Environmental and Social Specialist

Job Profile:

The Environmental and Social (“ES”) Specialist provides support in the tasks and activities of the Sustainability and Climate Change Unit. The incumbent will assess, monitor and reviews projects, provide advice to the Unit and Project teams and support the design and/or implementation appropriate ES instruments, all in accordance with the departmental strategy and framework, in order to ensure compliance with ESG policy and procedures. The climate risk aspects of projects will also be covered by the ES Specialist to the extent possible.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assessment 

• Assesses the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with OPEC Fund investments (Public and Private Sector) against OPEC Fund’s ESG Policy including IFC/World Bank performance standards
• Supports the design and/or implementation of appropriate ES instruments such as an environmental and social risk management framework, ESIA, ESMP, ESMS, RPF, RAP among others
• Assists in assessing the climate risks, alignment with Pars Agreement, and aspects related to climate finance (mitigation and adaptation) in projects

Compliance management 

• Defines steps required to ensure compliance with the above standards (ESG Policy et. al.), develops recommendations for client actions and drafts relevant project documentation/TORs
• Coordinates with the Project Management Unit of the Borrower to ensure that the implementation of ES commitments are complied satisfactorily
• Supports the sectoral and country portfolio reviews particularly with a view to highlighting systematic compliance issues in the portfolio

Data collection & analysis

• Provides inputs to or prepare diverse operational products/outputs (e.g. technical reviews, due diligence assessments, case studies, back to office reports, etc.) if needed
• Supervises the environmental and social performance of client companies through the review of monitoring reports and site visits to supervise environmental and/or social aspects of clients’ operations
• Reviews the project details and relevant ES documents during project preparation

Training delivery

• Provides training on environmental and social issues to OPEC Fund clients, operational staff and other specialists
• Participates in knowledge management events and forums and disseminate/share information to the Team Members

Information and business advice

• Contributes to the procurement of Lenders’/project level Environmental & Social Advisors/Consultants and supervises their deliverables
• Provides advice, input and/or comments on project, policy and other papers related to respective sector operations and development across a range of key themes and sectors

Performs any other related tasks as assigned by the Director to support the effective delivery of the Function, Department and OPEC Fund’s mandate.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Environment or natural sciences, humanities, social studies or a (closely) related field. 
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience in the field of environmental and social due diligence assessments
• Experience from reputable development finance institution/s with a strong E&S practice in both Private and Public Sector projects is an added advantage 
• Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and managing environmental and social risks across various sectors and project types
• Strong understanding of international ESG standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, Equator Principles, UN SDGs)
• Ability to evaluate and integrate physical and transition climate risks into project assessments and sustainability planning
• Skilled in preparing, reviewing, and implementing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), and similar tools
• In-depth knowledge of environmental and social laws, regulations, and reporting requirements at both international and national levels, and experience in monitoring for compliance
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities
• Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an added advantage.

Competencies:

• Collaboration and Teamwork - Ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders (internal and external), and partners from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Effective Communication - Ability to articulate ideas and information clearly and persuasively across various channels and audiences, integrate communication best practices, and ensure messages are tailored, culturally sensitive, and impactful, promoting active listening and feedback mechanisms.
• Results-Orientation - Ability to effectively achieve results through proactive ownership, decisive action and strategic planning. ensuring goals are met within specified timeframes and in alignment with OPEC Fund’s strategic direction
• Learning Agility and Adaptability - Ability to swiftly learn, unlearn, and adapt to changing circumstances and emerging challenges, with a commitment to continual growth through embracing new ideas, technologies, updating functional expertise, and facilitating organizational resilience
• Stakeholder and Impact Focus - Ability to prioritize and address the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders to achieve sustainable impact through stakeholder mapping, ensuring effective relationship management, transparent and timely communication, and aligning their contributions with OPEC Fund’s mission to deliver long-term, positive outcomes
• Accountability - Ability to take responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and their outcomes, demonstrating integrity and reliability, adhering to established internal controls, setting clear expectations, and maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior.