Environmental Sustainability Expert

At the World Bank Group, we are committed to helping our clients solve their greatest development challenges. As a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity, we work with public and private sector partners in over 120 offices worldwide to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The Environment Department has five key business lines consisting of Lending and non-lending services in Forests, Watersheds and Sustainable Landscapes ('Green Business line'); Marine, Coastal, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Health ('Blue Economy Business line'); Pollution Management and Environmental Health ('Pollution Management Business line'); Environmental Economics, Policies and Institutions Business line, and Safeguards/ Environmental Risk Management Business line: delivery of effective environmental risk management and sustainability by managing risk at the project level and creating opportunities to advance sustainable development.

This includes provision of high-quality and timely safeguards services across the Bank, including current safeguards policies and the effective implementation of the new Environment and Social Framework (ESF) that was rolled out on October 1, 2018

The ENV Department in Sub Saharan Africa consists of four units: Two in West and Central Africa Region, and two in East and Southern Africa Region. SAWE4 covers parts of West and Central. The unit manages operations and analytical activities in a variety of areas such as natural resources management (including land, coastal and marine resources), pollution and climate change. In addition, the unit, like other ENV GP units provides environmental safeguards and ESF services across all sectors and projects.

Nigeria's diverse landscapes, from forests to coastlines, are rich in natural resources but face increasing pressure from deforestation, land degradation, and air pollution. Effective land management and sustainable forestry practices are crucial to preserving these ecosystems, while the emerging Blue Economy offers opportunities to protect and sustainably harness coastal and marine resources for economic development.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Environmental/Natural Resources Management (NRM) Specialist with a strong track record in operational leadership, including TTL accreditation for IPFs (ideal also with DPO experience). The candidate must have successfully led complex, multi-sectoral operations across regions, with a proven ability to engage with clients, the private sector, and external partners.

Experience in fund-raising and managing large-scale investment portfolios is essential, along with a history of coordinating cross-disciplinary activities within diverse organizational structures. Demonstrated ability to lead high-quality analytical tasks that include environmentally related data and information, linking those analyses to country development priorities and economic impacts.

Ability to identify long-range goals and objectives, develop strategic approaches, and conceptualize multi-year plans to operationalize and implement these strategies using Bank instruments. The role requires expertise in conducting high-quality analytical work that connects environmental data with national development priorities and economic outcomes, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Familiarity with Bank instruments, innovation in project development, and a strong ability to build client trust are key. Experience working in multiple regions, including FCV countries, as well as leadership and mentoring skills, are critical for this position.

• Lead and support strategic dialogue and business development, working across all ENV business lines.
• Provide intellectual leadership and technical expertise on one or more business lines.
• Contribute to and/or lead analytical inputs in support of Assess and advise on policy frameworks, particularly regarding land-use/forestry/fisheries and NRM, including the valuation and payment for ecosystem services and GPGs including the operationalization of the CCDR.
• Support capacity building and knowledge sharing opportunities with and for key partners, through for example the development and delivery of training and knowledge-sharing events in support of the Knowledge Compact.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with regional, national, and local partners, including government, civil society, academic/research institutions, the private sector, and bilateral and multilateral development partner agencies.

Job Requirements:

• A Master's degree or above in environmental science, natural resources management, environmental management, environmental engineering or another environmental discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of international professional experience in the environment and natural resources management sector, including proven experience in watershed management, integrated landscapes, environment, fisheries, marine and coastal zone management, forestry, dryland development, climate change, and biodiversity.
• Deep knowledge of natural resources sectors, policies, and institutions, including forestry, Sustainable land management, and/or fisheries.
• Proven track record of leading preparation and implementation support with strong operational experience (including being TTL-accredited for IPFs/PforRs, working with DPFs, as well as TF and ASAs), with solid skills in client engagement and a track-record in leading regional/multisectoral work.

Competencies:

• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Understands policy making process; distills operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Identifies and assesses policy issues and plays an active role in the dialogue with the government and/or other stakeholders.
• Integrative Skills - Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of current sector.
• Environmental Policy, Strategy and Institutions - Familiarity with environmental policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations.
• Environmental Sciences - Depth in at least one area: water; ecosystems; forests; conservation; agriculture concerns, etc.
• Lead and Innovate - Develops innovative solutions.
• Deliver Results for Clients - Proactively addresses clients stated and unstated needs.
• Collaborate within Teams and Across Boundaries - Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Applies knowledge across WBG to strengthen solutions for internal and/or external clients.
• Make Smart Decisions - Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.