Operational Policy Officer - Environmental & Social (4301) (Base in Beijing)

Ref. Number: 22073
Department: Strategy, Policy and Budget Department
Job Type: Global Recruitment
Posting Date: May. 25, 2022
Closing Date: June 17, 2022

Operational Policy Officer - Environmental and Social

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 105 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized up to USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Working with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

AIIB's Strategy, Policy and Budget (SPB) Department is responsible for: (i) developing and monitoring the implementation of the Bank's strategic agenda; (ii) developing and overseeing compliance with the Bank's operational policies and procedures for the Bank's infrastructure investment operations (non-treasury), including environmental, social, procurement and financial management; (iii) developing and overseeing implementation of relevant policies and procedures related to the Bank's special funds resources and monitoring its Special Operations; and (iv) developing and monitoring the Bank's annual business plan to implement the Bank's strategies and manage the Bank's administrative budget to support the implementation of the annual business plan.

Recognizing the importance of high standards and quality in the development of sustainable infrastructure projects and guided by AIIB's Environmental and Social (E&S) Policy framework, the primary responsibility of the Operational Policy Officer - Environmental and Social is to support the integration of E&S into AIIB's regular investment project review process by acting as the staff focal point for E&S-related issues in SPB. The position involves activities related to: (a) the investment project review process; and (b) implementation of the policy framework; and (c) coordination across the Bank. Depending on the profile of the selected candidate, the position can be focused on the environmental and/or social aspects of E&S.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the regular investment project review process, focusing on E&S, for both sovereign-backed financings (SBF) and non-sovereign-backed financings (NSBF) the at pipeline, concept, and final review stages.
• Contribute to the process of the provision of E&S policy assurance.
• Support the effective and efficient coordination of the E&S policy review and assurance functions as part of the investment project review and approval process in AIIB. In doing so, coordinate, seek and incorporate the input of E&S lead reviewers. The officer in time can also be lead E&S reviewer for certain projects.
• Analyze and provide regular reporting to management on E&S-related matters, including emerging issues, emanating from the project review process.
• Coordinate and provide advice on E&S policy related matters.
• Develop and facilitate training on E&S aspects and requirements of AIIB's E&S Policy framework for AIIB staff.
• Contribute to policy development and AIIB's knowledge base within the E&S area.

Requirements:
The Operational Policy Officer must have proven ability to carry out complex tasks as part of multi-disciplinary teams, capacity to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines; and ability to coordinate and work with Project Teams and key stakeholders on managing environmental and social risks and impacts.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in an environmental, social or related discipline.
• Minimum 5-8 years of relevant experience in E&S-related areas either working for, or as a government counterpart or consultant to, a multilateral development bank (MDB), bilateral donor or a private sector organization.

Professional Competencies:

• Proven application of professional expertise in environmental and/or social aspects of infrastructure programs and projects, including in sectors such as energy, transport, water and urban development.
• Demonstrated experience of project-level environmental and/or social assessments and related types of studies, including environmental and/or social management plans and frameworks.
• Proven ability to work with public and/or private sector clients and financial intermediaries, and development partners (MDBs, bilateral development organizations and development finance institutions) of AIIB in an effective and professional manner in both formal and informal settings.
• Experience with the development and implementation of environmental and/or social strategies, policies, and procedures.

Communication and Team Skills:

• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English, knowledge of a language(s) of a country in which AIIB invests would be an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and across an institution.

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.

Join in AIIB's mission to promote sustainable infrastructure investments and to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond.

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