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.
Climate action is at the core of IFCs business. In financial year 2023, IFC delivered 46% in own-account climate finance and mobilized an additional $6.8 billion. The World Bank Groups Climate Change Action Plan (2021 2025) outlines our collective response to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement (referred to as Paris Alignment). IFC has committed to align 85% of new operations with these goals starting July 1, 2023, and to align 100% of new operations starting July 1, 2025.
The Climate Transition Finance Team is leading IFC works financing corporate climate transitions to net-zero emissions. The team is building a systematic approach to build experience and capacity in Transition Finance and broadening engagement to support wider market adoption and growth. As a first step IFC has developed a draft sector-agnostic Transition Finance framework building on existing taxonomies and best practices for emerging economies, which is currently being piloted and operationalized for wider adoption.
In this context, the Climate Transition Finance Team is seeking to hire a highly motivated Extended Term (E T) Consultant Climate Industry Specialist, based in Washington, D.C., to support the Global Lead for Transition Finance. This pivotal role focuses on advancing IFC’s approach to Transition Finance within the real sector and hard-to-abate industries, playing a critical part in developing and refining the Transition Finance Framework, building capacity, engaging stakeholders, and piloting transition finance assessments to expand transactions.
This highly visible position offers the opportunity to lead significant initiatives that address the unique challenges of high-emission sectors in emerging markets. The Climate Industry Specialist will provide expert knowledge and guidance internally and externally on Transition Finance, decarbonization pathways, sustainable finance products, and net-zero pathways and corporate transition plans. The role involves close collaboration with a wide range of IFC staffin particular strongly with industry counterparts in hard to abate sectors, regional, and corporate departmentsand active engagement with external stakeholders such as standard-setting organizations (e.g., International Capital Markets Association (ICMA), Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)), regulators, industry associations, and clients.
By driving the development of practical guidelines, delivering targeted training, and influencing global standards to reflect emerging market perspectives, the specialist will contribute to IFC’s strategic climate-related priorities and initiatives. This role not only supports the expansion of transition finance in key sectors but also positions IFC as a leader in facilitating corporate transitions towards net-zero emissions in the real sector and hard-to-abate industries.
Duties and Accountabilities
The E T Consultant Climate Industry Specialist will be a core member of the Climate Finance & Policy Team and is expected to contribute to solutions and execution of the teams approach on Transition Finance. Accountabilities may include but not be limited to the following:
1. Methodology Development
2. Transaction Support and Pilot Structuring
Collaborate with IFC real sector teams to pinpoint viable transition finance opportunities in high-emitting sectors.
Analyze market trends and client portfolios to identify companies suitable for transition finance initiatives.
Support the industry led due diligence process by evaluating clients’ emissions profiles, sustainability commitments, and decarbonization strategies. Assess technical, financial, and environmental aspects of proposed projects to determine their alignment with transition finance criteria.
Support development of tailored financing solutions that align with IFC’s Transition Finance Framework and meet clients’ transition objectives.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor clients’ progress on transition commitments post-investment.
Provide guidance on disclosure and reporting obligations, ensuring transparency and accountability in line with international best practices.
Document lessons learned and share best practices to inform future transactions and enhance IFCs approach to transition finance.
Offer hands-on advisory assistance to IFC real sector teams and clients in high-emitting sectors, focusing on implementing transition plans and identifying investment opportunities.
3. Subject-Matter Expertise, Stakeholder Engagement, and Thought Leadership
4. Capacity Building and Industry Collaboration
Selection Criteria
Technical Expertise:
Skills and Competencies:
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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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Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.