[Hiring] Environmental & Social impact Assessment Specialist – Oil & Gas Consultant @Dexis

Role Description

The Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Specialist – Oil & Gas Consultant supports a U.S. Government organization in assessing environmental and social risks associated with complex international development finance projects. This role operates within a specialized function responsible for ensuring that projects meet internationally recognized environmental and social standards, including those related to human rights, labor, and environmental protection.

The consultant serves as a senior technical specialist focused on extractive industries, including oil and gas and critical minerals/mining. The role requires applying deep subject matter expertise to evaluate project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support decision-making across a diverse global portfolio. The position requires close coordination with multidisciplinary teams and engagement with stakeholders across public and private sectors. This is an Independent Consultant (IC) position.

Responsibilities

• Support the environmental and social assessment of DFC projects, focusing on extractive sectors including oil and gas and critical minerals/metals mining and processing.
• Engage with the ODP E&S Division and coordinate with DFC project origination teams, clients, and others to ensure consistency of the assessment.
• Assess environmental and social risks and performance against various assessment frameworks, including:
  • DFC’s Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP, April 2024)
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards (January 2012)
  • Applicable local, national, and international environmental and social legislation
  • International laws including conventions and treaties adopted by the host country
  • Applicable World Bank Group EHS Guidelines and other relevant sector-specific IFC guidance documents
• Review the adequacy of environmental and social documentation for each project, considering the local context and stage of the project.
• Prepare gap analyses, draft approval memos, and draft action plans identifying actions required to achieve compliance with the assessment frameworks.
• Communicate with DFC staff and clients as required to review and develop documentation, and to enable DFC decision-making.
• Provide guidance to prospective clients regarding appropriate content, procedures, format, and resourcing/capacity necessary to meet E&S requirements.
• Support the development of Terms of Reference for external support to develop or implement the E&S action plan, as needed.
• Review project reports, plans, and other materials submitted to meet the conditions of DFC contracts (“deliverables”).
• Monitor the actual environmental, social, and health and safety impacts of previously approved DFC projects.
• Prepare reports on the status of E&S performance of active DFC projects, identifying issues of non-compliance with DFC’s E&S conditions and/or applicable standards.
• Deliver support, advice, guidance, and/or training to DFC E&S Division staff on technical issues within IC’s areas of expertise and experience.
• Liaise and collaborate with DFC E&S Division staff, E&S Specialists of co-lenders, and/or consultants to undertake project assessments.
• Conduct site-based due diligence or monitoring for E&S compliance against the IFC Performance Standards, DFC’s ESPP, and any additional deliverables or requirements in the DFC agreement.
• Prepare written reports describing the findings of each site visit and submit within 15 days of completion.

Qualifications

• Experience working in extractive industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
• Experience with minerals and mining extraction/processing is also a plus.
• Technical background in engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, or other relevant fields.
• Strong expertise and familiarity with the IFC Performance Standards and the World Bank EHS Guidelines.
• Practical and technical expertise in conducting Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD).
• Experience working with private sector actors in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and/or Eastern Europe.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Benefits

• Healthcare insurance in addition to other staff welfare benefits and perks.