Environmental and Social Development Specialist – Biodiversity, South America Region

Environmental and Social Development Specialist – Biodiversity, South America Region

Job #: req30372

Organization: IFC

Sector: Environment

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Required Language(s): English, Portuguese

Preferred Language(s): Spanish

Closing Date: 11/26/2024 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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

The Environmental & Social (E&S) Departments are integrated across nine regions globally. These departments leverage their collective experience in emerging markets to maintain IFC’s leadership in sustainability through ESG standards – the Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards ( to encourage the effective adoption of these standards by companies and investors across the emerging markets. More details can be found at

Objectives/Purpose of Assignment

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 our efforts in this space, IFC is looking for a biodiversity specialist to lead our regional activities in the South America region.

This position will be based in Sao Paulo.

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. The candidate will be expected to work with the project lead E&S specialist and as needed, in coordination with specialists in other thematic fields (environmental management, stakeholder engagement, resettlement, gender, labor) to develop integrated approaches to appraise and supervise (monitor) projects. The candidate will be interacting with investment staff and clients of all sectors (infrastructure, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.) to mainstream biodiversity considerations through the implementation of IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources (PS6) and, as needed, other Performance Standards.

1. Support the screening of prospective projects in the South America region with respect to biodiversity risks.
2. Support project E&S specialists in gathering and analyzing available information, such as client’s project documentation, to identify gaps against PS6 as relevant to the sector (infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.).
3. Provide biodiversity-related support to the project lead E&S specialists covering due diligence and supervision of projects.
4. Support in the identification of mitigation measures for biodiversity-specific risks and impacts in alignment with the mitigation hierarchy and develop measures to monitor implementation through plans and programs.
5. Produce high-quality work products that clearly and logically frame biodiversity risk assessment in the context of PS6 and outline practical and regionally relevant approaches to mitigation.
6. 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.
7. Identify opportunities for value add in project structure, by supporting IFC’s E&S specialists, investment staff to provide clients with guidance in integrating biodiversity into E&S Management Systems to comply with PS6.
8. Provide capacity-building, training and other support to both private sector as well as government clients to better understand the value of biodiversity/nature and mitigate and manage related risk and impacts.
9. Oversee, coordinate and manage biodiversity consultants working in the South America region, including contractual and technical management.
10. Work with Regional Industry Leads (RIL) to track portfolio-wide risks with respect to biodiversity aspects across the South America region.
11. Work in coordination with the RILs and the Climate Business Department, assist in the identification of Nature Positive investments per the WBG’s Nature Finance Tracking Methodology and biodiversity investments and related indicators per IFC’s Biodiversity Finance Reference Guide.
12. Take part in the Biodiversity Community of Practice meetings led by IFC’s E&S Risk and Policy Department to ensure consistency in global practice and share lessons learned.

Selection Criteria

1. Graduate/Advanced degree in relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, such as conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management or similar).
2. At least 10 year’s international experience in private sector biodiversity management with experience in emerging markets.
3. Deep knowledge in the biodiversity and ecology of South American ecosystems, flora and fauna.
4. Significant working experience in the application of IFC’s PS6 and Guidance Note (GN) 6, preferably on IFC-financed projects, other DFI-financed projects may also be acceptable.
5. Knowledge of other aspects of IFC’s Sustainability Framework including PS 1-5, 7 and 8, related Guidance Notes and EHS Guidelines ( is a plus.
6. Experience in the agribusiness sector would be advantageous.
7. Fluency in English and Portuguese required. Working knowledge of Spanish is preferred.
8. Strong writing and oral presentation skills. Good inter-personal and cross-cultural skills.
9. Willing and able to work effectively within a large, complex organization.
10. Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.
11. A strategic, practical-minded individual that seeks fit-for-purposes approaches and a willingness to build skills in negotiation.
12. 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.
13. A skilled communicator able to communicate effectively, concisely with persuasion in English and Portuguese with a working knowledge of Spanish.
14. 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.
15. 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.