Environmental Specialist Internship 2025 – Apply Now | World Bank, Lima, Peru

Environmental Specialist Internship 2025 position, based in Lima, Peru, focuses on supporting environmental risk management in Peru and potentially other Andean countries. Reporting to the ENV Practice Manager in Washington, DC, the Environmental Specialist will collaborate with the Andes ESF Coordinator and regional colleagues. Responsibilities include risk management and supporting environment sector operations, analytical work, strategy development, and policy dialogue.

Duties and Accountabilities

•  Advise Task Teams on the interpretation and application of the ESF/ESSs.
  
• In coordination with the assigned Social Specialist, provide advice to client and counterpart organizations and project teams regarding the preparation of environmental, social, health and safety assessments, frameworks, and mitigation/management plans, stakeholder engagement plans and strategies, grievance management systems, labor management procedures; and other specific plans and procedures as required by applicable Bank policies (for example, on issues such as community health and safety, dam or infrastructure safety, pest management, pollution prevention and control, biodiversity conservation and management, ecosystem services, occupational health and safety, emergency planning and management, cultural heritage, etc.).
  
• Provide guidance and capacity support to clients in the preparation of relevant project cycle documentation, including by assisting borrowers in drafting Terms of Reference (TORs) for the preparation of environmental assessment, planning and management instruments; guiding the client in completing the assessment and planning process; and supervising their implementation, including review of monitoring reports and follow-up.
  
• Provide timely input, as applicable, to Bank project documents related to environmental aspects, including Environmental and Social Review Summaries (ESRS) as well as EHS sections of Project Concept Notes (PCNs), Project Information Documents (PID), Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), Aide Memoires (AMs), and Implementation Status Reports (ISRs).
  
• Advise and support clients in commissioning required assessments (including developing terms of reference) and ensuring that necessary environmental, health and safety management plans and measures are appropriately reflected in works’ bidding and contract documents where applicable, and in developing and implementing appropriate supervision and monitoring arrangements for the necessary E&S plans and measures.
  
• Supervise World Bank approved projects under implementation in terms of project specific environmental, health and safety (EHS) requirements and performance (i.e., project implementation stage). This will include site visits, review of monitoring reports, discussions with clients and stakeholders, and building of effective working relationships with the borrower/project implementation agency to ensure proper understanding and implementation of the policies and to constructively resolve emerging issues and compliance challenges.   
• Support the SLCE2 Practice Manager and the Andean Country Management Unit (CMU) Environmental Coordinator in preparing communications to be conveyed to management of the Andean CMU and engaging in internal strategic discussions on environmental issues as needed.
  
• Support policy dialogue with clients on environmental risk management and environmental sustainability issues, ranging from upstream inputs into Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCD) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPF), to advising counterparts on related policies or on risks and opportunities in relation to Bank-supported operations.
  
• Collaborate with other WBG Global Practices and IFC/MIGA colleagues on joint projects and with counterparts from other multilateral development institutions as needed.
  
• Provide operational support to ENV-led operations in Peru or other Andean countries on an as-needed basis.
  
• Carry out other assigned tasks related to the broad objectives of the unit, as needed. 

Check: AAAS Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship 2025 (Paid)

Selection Criteria of Environmental Specialist Internship 2025

• Advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in environmental engineering, civil engineering, ecology or environment related sciences, environmental policy and planning, or environmental law is required. 
• A minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant professional experience in the environmental sector with demonstrated ability in environmental safeguards and/or environmental risk management.  This should include designing, reviewing and/or implementing environmental risk management tools and instruments, including on OHS; and/or monitoring environmental safeguards/standards compliance for international financial institutions, engineering companies or project developers.  
• Prior work experience in Peru and knowledge of country’s environmental legal framework and institutions is required.  
• Oral and written fluency in English and Spanish. 
• Strong operational and analytical skills, including strong client orientation, diplomacy skills, ability to juggle multiple tasks and work under tight deadlines, and demonstrated ability to translate analytical work into policy advice and practical recommendations. 
• Ability to present complex issues related to environmental sustainability to diverse internal and external audiences, and to engage effectively with government counterparts, project beneficiaries, and civil society. 
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.  
• Willingness to travel extensively in the region, including to remote rural areas, with occasional trips to Washington, DC or elsewhere.  

The following are preferred but not required: 

• Prior knowledge of World Bank operational policies and procedures for investment projects, including of World Bank safeguard policies, ESF, and/or IFC Performance Standards. 
• Professional experience in additional countries in the Andean region

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