Regional Environment and Social Standards Adviser
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Regional Environment and Social Standards Adviser
Job #:
req30949
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Safeguards
Grade:
GH
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
1/27/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
REGIONAL CONTEXT:
EAP is a large and diverse region, ranging from Small Island States of the Pacific to the Philippines and China. Despite substantial economic growth and poverty reduction, the EAP region faces huge development challenges. Growth has been uneven across and within countries, institutions still need strengthening, and most countries are heavily affected by climate change. The Bank plays a significant role on global public goods, including on energy transition, methane emission reductions, biodiversity, water pollution and health. The Bank is partnering with key stakeholders and looking to deploy the latest operational efficiencies and tools under the Evolution process to support the region to grow. The World Bank Group is seen as a premier development institution in the Region, with a leadership role on analytical and advisory services as well as financing.
East Asia and the Pacific Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eap
EAPOS Unit Context:
EAP Operations Services (EAPOS or OS) plays an important role in advising the Regional Vice President and supporting EAP's management and operational teams to deliver the strongest possible program in line with country and corporate priorities while fulfilling accountabilities under the ADM and in doing so, ensuring the highest quality for EAP operational deliveries. EAPOS's work program ranges from strategic and operational advice to regional management, to highly bespoke guidance to operational teams, work on quality, pipeline delivery management, portfolio management and monitoring, regional risk management, support on regional and corporate priorities, and operational learning and knowledge sharing for regional staff. EAPOS serves as the secretariat for the Regional Operations Committee (ROC), the hub for the region's learning program and includes the team members covering ADM responsibilities of the Regional Environmental and Social Standards Advisor (RSA). Staff in the unit have expertise in all the Bank instruments, operations policy, operational experience in the key sectors relevant to EAP, specific expertise in climate change related corporate commitments - and on all the Bank operational data systems.
Job duties and accountabilities
As part of the multi-disciplinary team of E&S specialists, the Regional Environmental and Social Standards Advisor (RSA) will support the Director of Strategy & Operations and OS Manager in overseeing the application of the ESF policy and standards and compliance with the environmental and social safeguard policies in the Bank's investment lending operations. Overall, the RSA will support E&S risk management across the lending portfolio in coordination with the Chief Environmental and Social Standards Officer (CESSO) in OPSPF, have oversight on high risk IPF operations or where enhanced oversight is needed on additional IPF operations; assist the CESSO in the application of the environmental and social policies, promote building environmental and social sustainability into project design and implementation, support the use of sound environmental and social assessments methodologies across sectors and countries, and participate in knowledge, learning and corporate initiatives.
The RSA will maintain a dotted line reporting relationship to the CESSO. The RSA will advise the Regional Management Team on E&S risk management, provide quality assurance and compliance on the application of the E&S policies and standards, and provide high quality and timely review and clearance of the E&S aspects of investment lending operations. The RSA will have the following responsibilities:
Provide leadership and guidance on the application of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework policy and standards, as well as the Bank's safeguard policies relating to the assessment of environmental and social issues, risks and impacts.
Provide direct preparation and implementation support to high risk and/or complex projects to help ensure that task teams and clients fully understand and implement Bank procedures, policy requirements, and quality standards. This will include working closely with the project teams, participating in site visits and meetings with implementing agencies, Government officials, Project-affected People (PAPs) and other stakeholders, participating in key decision meetings, and advising teams and clients on a range of E&S issues.
Coordinate and supervise environmental and social staff and consultants working on the RSA team in providing comments and guidance on project environmental and social assessment instruments and documentation for the Region; provide support for the development of required Bank documentation, if needed.
Work closely with the Chief Environmental and Social Standards Officer in OPCS on policy issues, risk management and systems, and corporate initiatives to ensure consistent application of the ESF and safeguard policies.
In collaboration with staff in the Regional Teams, develop and disseminate innovative practical approaches to identify, evaluate, and address complex environmental and social issues, including developing and delivering high quality training activities on the Bank's environmental and social policies.
