The strength of IFC’s E&S team permits specialization. IFC has been a leader in private-sector biodiversity risk management for the past 15 years. 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 and strategic, and the position will enable the candidate to identify real-world solutions through private-sector biodiversity management. IFC is looking for a biodiversity specialist to lead our regional activities in the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Afghanistan (MCT) region to support our efforts in this space.

The position will report to the ESG Regional Manager for MCT region.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary focus of the work is risk management, which includes a project-specific focus on investments as well as upstream and advisory engagements to provide broader support to clients and develop the capacity to manage risks to biodiversity. The candidate will be expected to work with projects’ lead E&S specialists and, as needed, in coordination with specialists in other thematic fields, develop integrated approaches to review and monitor projects’ management of biodiversity issues in compliance with contractual requirements. The candidate will be interacting with clients and IFC investment and advisory staff in multiple industrial and commercial sectors (e.g., infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services) to mainstream biodiversity considerations through the implementation of IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources and, as needed, other Performance Standards. Responsibilities include the following:

• Support project lead E&S specialists in screening prospective projects in the MCT with respect to biodiversity risks.
• Support project E&S specialists in gathering and analyzing available information, such as client documentation, to identify gaps against PS6 as relevant to the sector (e.g., infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.).
• Support in identifying and developing mitigation measures for biodiversity-specific risks and impacts in alignment with the mitigation hierarchy and PS6 and develop measures to monitor implementation through plans and programs.
• For the agribusiness sector, support the mapping of biodiversity-related supply chain risk and assist in developing approaches to promote more sustainable practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance project structure, by supporting IFC’s E&S specialists and investment staff to provide clients with guidance in integrating biodiversity into E&S Management Systems to comply with PS6.
• Provide capacity-building, training, and other support to private sector and government clients to better understand the value of and need to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Oversee, coordinate, and manage biodiversity consultants working in the MCT, including contractual and technical management.
• Track portfolio-wide risks with respect to biodiversity aspects across MCT.
• Lead/contribute to the design and delivery of internal and external biodiversity and nature-related learning programs.
• Represent IFC at biodiversity-related conferences, technical meetings, industry events, and environmental fora. Provide organizational and coordination support in convening departmental and external knowledge sharing forums and contribute to developing content materials.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management, or similar).
• At least 8-12 years of work experience in private sector biodiversity management with experience in emerging markets.
• Deep knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of MCT ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Significant working experience in applying IFC’s PS6 and Guidance Note (GN) 6. Experience of application of PS6 in IFC-financed projects is preferred.
• It is advantageous to have a working knowledge of other aspects of IFC’s Sustainability Framework, including PS 1-5, 7, and 8, related Guidance Notes, and EHS Guidelines (www.ifc.org/ehsguidelines).
• Experience in the wind, hydropower, and agribusiness sectors and electricity transmission and distribution would be advantageous.
• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of other widely spoken languages is a plus.
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills. Good interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• A skilled communicator who is able to communicate effectively and concisely with persuasion in English.
• Willing and able to work effectively within a large, complex organization.
• Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.
• A strategic, practical-minded individual who seeks fit-for-purpose approaches and is willing to build negotiation skills.
• A skilled multi-tasker with a willingness to take on any level of task. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, deal with frequent unexpected changes, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• A good team player with strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team member, work effectively in and influence a team, and network effectively across boundaries.
• Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.