Position summary

The World Bank Group's Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat is seeking a Senior Environmental Specialist to lead and coordinate thematic work on systems transformation through its integrated approach programs, focusing on all aspects of circular economy in the context of tackling drivers of global environmental degradation. Serving as Theme Lead and reporting to the Manager of Integration and Knowledge, the role works across divisions to ensure circularity and systems thinking are embedded in GEF programming that targets the drivers of environmental degradation across natural, food, urban, health, and energy systems.

Why this role matters

This role helps the GEF influence transformative change in the systems that drive global environmental degradation. By embedding circular economy principles and systems thinking into GEF programming, developing the indicators that measure it, and guiding agencies and countries, you advance integrated solutions to biodiversity loss, climate change, and other global environmental challenges across developing countries.

Key responsibilities

• Programming and portfolio: Lead and support programming and portfolio management on embedding circularity in targeted systems and sectoral supply chains, guiding GEF implementing and executing agencies and country counterparts on integrated solutions.
• Indicators: Lead the development of appropriate indicators for circular economy and systems change as they relate to the GEF core indicator targets and results monitoring framework.
• Guidance to agencies and countries: Provide guidance on circular economy and integrated solutions to GEF agencies and countries for developing project proposals and programmatic approaches, and for monitoring implementation performance.
• Knowledge products: Lead the development of impactful knowledge products to advance circularity and systems change, documenting best practices and lessons, and contribute to GEF policies and guidelines on integrated programming.
• Global discourse: In coordination with the Conventions and Program Divisions, follow relevant global discourse on circular economy and support outreach to developing countries as needed.
• Stakeholder dialogue: Establish and maintain productive dialogue with GEF agencies, countries, and key stakeholders, including private sector initiatives and platforms, to leverage opportunities for integrated programs.
• Communication: Lead and promote regular, informed communication about GEF investments in circular economy practices.
• Representation: As required, represent the GEF at a senior level at selected international political, scientific, and operational forums.
• Senior briefings: Provide quality inputs to the CEO and senior management on country and thematic briefings, talking points, speeches, and analytical and strategic documents.
• Additional duties: Undertake additional duties as required, including Knowledge Management, Results Based Management, monitoring, and related operational activities.

Team and stakeholders

You will report to the Manager for Integration and Knowledge within the GEF Secretariat's Integration and Knowledge Division and work closely with staff across divisions, including the Conventions and Program Divisions. Externally, you will engage GEF implementing and executing agencies, country counterparts, private sector initiatives and platforms, international forums, and the GEF CEO and senior management.

Key details

• Term: Fixed term of 2 years.
• Grade: GG.
• Recruitment type: International recruitment.
• Languages: English required; Spanish and French highly desirable.
• Reference: Requisition req38063.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life, and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in environmental, natural resource, or material management, economics, business and policy, or a closely related field.
• At least 8 years of directly relevant national and international experience; experience working in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of the GEF mandate and focal areas, including links to global multilateral environmental agreements and frameworks.
• Demonstrable knowledge of circular economy principles, systems thinking, and systems transformation, with practical experience applying these in programs or policies.
• Experience working on circular economy and systems change in public, international, civil society, or private sector organizations.
• Broad understanding of the practical, scientific, economic, business, social, and policy dimensions of circular economy, including sector-specific supply chain aspects and life cycle analysis.
• Adequate knowledge of relevant global and regional forums and platforms on circularity and systems change.
• A good track record of contributing knowledge on circular economy practices, including peer-reviewed publications and other established platforms.
• Demonstrable analytical and technical skills, including use of cutting-edge tools for data management and synthesis.
• Ability to collaborate within a highly diverse organization and work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal English skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically; knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.
• Experience or interest in topics of strategic importance, such as innovative financial instruments and gender, is desirable, along with an understanding of GEF's policies and operations.