In collaboration with staff in the Regional Teams, lead thematic/sectoral reviews and other analytical work on environmental and social policy applications to support portfolio performance.
Under the guidance of the Director of Strategy & Operations and OS Manager, represent the Regional Management Team in professional meetings, multi-donor and international fora relating to environmental and social risk management, safeguards and standards, providing leadership in these areas.
Contribute as required to the broader work of the Region on improving environmental and social sustainability.
Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental or natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences, law, economics or other relevant discipline.
At least twelve (12) years of full-time relevant professional experience with a sustained record of achieving high quality substantive results.
Hands-on experience in environmental and/or social risk management, preparation and/or review of project environmental and social risk and impact assessments, environmental and social management plans, capacity assessments and institutional strengthening measures
Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement major projects and to produce major/complex reports or studies
Excellent knowledge of the World Bank's environmental and social policies and standards and World Bank Performance Standards (OP 4.03).
Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically
Proven capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, and ability to represent the Department with internal and external partners and interact effectively with Senior Management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
Excellent workflow management and task organization skills; able to coordinate all aspects of the workflow of assigned responsibilities
Ability to coach/mentor more junior staff.
Environmental or Social Development Policy, Strategy and Institutions - Solid understanding of environmental or social development policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations of the World Bank.
Environmental and/or Social Sciences - Demonstrates strong knowledge of one relevant thematic areas of climate change, and environmental risk management; or demonstrates strong knowledge of one relevant social thematic areas of social development, and social risk management; deep experience in applying knowledge to policy-related decisions and advice.
Policy Dialogue Skills - Possesses political judgement, diplomatic acumen and negotiating skills; builds and sustains key stakeholder relationships with government and other key stakeholders.
Integrative Skills - Demonstrates ability to think and work across WBG practices and sectors; integrates divergent viewpoints of multiple external and internal stakeholders into a coherent strategy/program/project.
Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Fully understands the Bank's development initiatives and policies and practices related to lending and non-lending; Guides research and translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level.
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.
Job #:
req30949
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Safeguards
Grade:
GH
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
1/27/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
REGIONAL CONTEXT:
EAP is a large and diverse region, ranging from Small Island States of the Pacific to the Philippines and China. Despite substantial economic growth and poverty reduction, the EAP region faces huge development challenges. Growth has been uneven across and within countries, institutions still need strengthening, and most countries are heavily affected by climate change. The Bank plays a significant role on global public goods, including on energy transition, methane emission reductions, biodiversity, water pollution and health. The Bank is partnering with key stakeholders and looking to deploy the latest operational efficiencies and tools under the Evolution process to support the region to grow. The World Bank Group is seen as a premier development institution in the Region, with a leadership role on analytical and advisory services as well as financing.
East Asia and the Pacific Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eap
EAPOS Unit Context:
EAP Operations Services (EAPOS or OS) plays an important role in advising the Regional Vice President and supporting EAP's management and operational teams to deliver the strongest possible program in line with country and corporate priorities while fulfilling accountabilities under the ADM and in doing so, ensuring the highest quality for EAP operational deliveries. EAPOS's work program ranges from strategic and operational advice to regional management, to highly bespoke guidance to operational teams, work on quality, pipeline delivery management, portfolio management and monitoring, regional risk management, support on regional and corporate priorities, and operational learning and knowledge sharing for regional staff. EAPOS serves as the secretariat for the Regional Operations Committee (ROC), the hub for the region's learning program and includes the team members covering ADM responsibilities of the Regional Environmental and Social Standards Advisor (RSA). Staff in the unit have expertise in all the Bank instruments, operations policy, operational experience in the key sectors relevant to EAP, specific expertise in climate change related corporate commitments - and on all the Bank operational data systems.
