Environmental & Social Risk Specialist

About Us: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development finance institution. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

Why DFC? As part of our team, you’ll apply your talents to projects with global reach, helping to move markets and improve lives. We are on the lookout for individuals with the brightest minds, ready to bring innovative ideas and bold approaches to support our mission. By joining DFC, you’ll contribute to advancing global development and U.S. foreign policy while working on collaborative projects that enhance private-sector investment in areas like climate action, healthcare, gender equity, and digital connectivity .

Our Culture: DFC is committed to keeping our mission at the heart of what we do. Our team comprises some of the brightest minds in government, and we pride ourselves on being a place where diverse talent can thrive. We value different perspectives and abilities and are dedicated to tackling big challenges with resourcefulness and an inclusive entrepreneurial spirit.

About the role:

This position is part of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Office of Development Policy (ODP), Environmental and Social (E&S) Risk Assessment Division. As an Environmental and Social Risk Specialist, you will be responsible for conducting environmental and social (E&S) risk assessments of proposed and on-going DFC-supported investments, including debt finance, insurance, equity finance, and financial intermediaries.

What you’ll do:

Serves as an Environmental and Social Risk Specialist in one or more of the following sectors: critical minerals, energy, food and agriculture, natural resources, health, infrastructure, small business support, financial services, or investment funds/financial intermediaries.

Reviews and assesses prospective and active DFC clients and supported projects for their alignment and compliance with DFC’s environmental and social requirements, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and DFC’s Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP). Identifies gaps to achieving compliance and proposes actions and solutions to address those gaps.

Monitors the actual environmental, health, safety, and social impacts of previously approved DFC projects through analysis of investor and third-party monitoring reports, review and tracking of deliverables, and through site visits.

Synthesizes technical E&S analysis into succinct and comprehensible summaries appropriate for non-technical audiences.

Experience we’re looking for:

Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements no later than the closing date of this announcement.

You may qualify at the GS-11 level if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to conduct research or analysis on environmental and social sustainability/sustainable development topics in an international context;
• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.M. degree, if related. Graduate-level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position;
• A combination of education and experience as listed above.

You may qualify at the GS-12 level if you fulfill the following qualification requirements:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to analyze and apply international frameworks or standards related to environmental and social sustainability and performance, such as those from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) or an international organization such as the United Nations or the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Note: Education is not substitutional at this grade level.

Please Note: Applicants may be asked to produce a writing sample during the interview stage.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Must submit resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Within 30 days of promotion to the GS-13 on this career ladder, you will be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450)
• This position will require foreign travel to developing countries

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must review the job announcement and complete the online application through USAJOBS. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

Benefits: As a DFC federal employee, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work-life balance. Benefits include Paid Vacation & Leave Programs, Federal Employee Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Retirement and Savings Plans, Subsidies for Transit and Childcare, an On-site Fitness Center, and a host of Work-Life Balance programs designed to support your professional and personal growth.

We look forward to your application and the potential of you joining our dynamic team at DFC!

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.