Internationally Recruited Post Alert: International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Africa seeks a Senior Social Development Specialist
Senior Social Development Specialist – IFC, Nairobi, Kenya
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
Requisition ID: req32274
Organization: International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Sector: Environment
Term Duration: 3 years
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Language Requirements: English (Required), French (Preferred)
About IFC:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. IFC works in over 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Their 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.
Role Overview:
IFC is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Social Development Specialist to join their Eastern Africa ESG team. Based in Nairobi, the specialist will report to the Regional ESG Manager for Eastern Africa, providing vital support to IFC’s investment and advisory teams in managing social risks aligned with IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) Performance Standards. The role involves a combination of technical expertise, client advisory, and stakeholder management to promote social risk management and ensure the successful delivery of IFC-supported investments and advisory mandates.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Early Screening, Due Diligence, Portfolio:
- Lead and assess complex social risks in new and existing investments, including stakeholder engagement, labor conditions, gender concerns, land acquisition, resettlement, community health and safety, Indigenous Peoples’ issues, and cultural heritage.
- Provide clear advice on social aspects to IFC teams and clients, ensuring compliance with IFC’s E&S standards.
- Monitor portfolio clients requiring significant support in social performance and help them develop a pathway to compliance.
- Engage with clients to resolve grievances and ensure the implementation of mitigation measures.
2. Upstream and Advisory Services:
- Identify key social risks at the market and client levels to unlock future investments.
- Guide IFC’s role in advisory and upstream support to enhance social risk management and address market gaps.
- Proactively identify opportunities to offer advisory services that contribute to greater development impact.
3. Stakeholder Management:
- Manage technical and institutional issues related to social risk management, enhancing operational support.
- Lead dialogue with civil society organizations and NGOs, ensuring effective implementation of IFC’s Performance Standards.
4. Knowledge Management:
- Contribute to the corporate knowledge base by sharing lessons learned and emerging social issues from the Africa region.
- Participate in global forums and conferences, representing IFC’s approach to social risk management.
5. Supervision and Support:
- Mentor and guide junior staff and short-term consultants on social risk management, ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of their work.
Selection Criteria:
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Post-graduate/Master’s degree in social sciences, anthropology, sociology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 12 years of experience in social due diligence, ideally in the private sector, across industries like agribusiness, infrastructure, manufacturing, and services.
- Proven expertise in IFC Performance Standards and other international financial institution policies on social risk management.
- Strong experience working with issues such as stakeholder engagement, labor conditions, resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, and community health and safety.
- Experience working in emerging markets, with knowledge of the Africa region’s dynamics. Experience in fragile and conflict-affected areas is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working within multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
Desirable Skills:
- Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in French is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate within teams and with clients, especially in conflict-sensitive situations.
- High emotional intelligence, integrity, and the ability to manage sensitive matters discreetly.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage with senior staff, clients, and external stakeholders effectively.
Why Work for IFC?
As a member of the World Bank Group, IFC offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Retirement plans
- Medical, life, and disability insurance
- Paid leave, including parental leave
- Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
IFC is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. They celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through IFC’s career portal before the application deadline on March 28, 2025. Please ensure to submit all required documentation, including an updated resume and cover letter.
Join IFC in shaping the future of sustainable development and addressing social risks in the private sector across Africa!
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