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 Africa and support our global biodiversity and nature work program as part of on our core team of biodiversity specialists. This position will be based within IFC’s Africa ESG team, which coordinates with our global team.

This position will report to the CEG Regional Manager for the Africa region.

Duties and Accountabilities:

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 and, as needed, other Performance Standards. Responsibilities include the following:

•  Support the screening of prospective projects in the Africa region with respect to biodiversity risks.
•  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.).
•  Provide biodiversity-related support to the project lead E&S specialists covering due diligence and supervision of projects.
•  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.
•  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.
•  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.
•  Identify opportunities for value add in 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 both private sector as well as government clients to better understand the value of biodiversity/nature and mitigate and manage related risk and impacts.
•  Oversee, coordinate and manage biodiversity consultants working in the Africa region, including contractual and technical management.
•  Work with CEG Regional Team Lead to track portfolio-wide risks with respect to biodiversity aspects across Africa in coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead.
•  Take part in monthly meetings led by the Global Biodiversity Lead and with the core biodiversity team to ensure consistency in global practice and share lessons learned.
•  In coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead, provide input into IFC-wide initiatives such as biodiversity and nature finance and tracking, nature-related disclosures and targets.
•  Lead/contribute to the design and delivery of biodiversity and nature related learning programs both internally and externally.
•  In coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead, contribute and provide advice and inputs to the relevant IFC’s policies and procedures.
•  In coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead, represent IFC at biodiversity-related conferences, technical meetings, industry events and environmental fora. Provide organizational and coordination support in the convening of departmental and external knowledge sharing forums and contribute to the development of content materials.

Selection Criteria

•  Graduate/Advanced degree in relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, such as conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management or similar).
•  At least 10 year’s work experience in private sector biodiversity management with experience in emerging markets.
•  Deep knowledge in the biodiversity and ecology of African ecosystems, flora and fauna.
•  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.
•  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) is a plus.
•  Experience in the hydropower sector and agribusiness sectors would be advantageous.
•  Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of other, widely-spoken languages a plus.
•  Strong writing and oral presentation skills. Good inter-personal and cross-cultural skills.
•  A skilled communicator able to communicate effectively, 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 that seeks fit-for-purposes approaches and a willingness to build skills in negotiation.
•  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.
•  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.
•  Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.