About the role

The Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Belize's development bank, is hiring an Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESS) Officer in Belmopan. The ESS Officer is a technical officer who assists the ESS Specialist in mainstreaming climate resilience across DFC's operations. This includes financing viable, environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Belize, promoting greening initiatives such as waste management, sustainable procurement and energy conservation, and implementing DFC's climate footprint and Go Green Action Plan. The role suits someone with strong knowledge of environmental and climate matters, including Belize's environmental laws and national climate commitments, a background in project development or management, and excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Monitor DFC loan projects and investments for compliance with its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), including risk categorization and borrower requirements, and recommend corrective action
Provide guidance and procedures for managing mitigation measures arising from the E&S risk categorization process, in line with the Department of Environment, national law and international best practice
Collect and analyze environmental and social data from DFC's projects
Keep abreast of national climate commitments, policies and action plans and keep DFC's climate agenda consistent with them
Represent DFC at climate and environment conferences, workshops, committees and working groups, and present on DFC's work
Identify climate-related gaps in DFC's operations and lending programs and recommend remedies
Help build staff capacity to evaluate projects for climate and environmental risk and eligibility under DFC's safeguards
Assist in monitoring DFC's carbon footprint under its Climate Change Policy and Go Green Action Plan
Raise awareness among employees and customers of green practices such as waste management, recycling, energy efficiency, health and safety, and sustainable procurement
Complete application forms for authorities such as the PUC, DOE and Hydrology
Assist in preparing work plans, procurement plans, progress, annual and project-completion reports
Support projects that can qualify for bilateral or multilateral climate or development financing, including the GCF
Lead ongoing consultation and participatory processes with a wide range of stakeholders

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Climate Studies, Agriculture Engineering or a related field
At least one (2) year of relevant work experience in the environmental field
Knowledge of sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster and climate risk assessment
Knowledge of international environmental and social safeguard policies and standards, and of environmental management law and procedures
Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent knowledge of Belize's climate commitments, policies and programs, and sound knowledge of its environmental laws
Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, with attention to detail
Strong time management and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar software

Preferred qualifications

Experience with GIS software
Ability to read technical drawings
Stakeholder engagement experience