Job Details

Operations Officer - Resilient Buildings

 Description

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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

IFC’s Climate Business Department (CBD) is instrumental in implementing the Climate Change Action Plan. The Innovation and Business Development team within CBD focuses on working with the IFC’s and World Bank Group’s industries, sectors, and regions to uncover, nurture, develop and scale up cross-sector and multi-sector innovations that can help with climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Current priorities being developed include methane reduction, sustainable cooling solutions, innovative and emerging renewable energy and storage solutions, circular economy, decarbonizing transport, agriculture and industries, and decarbonizing the built environment including buildings, cities, and industrial parks.   

IFC recognizes the importance of mainstreaming disaster resilience and climate adaptation in emerging market. To address this, the Building Resilience Index (BRI) Program is created. The BRI Program aims to enhance urban resilience against climate change-induced and geoseismic natural hazards by promoting the design, construction, retrofit, finance, and insurance of resilient buildings. The program takes a holistic approach, focusing on the development of the Building Resilience Index app, improving access to finance for resilient projects, facilitating direct investment in resilient demonstration projects, and improving the public policy environment to support a resilient building market.

The BRI App is a web-based hazard mapping and resilience assessment framework for the building sector. It provides location-specific hazard information, resilience measures, and disclosure mechanism for stakeholders in the sector.

The Operations Officer for Resilient Buildings will lead the BRI development team, which includes technical and commercial product development, and business development. The role involves continuing to develop the BRI web-enabled platform and App, developing and expanding the BRI global and country programs, enhancing technical knowledge, and improving customer care.

This is a term staff role based in Washington, D.C., with occasional international travel.

Duties and Accountabilities

We are looking for a candidate with an extensive understanding of the hazards that can impact buildings, such as earthquakes, water damage, strong winds, and fires. The candidate should be well-versed in the building codes and the most effective methods to protect against these threats, ensuring that buildings verified with BRI have all the required climate change adaptation measures. The Resilient Buildings Operations Officer will report to the BRI Global Lead at the Climate Business Department, and collaborate closely with the wider climate department's marketing, technical, and country teams. 

A. Technical Development and Management 

•  Serve as the Global Technical Lead for the Building Resilience Index (BRI) program. Lead the technical development of the BRI, ensuring it aligns with climate adaptation criteria and program goals. Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in building resilience and climate adaptation. 
•  Conduct in-depth technical analysis of geo-seismic, water, wind, and fire hazards affecting buildings in key regions. 
•  Evaluate and integrate building codes and best practices for hazard mitigation into the BRI framework. 
•  Collect, analyze, and synthesize resilience initiatives from around the world to be included in the BRI. 
•  Propose technical updates based on industry developments and user feedback, working with technical experts.
•  Collaborate with the software development team to guide the BRI product through various stages of development. 
•  Communicate complex technical data and concepts effectively to various stakeholders. 
•  Update and manage the versioning of the BRI User Guide, training and other technical documentation.
•  Provide technical support to global and regional BRI teams, IFC/WB teams, and their clients.
•  Prepare and deliver technical trainings, including training material development.
•  Develop content for the Online Learning Center (OLC) BRI Training Program and supervise the vendor.
•  Supervise the GIS team on hazard mapping research and development.
•  Guide the IT vendor team on App development and enhancements.
•  Ensure quality control of deliverables from vendors.

B. BRI App Administration

•  Update and edit Hazard Applicability Schemas to align with hazard map updates and technical enhancements.
•  Update and edit Mitigation Forms to align with the User Guide updates.

C. Program Coordination & Operational Support

•  Contribute to the Program's strategy and implementation plans, ensuring alignment with the strategic vision.
•  Support partnerships, fundraising and donor relations.
•  Assist with the Program Support Review (PSR) cycles, including documentation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
•  Conduct global business development activities, exploring partnerships and engaging relevant stakeholders.
•  Support procurement processes for vendors related to BRI global activities.
•  Identify and connect with new verification partners globally and at the country level.
•  Support donor reporting for the global implementation plan.
•  Manage the BRI database to ensure consistency and data management.

Note: The scope of work may evolve based on program needs and priorities.

Selection Criteria

The candidate should demonstrate a passion for development and innovation in the fast-growing and ever-changing sector.

•  MSc or PhD degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, building science, or related fields, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.
•  Excellent background in building engineering, with a deep understanding of building structural performance and calculations. Deep technical knowledge of hazards that threaten building integrity and the measures to mitigate them. 
•  Expertise and experience with GIS mapping and IT product development or App development. Experience in developing applications or prototypes related to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.
•  Proven experience in disaster risk reduction in buildings and developing new products, with a deep knowledge of the sector. Familiarity with building codes, standards, and best practices for hazard mitigation internationally. 
•  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, focusing on accuracy and detail. 
•  Proficiency in data analysis and the use of related software tools. 
•  Strong organizational, planning, strategy, and team management skills.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders and to work with a global team.
•  Experience working with real estate, residential, and commercial assets in both the public and private sectors. 
•  Innovative thinking with a focus on developing practical solutions for building resilience. 
•  Influence in spoken and written English. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.