(Associate) Industry Specialist - Sustainable Finance

About the position

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. IFC's investment business includes its Financial Institutions Group (FIG). The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC's overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Sustainable finance, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC's clients through its global network. In line with the WBG's twin goals of reduced poverty and shared prosperity, IFC is committed to advance sustainable finance through both own account investments and private capital mobilization. To support development themes such as energy security, food security, job creation, and economic resilience of businesses and communities in the context of growing climate vulnerabilities, IFC set a target that its climate mitigation and adaptation investments will reach 45% of total financing commitment by 2025. FIG Sustainable Finance team is looking for an Associate Industry Specialist to support the implementation of some global initiatives including i) tailored services to capital market clients and partners; ii) sustainable bond market development; iii) climate risks in the context of transition and adaptation plans; and iv) emerging areas of climate adaptation & resilience.

Responsibilities

  • Work with relationship managers/ investment officers in FIG and other technical teams in Climate Business Department, ESG Department, and Macroeconomics Department to coordinate the delivery of activities under service agreements signed with capital market partners/clients.
  • Produce operational reports on the service agreement implementation.
  • Follow up periodical meetings with stakeholders (including the fund managers) to discuss progress and issues related to the service agreements.
  • Work with the team leaders to develop and implement strategy and workplans for the TAFs roll-out.
  • Conduct research to help with prioritization of countries, markets, clients for outreach activities.
  • Provide sustainable bond training to potential issuers where relevant.
  • Develop relationships and networking with industry departments (MAS, INF, etc.) and external stakeholders (Stock exchanges, Capital market authorities, industry associations) to promote sustainable bond/thematic bond topics.
  • Under supervision of the TAF leaders, undertake client engagements and advice to corporates in framework development, eligibility assessment of potential assets, and SPO preparation process, and impact measurement.
  • Produce operational progress reports to partners and donors as required.
  • Work with global and regional teams to develop advisory services to clients in Paris Alignment requirements, climate risk assessment, and transition/resilience planning.
  • Conduct research on tools, methodologies, and best practices in climate risk management applied to the banking/ financial sector.
  • Assist in product development for transition finance and adaptation finance.
  • Contribute to the FIG Adaptation and Resilience product development strategy through research, knowledge sharing and/or participation in relevant working groups convened by the sustainable finance manager and/or the A&R product lead.
  • Support investment teams with pitchbook drafting, and/or client engagements where adaptation & resilience finance opportunities can be explored.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Environmental Policy/Sciences, Engineering, Finance, Business, or Economics, with 5-10 years of relevant experience.
  • Good understanding and experience with capital market instruments (labelled bonds particularly).
  • Good understanding and experience in Paris Alignment, climate risk assessment and management in FIs or the banking sector.
  • Experience in managing programmatic client engagements with multiple stakeholders.
  • Awareness/familiarity with green taxonomies, mitigation and adaptation taxonomies.
  • Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and confidently, articulate solutions, manage and produce quality reports and presentations as required.
  • Strong team player with good interpersonal skills, and a commitment to work in a respectful, team-oriented, and multi-cultural environment.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan.
  • Medical, life and disability insurance.
  • Paid leave, including parental leave.
  • Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
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