Environment Specialist (Based in Beijing, China)

Job 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 111 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 Environment Specialist will be responsible for integrating environmental dimensions into the work of the AIIB, recognizing the importance of this issue in the development of sustainable infrastructure. The position involves activities to address the environmental dimensions of policies, programs, projects, technical assistance, and training; and manage the environmental risks and impacts associated with investment projects against the requirements of AIIB’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP).

Investment operational support

• Participate or lead in the identification, appraisal, design and implementation of investment programs and projects to evaluate environmental and social risk and support clients in carrying out environmental and social assessments, and due diligence,
• Appraise the environmental risks and impacts associated with investment projects, both Sovereign-backed Financings (SBF) and Non-sovereign-backed Financings (NSBF) including financial intermediaries (FI) Projects, against the requirements of AIIB’s ESP. More specifically, this responsibility includes:
• Screen for potential ES risks and impacts and proposing the ES category for the Project.
• Screen for climate change related risks and impacts and supporting Clients in managing those risks and impacts during preparation and implementation of Projects.
• Conduct due diligence assessment of ES aspects of the SBF, NSBF (including FI) Projects and undertaking field visits if needed, for assessing the ES feasibility of the Project.
• Guide Clients in the preparation and implementation of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) and environmental management plans across priority infrastructure sectors such as water, urban, energy and transport as per the requirements of AIIB ESP.
• Support Clients in stakeholder consultations and disclosure of ESIAs and related studies.
• Monitor implementation of the ES aspects of the Project and addressing any issues that arise during Project implementation, including any changes in Project design or scope.
• Assist the clients to address any non-compliance with its ES obligations by providing support to develop, recommend, and monitor courses of action/corrective measures required of the client to bring the Project back to compliance with the AIIB’s ES Policy.

Non-investment project responsibilities

• Contribute to AIIB’s knowledge base on environmental and social aspects, and participate in departmental and corporate knowledge product generation projects
• Develop and conduct training on environmental and social sustainability of infrastructure Projects and ES aspects and requirements of AIIB’s ESP for AIIB staff, consultants and clients.
• Proactively mentor and support new staff as well as juniors and peers.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental or natural science, engineering, planning or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience on environmental safeguards in infrastructure development. Experience of working with Multilateral Development Banks, International Development Institutions, or environmental consultancies of global outreach is considered as an advantage.
• Professional accreditation in Environmental / Engineers is considered to be an advantage.

Required Professional Competencies:

• Proven application of professional expertise in planning, management and monitoring of the environmental aspects of infrastructure programs and projects, including in sectors such as energy, transport, water and urban development.
• Track record in designing and delivering ESIAs
• Technical knowledge / specialism in a ESIA element (i.e. Air, noise, water, EM&A)
• Experience of working with and / or monitoring contractors during the implementation period of Projects ensuring their environmental compliance
• Demonstrated experience with the planning, preparation and implementation of wider environmental studies such as environmental and social management plans and frameworks.
• Effective ability to participate in project development, design, conduct of feasibility studies and consultations with stakeholders; and demonstrated experience in monitoring E&S aspects during implementation.
• Effective ability to take on tasks and deliver on time and with high quality
• Proven ability to work with public and/or private sector clients and financial intermediaries, and development partners (MDBs, multilateral/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 strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in working with civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations.

Required Communication and Team Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Professional proficiency of French language and/or other 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.
• Track record in clearly conveying E&S assessments to wider audiences (i.e. stakeholder engagements

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.

About the Organization

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 111 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.