Damilola Sobo Smith is an experienced Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Behavioral Science professional with multisector expertise and a proven track record in driving sustainable growth and positive social and environmental outcomes. She brings a unique perspective on integrating ESG considerations into decision-making processes by leveraging behavioral insights, with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable practices and long-term value across sub-Saharan Africa.
She is an innovative leader with a record of building strong networks and relationships with stakeholders across business, government, civil society, and communities, while championing impactful sustainability initiatives and governance frameworks.
Core Competencies
Sustainable Development and ESG Integration Strategic Planning and Risk Management Board Governance and Leadership Education and Training Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building Policy Development and Implementation Behavioral Science Applications Public Speaking and Communication
Professional Experience
2013 – Present International Finance Corporation (IFC) / World Bank Group – Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa Environmental and Social Specialist Led teams in executing advisory projects across Africa and served as key implementer for ESG advisory projects in Ghana and Nigeria. Provides strategic guidance on integrating environmental and social considerations towards enhancing clients’ portfolio sustainability. Conducts comprehensive ESG assessments of businesses to identify opportunities for improvement, efficiency, and innovation.
2013 – Present Green Tempo Nigeria Partner Leads environmental consulting projects focused on sustainable development, climate finance advisory, research, and capacity building. Advised on government sustainability projects including climate resilience assessments and climate finance options for wetlands protection.
2023 – Present Stanford Alumni Nigeria Chapter Board Member Provides leadership and strategic direction on operational matters and contributes to alumni engagement and development initiatives.
2012 – Present Kinnect Nigeria Co-Founder / Executive Board Member Leads strategic direction of the non-profit organization focused on promoting volunteerism in Nigeria. Drives volunteer engagement, grant applications, corporate sponsorships, and project development oversight.
Education
2023 London School of Economics, London, UK Executive MSc Behavioral Science
2011 Stanford University, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, California, USA MA International Policy Studies
2007 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA BA Economics (Minor in Mathematics), Magna Cum Laude
Professional Affiliations
Member, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) (2019) Member, The Boardroom Africa (2023) Member, Global Association of Applied Behavioral Scientists (GAABS) (2023)
Research and Papers
The Impact of Behavioral Change Games on Pro-environmental Behavior in School Age Children (2023) Global Progress Report of the Sustainable Banking Network: Emerging Approaches by Banking Regulators to Promote Sustainable Finance through Engagement with Financial Institutions (2019) Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture: Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (2010) Sustainable Living in Auroville (Tamil Nadu State, India) (2010)
