WBG Pioneer - Environmental / Biodiversity Intern

WBG Pioneer - Environmental / Biodiversity Intern

Job #: req37580 Organization: IFC Grade: T4 Location: Johannesburg,South Africa Hiring Manager:Elizabeth Atieno Ndinya

Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC)

Description

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

IFC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) team is seeking an intern as part of the WBG Pioneers Program. The purpose of this internship is to provide support to the E&S regional team on biodiversity related risk management vis-à-vis IFC Performance Standards, specifically Performance Standard 6, with the aim of promoting compliance with IFC’s E&S standards and enhanced impact and additionality of IFC -supported investments. The role will predominantly work to support IFC’s direct investment projects (loans, equity etc.).

Duties and Responsibilities

The E&S intern will work under the leadership and guidance of the regional Biodiversity Lead and will support biodiversity-related risk and impact screening as well as investment due diligence and portfolio monitoring as follows:

Due Diligence and Risk Screening

1. Support the screening of prospective projects in the Africa region with respect to biodiversity risks and impacts

2. Support project E&S specialists in gathering and analyzing available information, such as client’s project documentation, to identify gaps against Performance Standard 6 as relevant to the sector (infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.).

3. Provide biodiversity-related support to the project lead E&S specialists covering due diligence and supervision of projects

4. Support with the preparation of internal E&S documentation to enable IFC’s decision making and attend internal meetings.

5. Use and integrate various tools and data sources to support early risk screening identification, and development of recommendations (e.g. iBAT, GMAP etc.); and

6. Assist in ensuring completeness of due diligence records and documentation.

Portfolio Monitoring and Support

7. Assist with the monitoring of biodiversity specific actions implemented by clients;

8. Assist with client supervision visits and Annual Monitoring Reports reviews;

9. Update databases, records, and project documentation on a timely basis; and,

10. Assist with portfolio reporting.

Selection Criteria

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, a postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program in the relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, such as conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management or similar).

• Candidates must have 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in E&S / biodiversity risk management, ideally with experience in the development and/or review of biodiversity specific of safeguards and documentation such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Environmental and Social Due Diligence, Biodiversity Action Plans etc.

• Interest and understanding in development finance and the World Bank Group’s mission

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in English; additional languages are advantageous.

WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.