Principal Environmental Specialist (Based in Beijing, China)

Position description

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

The Sustainability and Fiduciary Solutions Department (SFD) contributes to AIIB’s commitment to sustainable development through the implementation of its sustainability and fiduciary governance policies in projects that it finances. SFD performs operational compliance management in respect of AIIB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), Paris Alignment commitment, Procurement Policy, and Financial Management Guidance. Building on the implementation lessons learned, emerging best practices as well as evolving requirements of clients, SFD specialists actively engage in innovation, development and continual enhancement of AIIB’s sustainability and fiduciary policies, directives, and guidance so that Bank-financed projects result in meaningful outcomes and impacts. In addition, SFD collaborates with other business units on the corporate agenda pertaining to environmental and social sustainability, operational procurement, and financial management.

The Principal Environmental Specialist will primarily be responsible for leading the environmental team within the Sustainability and Fiduciary Solutions Department (SFD) to support the realization of AIIB’s commitment to sustainable development consistent with its Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). One of their key functions would be to oversee effective implementation of AIIB’s environmental and social due diligence during project preparation and implementation to ensure compliance with AIIB’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), which includes the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) and Environmental and Social Exclusion List. Another important function would be leading the required coordination between SFD and other relevant departments on ESF application in investment projects and undertaking institutional reporting to bank management on projects and portfolio performance in ESF implementation performance. The Principal Environmental Specialist reports directly to the Manager, Environment and Social Development.

Responsibilities: 

The Principal Environmental Specialist would be responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Environmental Team, advising and overseeing the application of the ESP in AIIB investment operations, relying on the ESP Directive and Administrative Guidance. More specifically, this responsibility includes:

• Managing and leading a team of environmental specialists, including assigning appropriate specialists and engaging consultants to support project teams in the preparation and implementation of investment projects;
• Advising and supporting environmental specialists in the application of ESF in AIIB’s investment operations;
• Managing relationships on environmental and social development thematic topics with relevant AIIB’s departments, including operational departments; the Compliance, Effectiveness and Integrity Unit, Strategy, Policy and Budget Department; the Communications Department, and others as warranted.
• Managing and leading, along with Principal Social Development Specialist, the development and conduct of training on the ESP and the associated ESP Directive and Administrative Guidance for AIIB staff and clients.
• Serving as AIIB focal point for coordination activities with other MDBs and bilateral development organizations on environmental topics;
• Serving as AIIB focal point on relations with external stakeholders, including civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations, concerning environmental issues in AIIB’s investment operations.
• Coordinating and supporting, as authorized by Manager and DG SFD, the work on Operational Policies, Directives, and Administrative Guidance related to environment to ensure consistency and coherence in their application.
• Supporting the formulation and implementation of the environmental aspects of AIIB’s sector strategies, policies, programs and projects.
• Guiding clients and project teams on implementation monitoring of the environmental aspects of investment projects and addressing any issues that arise during project implementation, including any changes in Project design or scope.
• From time to time, supporting the ES Manager and DG SFD in the management of, and institutional reporting on, ESF application and implementation.
• Leading internal capacity building initiatives within SFD and AIIB at large in the management of environmental issues.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in in environmental or natural or social science, engineering, planning, law, finance, business, or related discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant international experience in environmental planning, and risk management either working for, or as a government counterpart or consultant to, a multilateral/regional development bank, bilateral development organizations, or a private sector organization engaged in the development and implementation of infrastructure projects and their financing. Candidates with 15+ years is preferred.
• A successful track record in planning and managing environmental aspects of infrastructure programs and projects (including project design and feasibility studies, strategic and project-level social assessments and related types of studies for resettlement and Indigenous Peoples, social management plans and frameworks, consultation and disclosure processes and grievance redress mechanisms) which may include, but not limited to, the energy, transport, water, information and communication technologies (ICT) and urban development sectors.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a proven track record as a manager and/or leader of interdisciplinary teams and experience in working with public and private sector clients, development partners, and external stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations, civil society, etc.
• Sound critical thinking and familiarity with business processes and international good practice in infrastructure investment operations.
• A high level of personal integrity and a sense of accountability.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and extensively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of language(s) of a country in which AIIB invests would be an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to manage and work in multi-disciplinary teams.

AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills, experiences and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive process. We actively encourage applications from people from both within and outside AIIB members, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability or sexual orientation.

Previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which successful applicants will enter AIIB.

Join us and help create a prosperous and sustainable Asia while growing your career in a diverse and innovative environment.

Application instructions

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