Overview
Department/Unit: Strategy/ Sustainability and Climate Change
Date of Issuance: March 23, 2026
Deadline of Applications: April 22, 2026
Required Languages: English
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Grade: F
Job Category: Professional
Recruitment Status: International / Local
Contract Duration: Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
Note: The recruitment modality for professional positions (international or local) will be determined in line with the OPEC Fund’s policies and procedures, and based on the candidate’s nationality and residency status at the time of appointment.
While all nationalities are eligible for this role, nationals from the member countries of the OPEC Fund for International Development are strongly encouraged to apply. The member countries are: Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
Job Profile
The Environmental and Social ("ES") Specialist provides support in the tasks and activities of the Sustainability and Climate Change Unit. The incumbent will assess, monitor and review projects, provide advice to the Unit and Project teams and support the design and/or implementation of appropriate ES instruments, all in accordance with the departmental strategy and framework, to ensure compliance with ESG policy and procedures. The climate risk aspects of projects will also be covered by the ES Specialist to the extent possible.
Duties And Responsibilities
Assessment
* Assesses the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with OPEC Fund investments (Public and Private Sector) against OPEC Fund’s ESG Policy including IFC/World Bank performance standards
* Supports the design and/or implementation of appropriate ES instruments such as an environmental and social risk management framework, ESIA, ESMP, ESMS, RPF, RAP among others
* Assists in assessing the climate risks, alignment with Paris Agreement, and aspects related to climate finance (mitigation and adaptation) in projects
Compliance management
* Defines steps required to ensure compliance with the above standards (ESG Policy et al.), develops recommendations for client actions and drafts relevant project documentation/TORs
* Coordinates with the Project Management Unit of the Borrower to ensure that the implementation of ES commitments is complied with satisfactorily
* Supports the sectoral and country portfolio reviews particularly with a view to highlighting systematic compliance issues in the portfolio
Data collection & analysis
* Provides inputs to or prepares diverse operational products/outputs (e.g. technical reviews, due diligence assessments, case studies, back to office reports, etc.) if needed
* Supervises the environmental and social performance of client companies through the review of monitoring reports and site visits to supervise environmental and/or social aspects of clients’ operations
* Reviews the project details and relevant ES documents during project preparation
Training delivery
* Provides training on environmental and social issues to OPEC Fund clients, operational staff and other specialists
* Participates in knowledge management events and forums and disseminates information to Team Members
Information and business advice
* Contributes to the procurement of Lenders’/project level Environmental & Social Advisors/Consultants and supervises their deliverables
* Provides advice, input and/or comments on project, policy and other papers related to respective sector operations and development across a range of key themes and sectors
Performs any other related tasks as assigned by the Director to support the effective delivery of the Function, Department and OPEC Fund’s mandate.
Qualifications And Experience
* Master’s degree in Environment or natural sciences, humanities, social studies or a related field.
* A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience in environmental and social due diligence assessments
* Experience from reputable development finance institutions with a strong E&S practice in both Private and Public Sector projects is an added advantage
* Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and managing environmental and social risks across various sectors and project types
* Strong understanding of international ESG standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, Equator Principles, UN SDGs)
* Ability to evaluate and integrate physical and transition climate risks into project assessments and sustainability planning
* Skilled in preparing, reviewing, and implementing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), and similar tools
* In-depth knowledge of environmental and social laws, regulations, and reporting requirements at both international and national levels, and experience in monitoring for compliance
* Willingness and ability to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities
* Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an added advantage.
Competencies
* Collaboration and Teamwork - Ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to achieve shared goals.
* Effective Communication - Ability to articulate ideas clearly across channels and audiences, ensuring messages are clear and culturally sensitive.
* Results-Orientation - Ability to achieve results with proactive ownership, decisive action and strategic planning.
* Learning Agility and Adaptability - Ability to learn and adapt to changing circumstances with a commitment to continual growth.
* Stakeholder and Impact Focus - Ability to prioritize stakeholder needs to achieve sustainable impact.
* Accountability - Ability to take responsibility, maintain ethical behavior and internal controls.
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