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 a Independent Consultant (IC) position.
Requirements
- Technical expertise in at least one discipline necessary for 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.
- 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, 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 ESIAs, management systems, organizational capacity, and management and monitoring plans for construction and operational phases.
- Prepare a gap analysis, draft approval memo, and draft action plan identifying actions required to achieve compliance.
- Support communication to address E&S issues for DFC’s decision-making.
- Provide guidance to prospective clients regarding environmental and social requirements.
- Support the development of terms of reference for external support for addressing the E&S action plan.
- Coordinate among E&S Divisions and project investment teams to ensure consistency in interpretation and application of environmental and social requirements.
- Review project reports and plans submitted as conditions of DFC contracts and follow up with clients regarding their adequacy.
- 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, and site visits.
- Prepare reports on the status of environmental and social performance of active DFC projects, identifying non-compliance issues and recommending corrective actions.
- Liaise with DFC E&S Division staff, Environment and Social Specialists of co-lenders, and/or consultants to undertake project assessments and provide regional expertise.
- 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 local government, affected communities, and civil society.
- Prepare a written report describing the findings of each site visit within 15 days of completion.
Benefits
- Healthcare insurance
- Other staff welfare benefits and perks
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
