Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Specialist - Latin America Consultant

Dexis•Washington, DC

18h

About The Position

The Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist – Latin America Consultant supports a U.S. Government organization in evaluating environmental and social risks across development finance projects in Latin America. This role contributes to ensuring that investments meet international environmental and social standards and align with broader development and policy objectives. The consultant serves as a regional specialist responsible for conducting project assessments, supporting compliance, and monitoring environmental and social performance across a diverse portfolio. The role requires strong regional expertise and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society. This is an Independent Consultant (IC) position.

Requirements

Technical expertise in at least one discipline necessary for a sound interdisciplinary approach to environmental and social impact assessment (e.g., environmental science, geology, sociology, anthropology).
At least five (5) years of experience in conducting or reviewing environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs).
At least five (5) years of experience in reviewing and evaluating environmental and social management systems to international standards.
Experience in applying the IFC Performance Standards is required.
Demonstrated sound understanding of the principles, standards and guidelines used in environmental and social impact assessment as applied in developing countries around the world.
At least five years of experience working with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and/or the private sector in Latin America.
Fluent in Spanish and English.
Demonstrated knowledge of the procedures, techniques and methods used in conducting environmental and social impact assessments of proposed and on-going projects in a wide range of sectors and countries.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply international, foreign and U.S. Government policies, laws, regulations and standards necessary to identify and assess environmental and social impacts.
Demonstrated knowledge of effective environmental and social management systems including policies, risk and impact identification, management programs, organizational capacity and competency, emergency preparedness and response, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms.
Ability to engage effectively with representatives of domestic and foreign governments, U.S industry and NGOs.
U.S. Citizenship required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of database management applications, global positioning systems (GPS), and other technology tools used in the assessment and monitoring of social and environmental impacts is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct environmental and social assessment and monitoring of DFC Latin America projects, and potentially support projects in other geographies.
Coordinate across E&S Divisions to ensure consistency in assessing environmental and social performance of DFC projects.
Assess environmental and social risks and performance against DFC’s Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP, April 2024), IFC Performance Standards (January 2012), applicable local, national and international environmental and social legislation, international laws including conventions and treaties adopted by the host country, applicable World Bank Group EHS Guidelines, other relevant sector-specific IFC guidance documents, and other Good International Industry Practice.
Review the adequacy of environmental and social documentation for projects, including the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), environmental and social management systems, organizational capacity and competency, and environmental and social management and monitoring plans for construction and operational phases. This may require recommendations on eligibility.
Review the adequacy of environmental and social action plans, including measures, timelines and budgets.
Prepare a gap analysis, draft approval memo and a draft action plan identifying actions required to achieve compliance with the assessment framework.
Support required communication to address E&S issues for DFC’s decision-making purposes.
Provide guidance to prospective clients regarding the appropriate content, procedures, format, and resourcing/capacity building for environmental and social requirements.
Support the development of terms of reference for external support for addressing the E&S action plan, as needed.
Coordinate among the E&S Divisions and project investment teams to ensure consistency in the interpretation and application of environmental and social requirements of related DFC debt finance, insurance or equity finance projects.
Review project reports and plans (“deliverables”) submitted as conditions of DFC contracts and follow up with clients regarding receipt and/or adequacy of deliverables.
Monitor the actual environmental, social, health and safety impacts of previously approved DFC projects through analysis of client and third-party monitoring reports, monitoring data received by DFC and through site visits.
Prepare reports on the status of environmental and social performance of active DFC projects, including identifying issues of non-compliance with DFC’s E&S conditions, and make recommendations for appropriate corrective action.
Liaise with DFC E&S Division staff, Environment and Social Specialists of co-lenders, and/or consultants to undertake project assessments, provide regional expertise, and any other associated tasks as needed.
Perform site-based due diligence or monitoring for environmental and social compliance against the IFC Performance Standards, DFC’s ESPP and any additional deliverables or requirements in the DFC agreement.
Request meetings with appropriate organizations including but not limited to local government, affected communities, and civil society.
Prepare a written report describing the findings of each site visit and submit within 15 days of completion of the diligence or monitoring site visit.