The ENB Unit in the ECA Sustainable Development Department (SCAEN) seeks to recruit a Natural Resources Management (NRM) Specialist, to be based at the Tashkent Country Office (CO). The successful candidate will join a team of over 45 staff, based in various ECA countries (including one environment specialist in Tashkent) and HQ in Washington DC. Working in collaboration with environmental specialist in Tashkent, senior specialists in Almaty and other colleagues in the unit , the NRM specialist will focus on (1) contributing to and shaping the World Bank growing dialogue on green growth and climate resilience agendas in Uzbekistan ; (2) supporting some of the NRM operations in Uzbekistan and other Central Asia countries, and (3) providing environmental safeguards and ESF services to World Bank operations with the focus on Uzbekistan. The exact work program and the balance among the above tasks will be decided by the manager. The NRM Specialist will report to the SCAEN Practice Manager, currently based in Washington DC, and will be integral part of the Tashkent CO working closely with Country Manager.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Serve as the focal point, support and contribute to the ongoing multi-sectoral dialogue on green growth and climate resilience in Uzbekistan. This includes, but not limited to, the analytical and organizational support to the programmatic Green Growth analytics; preparation and consultations for the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR); contributions to the Green Economy Strategic Framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan; participation, as a World Bank representative, in the national stakeholder consultations and working group meetings.
Maintain effective communication with counterparts, development partner community and NGOs, and other local agencies and organizations on climate, environment and NRM issues and World Bank activities in Uzbekistan; advise the Country manager or/and Practice Manager on those issues as needed and represent at external forums, as requested.
Support implementation and preparation of select World Bank projects led by SCAEN (e.g. on landscape restoration, climate resilience) in Uzbekistan and potentially some other Central Asia countries.
In close cooperation with the respective Social Safeguards/Standards Specialist and with initial help by experienced environmental specialists, as well as formal training, provide conceptual, operational and technical support to select World Bank operations (as assigned by the manager) on environmental safeguards and standards under World Bank policies and the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Specifically, the specialist will be expected to: (i) advise Borrowers on the requirements of the ESF during preparation to guide them on delivering quality environmental project documentation and supporting analysis, with particular attention to borrower capacity building; (ii) supervise the Borrower’s preparation and implementation of ESF procedures to meet the Bank’s requirements; (iv) work with technical colleagues to understand technical proposals and identify environmental issues as well as management solutions at early stage of project; (v) prepare Bank internal safeguard/ESF documents; and (vi) carry out monitoring and supervision on client’s compliance to environmental commitments during project implementation.
Promote knowledge sharing and experience exchange on green growth, NRM, and ESF issues internally and externally, participate and contribute to Global Communities of Practice (COPs) on select topics.
Contribute to other unit or CO activities as directed by the Practice Manager or Country Manager.
Selection Criteria:
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in natural resource management; environmental engineering, science; environmental or climate policy, economics, or other relevant discipline.
Five years of relevant experience at the policy and project level, including experience with environmental assessment and policy analysis.
Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse qualitative and quantitative data and information.
Knowledge of the national legislation and policies in the areas of NRM, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Familiarity with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, international framework conventions and treaties in the field of environment and climate.
Familiarity with the World Bank’s safeguards policies, ESF and/or IFC’s Performance Standards /MIGA Environmental and Social policies or similar standards would be a plus.
Ability to work well with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, project beneficiaries or/and affected parties, non-governmental organizations / civil society, as well as project investors and their staff.
Excellent verbal and writing skills in English, Uzbek and Russian. Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions.
Demonstrated capacity to work in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams, learn and share knowledge, and adapt to frequent changes.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently within and beyond Uzbekistan.
