(Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist - CSO Engagement (for pooling only)
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 109 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized up to USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Working with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.
The Sustainability and Fiduciary Solutions Department (SFD) contributes to AIIB’s commitment to sustainable development through the implementation of its sustainability and fiduciary governance policies in projects that it finances. SFD performs operational compliance management in respect of the Environment and Social Framework (ESF), Paris alignment commitment, Procurement Policy, and Financial Management Guidance. Building on the implementation lessons learnt, emerging best practices as well as evolving requirements of clients, SFD specialists actively engage in innovation, development and continual enhancement of AIIB’s sustainability and fiduciary policies, directives and guidance so that the Bank financed projects result in meaningful outcomes and impacts. In addition, SFD collaborates with other business units on the corporate agenda pertaining to environmental and social sustainability, operational procurement, and financial management.
(Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist – CSO Engagement will be primarily responsible for integrating environmental and social dimensions into the work of the AIIB and strengthening the Bank’s engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), recognizing the importance of this issue in the development of sustainable infrastructure. The position involves activities to:
(i) address the environmental and social dimensions of policies, programs, projects, technical assistance, and training; and
(ii) actively engage with CSOs and manage the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with investment projects against the requirements of AIIB’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP).
Responsibilities:
Operational Support
Participate in the identification, appraisal, design and implementation of investment programs and projects to evaluate environmental and social sustainability and support clients in carrying out environmental and social assessments.
Manage the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with investment projects, both Sovereign-backed Financings (SBF) and Non-sovereign-backed Financings (NSBF) including financial intermediaries (FI) Projects, against the requirements of AIIB's ESP. More specifically, this responsibility includes:
- Screening for potential ES risks and impacts and proposing the ES category for the Project.
- Screening for environmental and social risks and impacts and supporting Clients in managing those risks and impacts during preparation and implementation of Projects.
- Conducting due diligence assessment of ES aspects of the SBF, NSBF (including FI) Projects and undertaking field visits if needed, for assessing the ES feasibility of the Project.
- Guiding the clients on preparation and implementation of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs), environmental/social management plans (ESMPs), across priority infrastructure sectors such as water, urban, energy and transport as per the requirements of AIIB ESP.
- Supporting the Clients on stakeholder consultations, including CSOs, and disclosure of ESIAs and related studies.
- Monitoring implementation of the ES aspects of the Project and addressing any issues that arise during Project implementation, including any changes in Project design or scope.
- Assisting the clients to address any non-compliance with its ES obligations by providing support to develop, recommend, and monitor courses of action/corrective measures required of the client to bring the Project back to compliance with the AIIB’s ES Policy.
- Conducting reviews of country’s relevant environmental/social laws and regulations and corporate environmental and social management systems and their institutional capacities to implement, in order to determine their potential for selective, partial, or full use in AIIB-financed projects.
- Supporting management to ensure complaints received by the Bank are managed timely, consistently, and effectively Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
- Contributing to AIIB’s knowledge base on environmental and social aspects, particularly related to climate change, gender, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and emerging ESG frameworks.
- Developing and conducting training on environmental and social sustainability of infrastructure Projects and ES aspects and requirements of AIIB's ESP for AIIB staff, consultants and clients. CSO Engagement
- Lead and contribute to the operation of the corporate CSO engagement Focal Point function housed in SFD
- Work with project teams to advise and support clients on CSO engagement strategies pertaining to project level environmental and social consultations and/or complaints
- Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of the CSO engagement impact and performance across the portfolio
Requirements:
(Senior) Environmental and Social Development Specialist – CSO Engagement must have proven ability to carry out complex tasks as part of multi-disciplinary teams, capacity to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines; and ability to work with Project Teams, Clients and key stakeholders on managing environmental and social risks and impacts.
- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental or natural science, social science, engineering, planning, community development, law, or related discipline
- Minimum 5-8 years of relevant professional experience in working on E&S, CSO engagement, environmental planning and management either working for, or as a government counterpart or consultant to, a multilateral development bank (MDB), bilateral donor or a private sector organization
- Expertise in building and managing meaningful collaborations and consultations with CSOs and relevant stakeholders, including complaints handling
- Experience in working with civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations.
- Proven application of professional expertise in planning, management and monitoring of the environmental and social aspects of infrastructure programs and projects, including in sectors such as energy, transport, water and urban development.
- Demonstrated experience with the planning, preparation and implementation of project-level environmental and social assessments and related types of studies, including environmental and social management plans and frameworks.
- Effective ability to participate in project development, design, conduct of feasibility studies and consultations with stakeholders and demonstrated experience in monitoring E&S aspects during implementation.
- Proven ability to work with public and/or private sector clients and financial intermediaries, and development partners (MDBs, bilateral development organizations and development finance institutions) of AIIB in an effective and professional manner in both formal and informal settings.
- Experience with the development and implementation of environmental, social and CSO engagement strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Knowledge of language(s) of a country in which AIIB invests would be an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to coach/mentor more junior staff.
AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills, experiences and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive process. We actively encourage applications from people from both within and outside AIIB Members, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability or sexual orientation.
Join us and help create a prosperous and sustainable Asia while growing your career in a diverse and innovative environment.
Previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which successful applicants will enter AIIB.
* Closing Date: All opportunities close at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+8) on the dates listed.
** Job Type: Recruitment of staff is conducted through a merit-based competitive selection process. AIIB shall strive to provide employment opportunities open to all suitably qualified applicants, regardless of religion, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or nationality.
