Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. jobs in District of Columbia

Environmental/Social Compliance Specialist

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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

MIGA promotes cross-border investment in developing countries by providing guarantees (political risk insurance and credit enhancement) to investors and lenders.

The CAO’s mandate is to assist the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—the private sector lending and insurance arms of the World Bank Group—to address complaints from people affected by IFC and MIGA activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive and to enhance the E&S outcomes of activities in which these institutions play a role.

CAO’s Compliance Team carries out reviews of IFC/MIGA compliance with their Environmental & Social (E&S) Policies, assesses related harm, and recommends remedial actions to address non-compliance and harm where appropriate. This involves skilled fact finding, research, and analysis. The compliance team also monitors and reports on the implementation of Board approved commitments made by IFC or MIGA to address recommendations. In executing its work, the compliance team generates experience and knowledge that can assist IFC and MIGA in developing leading edge approaches to environmental and social risk management and to facilitating access to remedy. For more information visit www.cao-ombudsman.org.

The Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is looking for an Environmental and Social (E&S) Compliance Senior Specialist to join its Compliance Team.

Working under the direction of the E&S Compliance Team Manager, the Specialists will lead analyses of compliance with IFC environmental and social standards with respect to complaints received by CAO, prepare reports that summarize findings and recommendations, and identify opportunities to contribute to the development of lessons learned from compliance case work.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Conduct analyses of compliance with IFC environmental and social standards with respect to complaints received by the CAO, applying in-depth technical and strategic expertise and judgment.
• Provide technical leadership in relation to the design, organization, and data analysis of assigned CAO compliance appraisals, investigations, and monitoring processes. Serve as the author of CAO compliance reports, producing clear, well-reasoned compliance analysis and incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Provide technical expertise on environmentally related issues.
• Manage various compliance cases in parallel, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, adherence to policy-mandated timeframes, addressing risks and obstacles.
• Promote and facilitate innovation to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of processes.
• Consult with those who have submitted complaints, IFC and MIGA Management, and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Represent CAO at internal and external stakeholder meetings and events as necessary.
• Attend Board meetings for any matter related to relevant compliance reviews and investigations.
• Contribute to and collaborate with CAO’s Advisory team in the creation and dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned as they relate to CAO’s compliance work.
• Coach and guide compliance employees and consultants in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.
• Promote an environment of shared success and teamwork, connecting staff with peers across different practices and areas.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, for example, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, social sciences, etc., with a strong preference for environmental expertise.
• Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience in environmental policy and compliance analysis, particularly as it relates to the application of environmental and social standards at corporate and operational levels of international financial institutions (IFIs).
• Experience working with private sector clients with exposure to emerging markets in a wide range of sectors (e.g., energy, agribusiness, extractive industries, infrastructure, and financial intermediaries).
• Proven ability to interpret and apply environmental and social policies and standards of IFC, MIGA and/or other IFI, with a track record in developing, managing, and delivering best practices in compliance and audit strategies, methodologies, and techniques.
• Highly developed proficiency in a range of environmental and social technical issues, and demonstrated advanced level of environmental expertise.
• Demonstrated excellent judgment under high levels of scrutiny from both internal and external stakeholders, requiring the ability to present evidence-based findings in an objective, technically sound and constructive manner.
• Ability to work in highly sensitive and politically charged environments and to navigate sensitive situations and manage issues of confidentiality appropriately.
• Highly developed ability to engage and influence effectively and build rapport and trust with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in polarized contexts around complex issues.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to remain independent, including from Bank Management and the Board, in the exercise of her or his duties.
• Excellent ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources and present it concisely and clearly.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral, including proven experience in writing for publication and communicating information in a clear and cohesive manner.
• Proficiency in English required, with other languages an asset.

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.