Senior Environmental and Social Specialist: A Strategic Role in Sustainable Development

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental and social professional to make a significant impact within a leading international financial institution. This Principal-level role offers a chance to contribute directly to the Bank's commitments in environmental and sustainability policy, with a specific focus on countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

If you are passionate about driving sustainable development and possess a strong background in environmental and social risk assessment, this position offers a compelling career advancement path.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the Bank's Environmental and Social Policy, influencing a diverse portfolio of projects and activities across various sectors.
• Specialist Focus: Deepen your expertise in environmental and social appraisal and monitoring, with a particular emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Complex Project Involvement: Gain valuable experience working on complex, high-risk projects, requiring sophisticated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with banking teams, sector heads, directors, and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve shared sustainability goals.
• Policy Development and Refinement: Contribute to the development and refinement of environmental and sustainability policies, standards, and methodologies, ensuring the Bank remains at the forefront of best practices.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunity to mentor and coach less experienced staff, sharing your expertise and contributing to the growth of future sustainability professionals.
• International Exposure: Work within a dynamic, international organization, interacting with diverse cultures and contributing to global sustainable development efforts.
• Career Progression: This Principal role is designed for individuals with a proven track record, offering a platform for further leadership and specialization within the environment and sustainability domain.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Sub-Saharan Africa Expertise: While not strictly mandatory, significant experience assessing and monitoring environmental and social aspects of projects within Sub-Saharan Africa is highly preferred. Candidates with this specific regional knowledge will have a distinct advantage.
• Technical Depth: A strong understanding of international environmental, social, and climate standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement alignment, TCFD, TNFD, ISSB, CSRD) is essential.
• Policy and Process Acumen: Familiarity with financing instruments, approaches, and procedures of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) or similar organizations is crucial.
• Project Management Skills: The ability to manage and facilitate specialist input to projects, including complex and high-risk initiatives, is a core requirement. This includes managing project teams and ensuring delivery.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of stakeholders, build consensus, and negotiate effectively is vital.
• Analytical Rigor: Strong analytical and quantitative skills are needed to assess risks, impacts, and opportunities, and to contribute to data management and reporting.
• Adaptability and Proactiveness: The role demands a proactive approach to anticipating problems, tackling challenges, and contributing to continuous improvement of internal processes.
• Language Proficiency: While excellent written and spoken English is a must, familiarity with a language of the EBRD's countries of operation would be an advantage.

This position represents a significant step for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in environmental and social sustainability within a globally recognized institution. By focusing on complex challenges and collaborating with a diverse team, you will be instrumental in advancing sound environmental and sustainable development practices.