Senior Environmental and Social Development Specialist Job #: req34401 Organization: MIGA Sector: Social Development Grade: GG Term Duration:ย 4 years Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic Closing Date: 10/3/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), and our mission is to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries to help end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. We do that through the provision of political risk insurance and credit enhancement to investors and lenders against losses caused by noncommercial risks. Since July 2024, MIGA also now hosts the WBG Guarantee Platform, which provides a one-stop shop for all WBG guarantee products. For more information, visit www.miga.org.
Sustainability is a strategic priority for MIGA. It underpins the WBG's efforts to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in a sustainable manner. MIGA, through the work of the Environment, Social and Climate (MIGSC) unit, focuses on working with our clients and businesses to address environmental and social risks and impacts, climate change, gender equality, and reputational risk management and foster sustainable practices in all sectors. These sectors include agribusiness, manufacturing, services, infrastructure, energy and extractives, and financial markets. Core functions of the unit include the identification and assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts of projects where WBG guarantee support is being considered, as well as providing support to clients to enhance environmental and social risk management and monitoring of compliance of projects with environmental and social policies. MIGSC collaborates with the other units in MIGA and E&S units across the WBG to ensure the implementation of applicable policies and procedures.ย
Duties & responsibilities:
โข In accordance with applicable policies and procedures, assess the potential environmental and social (E&S) risks and/or impacts of assigned projects, where WBG guarantee support is being considered, against the requirements of MIGA Performance Standards (PSs) on Environmental and Social Sustainability and / or the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), as applicable. This includes preparing a written summary of the project and potential E&S risks and impacts for public disclosure on MIGAโs website. The assigned projects may often present complex issues that require significant insight and sector experience to address.
โข Define steps required to ensure compliance with the PSs and / or ESF and the WBG Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.
โข Based on these assessments, work with potential WBG clients and, where needed, support preparation of mitigation plans and identify actions to ensure that projects will align with PSs and / or ESF and the WBG Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines. Work with MIGA lawyers to ensure there will be appropriate language in guarantee contracts reflecting these commitments.ย
โข Articulate (verbally and in writing) key E&S risks and impacts to internal Management Teams.
โข When leading E&S assessments and other tasks, ensure effective and efficient use of staff, consultants, and resources, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables.ย
โข For assigned projects being supported by active guarantees, monitor compliance with PSs, ESF, the WBG EHS guidelines, sector specific guidelines, other relevant policies, and contract specific conditions. When there are compliance issues, work with the clients to implement remedial measures or undertake other actions to resolve them. Clearly document and communicate any outstanding or emerging gaps between project performance and contractual requirements, and related risks to MIGA / WBG.
โข Lead training on E&S issues to WBG clients, internal staff and other specialists, as needed.
โข Curate knowledge and disseminate lessons learned and standard methodologies within WBG community.ย
โข Represent MIGA at technical meetings, industry events and environmental and/or social fora, as requested.ย
โข Lead or contribute to the review and development of E&S policies, procedures, and framework; propose innovations and draw on lessons learned.
โข Collaborate with the rest of MIGAโs Environmental, Social and Climate teams and coordinate closely with MIGAโs Departments and other WBG project teams on assigned projects and corporate tasks.
โข Mentor junior staff and supervise consultants as requested.ย
โข Collaborate with WBG colleagues on joint projects as well as colleagues from other multilateral development institutions when supporting same projects.
โข Support discussions with Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and Independent Evaluation Group (IEG), as requested.ย
Selection Criteria
โข Advanced degree (Masters required) in Environment, Social Science, Engineering, or similar field.
โข Minimum of 8 years of directly relevant work experience in environment and/or social management and assessment directly related to private sector business activities.
โข Track record in working with private sector firms and / or public sector entities across different industry sectors to identify environmental and/or social risks and issues and develop mitigation measures to ensure compliance with good international industry practice.
โข Experience with IFC/MIGA Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability or similar standards. Experience with World Bank ESF will be advantageous.
โข International experience required; experience in developing countries and/or fragile and conflict states is preferred. Ability to travel frequently to developing countries.
โข Must understand the concept of management systems in general, and environmental and social management systems, in particular.
โข Understand the concept of gender-based violence (GBV), experienced in managing GBV risks and be able to guide MIGA clients in developing and implementing GBV Action Plans.ย
โข Experience in developing, implementing and/or evaluating plans for resettlement, land acquisition and compensation, social management, community development and Indigenous peoplesโ development is an advantage.
โข Ability to work well with a range of partners, including project-affected people, government officials, international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, NGOโs / civil society, as well as project investors and their staff.
โข Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources, and draw conclusions from sometimes limited data.ย
โข Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
โข Self-starter with enthusiasm for complex project challenges, integrated business solutions and MIGAโs sustainability objectives.
โข Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions.ย ย
โข Excellent verbal and written English language skills are essential and French language is highly desirable. Knowledge of other languages will be advantageous.
โข Excellent team player who can work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, motivate and lead group efforts and network effectively across boundaries.
โข High personal integrity and emotional intelligence, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters in a discreet and respectful manner. Diplomatic approach and calm under pressure.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
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.
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