(Associate) Operations Officer - Environmental & Social Eligibility Specialist - req31969

(Associate) Operations Officer - Environmental & Social Eligibility Specialist

Job #: req31969

Organization: IFC

Sector: Operations

Grade: GF

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s)

Closing Date: 3/14/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The CAO’s mandate is to assist the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—the private sector lending and insurance arms of the World Bank Group—to address complaints from people affected by IFC and MIGA activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive and to enhance the E&S outcomes of activities in which these institutions play a role.

Any individual or group who believes they are, or may be, harmed by a project may lodge a complaint with CAO. Complaints may relate to environmental and social harm regarding any aspect of the planning, implementation, or impact of a project. For more information visit www.cao-ombudsman.org.

CAO’s Eligibility Function serves as an entry point and carries out reviews of complaints to determine whether it is eligible by analyzing three policy-mandated criteria: a) whether the complaint relates to an active IFC or MIGA project, b) whether the issues raised in the complaint pertain to CAO’s mandate to address environmental and social project impacts and c) whether the Complainant is, or may be, affected by the harm raised in the complaint.

Do you want to build a truly worthwhile career? The Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is seeking an Environmental and Social (E&S) Eligibility Specialist to lead its Eligibility Function.

The Role: Working under the direction of the Director General (DG), the Eligibility Specialist will be responsible for screening its complaint against eligibility criteria set out in the CAO Policy, and recommending to the DG whether the complaint should be deemed eligible. In some cases where the complaint may trigger the consideration of additional criteria or exclusions under the policy, the eligibility determination will require consultation with the CAO Eligibility Committee. The Eligibility Specialist will prepare and document the analysis for the Committee’s consideration.

Responsibilities

• Review and assess complaints and related documentation submitted against eligibility criteria.
• Recommend determination of eligibility based on the analysis of criteria.
• Communicate with the complainants for additional information, if needed, and to inform them of eligibility decisions.
• Engage with IFC/MIGA in requesting documentation, clarifications and communicating of outcomes of eligibility decisions
• Prepare analysis documentation for consideration of the CAO Eligibility Committee, as needed.
• Document decisions made by the Eligibility Committee to enable future determinations to take into account earlier decisions or outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all complaints and eligibility determinations.
• Report on trends from complaint reviews.
• Provide recommendations for improvements based on trends and findings from complaint reviews.
• Conduct workshops with relevant staff and members of the Eligibility Committee to identify needs for process improvements such as the set-up documentation/recording of eligibility decisions and the systematization of eligibility committee proceedings, among others.
• Develop plan for process improvements.
  
  

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, for example, environmental or social sciences, policy analysis, law, etc.,
• Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience in policy analysis and management of grievances, particularly as it relates to analysis of complaints, handling, eligibility determination, or a related role.
• Experience working with private sector clients with exposure to emerging markets in a wide range of sectors (e.g., energy, agribusiness, extractive industries, infrastructure, and financial intermediaries).
• Demonstrated excellent judgment under high levels of scrutiny from both internal and external stakeholders, requiring the ability to present evidence-based findings in an objective, technically sound, and constructive manner.
• Ability to work in highly sensitive and politically charged environments, navigate sensitive situations, and manage issues of confidentiality appropriately.
• Highly developed ability to engage and influence effectively and build rapport and trust with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in polarized contexts around complex issues.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to remain independent, including from Bank Management and the Board, in the exercise of her or his duties.
• Excellent ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources and present it concisely and clearly.
• Advanced knowledge and application of project management skills including conducting analysis within tight timelines
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral and communicating information in a clear and cohesive manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and impartiality
• Strong organizational and document management skills.
• Proficiency in English is required, with other languages an asset.
  
  

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.