Job duties and accountabilities
As part of the multi-disciplinary team of E&S specialists, the Regional Environmental and Social Standards Advisor (RSA) will support the Director of Strategy & Operations and OS Manager in overseeing the application of the ESF policy and standards and compliance with the environmental and social safeguard policies in the Bank's investment lending operations. Overall, the RSA will support E&S risk management across the lending portfolio in coordination with the Chief Environmental and Social Standards Officer (CESSO) in OPSPF, have oversight on high risk IPF operations or where enhanced oversight is needed on additional IPF operations; assist the CESSO in the application of the environmental and social policies, promote building environmental and social sustainability into project design and implementation, support the use of sound environmental and social assessments methodologies across sectors and countries, and participate in knowledge, learning and corporate initiatives.
The RSA will maintain a dotted line reporting relationship to the CESSO. The RSA will advise the Regional Management Team on E&S risk management, provide quality assurance and compliance on the application of the E&S policies and standards, and provide high quality and timely review and clearance of the E&S aspects of investment lending operations. The RSA will have the following responsibilities:
Provide leadership and guidance on the application of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework policy and standards, as well as the Bank's safeguard policies relating to the assessment of environmental and social issues, risks and impacts.
Provide direct preparation and implementation support to high risk and/or complex projects to help ensure that task teams and clients fully understand and implement Bank procedures, policy requirements, and quality standards. This will include working closely with the project teams, participating in site visits and meetings with implementing agencies, Government officials, Project-affected People (PAPs) and other stakeholders, participating in key decision meetings, and advising teams and clients on a range of E&S issues.
Coordinate and supervise environmental and social staff and consultants working on the RSA team in providing comments and guidance on project environmental and social assessment instruments and documentation for the Region; provide support for the development of required Bank documentation, if needed.
Work closely with the Chief Environmental and Social Standards Officer in OPCS on policy issues, risk management and systems, and corporate initiatives to ensure consistent application of the ESF and safeguard policies.
In collaboration with staff in the Regional Teams, develop and disseminate innovative practical approaches to identify, evaluate, and address complex environmental and social issues, including developing and delivering high quality training activities on the Bank's environmental and social policies.
In collaboration with staff in the Regional Teams, lead thematic/sectoral reviews and other analytical work on environmental and social policy applications to support portfolio performance.
Under the guidance of the Director of Strategy & Operations and OS Manager, represent the Regional Management Team in professional meetings, multi-donor and international fora relating to environmental and social risk management, safeguards and standards, providing leadership in these areas.
Contribute as required to the broader work of the Region on improving environmental and social sustainability.
Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental or natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences, law, economics or other relevant discipline.
At least twelve (12) years of full-time relevant professional experience with a sustained record of achieving high quality substantive results.
Hands-on experience in environmental and/or social risk management, preparation and/or review of project environmental and social risk and impact assessments, environmental and social management plans, capacity assessments and institutional strengthening measures
Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement major projects and to produce major/complex reports or studies
Excellent knowledge of the World Bank's environmental and social policies and standards and World Bank Performance Standards (OP 4.03).
Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically
Proven capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, and ability to represent the Department with internal and external partners and interact effectively with Senior Management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
Excellent workflow management and task organization skills; able to coordinate all aspects of the workflow of assigned responsibilities
Ability to coach/mentor more junior staff.
Environmental or Social Development Policy, Strategy and Institutions - Solid understanding of environmental or social development policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations of the World Bank.
Environmental and/or Social Sciences - Demonstrates strong knowledge of one relevant thematic areas of climate change, and environmental risk management; or demonstrates strong knowledge of one relevant social thematic areas of social development, and social risk management; deep experience in applying knowledge to policy-related decisions and advice.
Policy Dialogue Skills - Possesses political judgement, diplomatic acumen and negotiating skills; builds and sustains key stakeholder relationships with government and other key stakeholders.
Integrative Skills - Demonstrates ability to think and work across WBG practices and sectors; integrates divergent viewpoints of multiple external and internal stakeholders into a coherent strategy/program/project.
Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Fully understands the Bank's development initiatives and policies and practices related to lending and non-lending; Guides research and translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level.
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.