental issues associated with infrastructure projects (e.g. ports, roads, pipelines, hydropower, thermoelectric power, wind power).

• Emphasis on renewable energy and climate change mitigation and adaptation is highly desirable.

• Deep understanding of occupational health risks and safety.

• Experience in working with private sector industry is essential.

• Excellent verbal and written English language skills.

• Ability to travel frequently.

• Self-starter with enthusiasm for integrated business solutions and IFC’s commitment to sustainability. 

• Consultancy, contracting and/or operational experience in developing countries would be advantageous. 

• Innovative approach with ability to generate and sell value-added solutions to IFC’s clients and investment staff. 

• Ability to operate as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team. 

• Excellent team player who can help motivate and lead group effort and effectively network across boundaries. 

• Strong writing and public speaking skills.

Resumes should not exceed four pages and other supporting materials should be no more than four pages (including cover letter). No phone calls, paper mail, or faxes please. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

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.