NOTE: The above Pay Range only applies to applicants who perform the job within the US and to applicants classified by CRS as International Assignees. Staff hired on local payroll would follow the respective Country pay range. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your anticipated work location during the candidate selection process.
Job Title: Advisor II, Environmental and Social Standards (ESS)
Reports to: Senior Advisor Climate Action & Environmental Social Safeguards
Department: Climate Finance Support Unit (part of Innovative Finance team)
Salary Grade: 10
Job Summary
The Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) Advisor supports the effective operationalization of CRS Environmental and Social Safeguard Standards across Green Climate Fund (GCF)–funded programs and activities. The role focuses on systematically integrating ESS requirements into project design and translating safeguard commitments into practical implementation across the project lifecycle. The Advisor provides technical guidance on environmental and social risk identification, monitoring, and mitigation planning; supports compliance among sub‑recipients and partners; and ensures ESS requirements are fully embedded in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes. Through expert advice and hands‑on support, the Advisor strengthens CRS systems and promotes the consistent application of principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Integrate environmental and social safeguard (ESS) requirements into project design from concept notes through start‑up, ensuring early identification and management of risks to people and the environment.
- Conduct ESS screening in line with Green Climate Fund (GCF) standards and assess gaps between CRS and partner systems, recommending actions to ensure compliance prior to implementation.
- Draft and contribute to ESS Annex 8 and other project annexes, narratives, and technical sections required for GCF funding.
- Support the development, implementation, and updating of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and other required safeguard instruments.
- Support environmental and social risk screening, mitigation planning, and compliance monitoring at activity and sub‑project level, escalating emerging risks as needed.
- Compile, review, and quality‑check ESS monitoring data, incident reports, and compliance documentation to ensure accuracy and donor readiness.
- Integrate baseline ESS requirements into MEAL systems, tools, and reporting processes, providing feedback to strengthen agency‑wide safeguard practices.
- Contribute to donor reporting, audits, and follow‑up on corrective actions related to environmental and social safeguards.
- Provide hands‑on ESS technical guidance, training, and capacity‑strengthening support to project teams, implementing partners, and sub‑recipients.
- Coordinate closely with project, MEAL, operations, and technical teams to ensure ESS requirements are effectively embedded throughout implementation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Familiarity with Green Climate Fund Environmental and Social Safeguards or similar standards (World Bank ESS, IFC Performance Standards).
- Knowledge of donor compliance, audit, and reporting requirements related to environmental and social safeguards.
- Strong analytical skills to assess environmental and social risks, identify system gaps, and recommend practical mitigation measures.
- Effective written communication skills to draft ESS annexes, safeguard instruments, compliance documentation, and donor reports.
- Ability to translate technical safeguard standards into clear, practical guidance for non‑specialist staff and partners.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a donor‑driven environment.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and uphold principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability in safeguard implementation.
- Demonstrated ability to present information clearly and confidently, facilitate group discussions, and provide coaching or capacity‑building support to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to prepare reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
- Working knowledge of SharePoint or similar document management platforms for organizing, sharing, and maintaining project and compliance documentation.
Required Languages: English written and oral fluency. French Spanish or Arabic strong plus.
Travel: Must be willing and able to travel to project sites as required (up to approximately 30–40%).
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, social sciences, international development, sustainability, natural resource management, business administration, or a related field required.
- 8+ years related experience with at least 4 years of experience supporting environmental and social safeguards, ESS, ESG, or risk management in donor-funded development or humanitarian projects or similar risk and compliance roles within the private sector.
- At least two years of international experience.
- Experience with Oracle applications
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in environmental science, social sciences, international development, sustainability, natural resource management, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience supporting ESS implementation in climate adaptation projects, which could include: agriculture, food security, natural resource management, landscape restoration programs, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action. Experience working with local partners and community-based implementation structures.
Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
- Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
- Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
- Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
- Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
- Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies:
- Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
- Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
- Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
WHAT WE OFFER
CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS' work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
