WBG Pioneer - Environmental / Biodiversity Intern

The internship provides support to the IFC Environmental and Social regional team on biodiversity related risk management, promoting compliance with IFC Performance Standards and enhancing impact of IFC-supported investments. The intern will assist in biodiversity risk screening, due diligence, portfolio monitoring, and reporting for projects in the Africa region.

Responsibilities

• Support the screening of prospective projects in the Africa region with respect to biodiversity risks and impacts.
• Support project E&S specialists in gathering and analyzing available information, such as client’s project documentation, to identify gaps against Performance Standard 6 as relevant to the sector (infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.).
• Provide biodiversity-related support to the project lead E&S specialists covering due diligence and supervision of projects.
• Support with the preparation of internal E&S documentation to enable IFC’s decision making and attend internal meetings.
• Use and integrate various tools and data sources to support early risk screening identification, and development of recommendations (e.g. iBAT, GMAP etc.).
• Assist in ensuring completeness of due diligence records and documentation.
• Assist with the monitoring of biodiversity specific actions implemented by clients.
• Assist with client supervision visits and Annual Monitoring Reports reviews.
• Update databases, records, and project documentation on a timely basis.
• Assist with portfolio reporting.

Requirements

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, a postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program in the relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, such as conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management or similar).
• Candidates must have 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in E&S / biodiversity risk management, ideally with experience in the development and/or review of biodiversity specific safeguards and documentation such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Environmental and Social Due Diligence, Biodiversity Action Plans etc.
• Interest and understanding in development finance and the World Bank Group’s mission.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English; additional languages are advantageous.

Skills

• Biodiversity Risk Management
• Environmental and Social Assessments
• Environmental and Social Due Diligence
• Biodiversity Action Plans
• Conservation Ecology
• Ecology and Evolution
• Wildlife Management
• Development Finance
• Research Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Report Writing
• Portfolio Monitoring
• Risk Screening
• IFC Performance Standards
• Project Reporting
• Organizational Skills

Languages

English