About IFC – A World Bank Group Member
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution dedicated to advancing the private sector in emerging markets. With operations in over 100 countries, IFC leverages capital, industry expertise, and global influence to create sustainable markets and opportunities. Our core mission is to harness the power of private enterprise to eradicate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a sustainable planet. Learn more at www.ifc.org.
In line with its expanding roles in investment and advisory services, IFC has launched a bold growth initiative known as IFC 3.0. This strategy is aimed at accelerating investment by working “Upstream”—proactively identifying opportunities before projects or investments materialize. The goal is to foster market creation, deepen existing markets, and unblock barriers to investment by designing, structuring, and implementing high-impact investment projects. IFC’s approach involves systematically identifying potential opportunities at both the project and program levels, facilitating private sector investment, and addressing regulatory and policy challenges. Through collaboration with the World Bank Group, we help drive policy reforms and support programmatic interventions to unlock the flow of private capital in emerging markets.
Position: Investment Officer (IO) – Financial Institutions Group (FIG), North, Western, and Central Africa
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is seeking an experienced Investment Officer (IO) to support strategic priorities within the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) across the North, Western, and Central Africa region. The IO will play a critical role in originating, designing, and delivering projects that create investment opportunities, enhance outcomes, and improve investment conditions. These activities are essential for driving IFC’s ambitious growth strategy and supporting the development needs of key markets in the region.
The role will be based in one of the following locations: Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Douala (Cameroon), or Lagos (Nigeria), with frequent travel across the region. Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 12 years of experience in the financial sector and will collaborate closely with IFC’s Investment and Country offices to support the origination, design, and implementation of client engagements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Opportunity Identification & Market Creation: Lead the identification and assessment of Upstream opportunities in collaboration with IFC investment and country teams across North, Western, and Central Africa.
- Research & Analysis: Provide in-depth market research and analysis, including market mapping, barrier and comparator analysis, and financial projections. Analyze potential clients to support investment and opportunity creation.
- Project Development: Contribute to sector-specific data analysis and scoping efforts to generate new ideas for investment projects, Upstream/Advisory initiatives, and platform businesses.
- Regulatory Reforms: Partner with the World Bank to identify and implement necessary sector and regulatory reforms to unlock private investment opportunities.
- Upstream Project Leadership: Lead the design, development, and execution of high-quality Upstream initiatives, collaborating with public and private clients to ensure effective implementation.
- Client Engagement & Relationship Management: Develop strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and government bodies at both operational and senior levels, supporting IFC activities and expanding the organization’s impact.
- Project Management: Lead IFC Upstream project teams, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery by overseeing documentation, planning, and monitoring progress against milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Thought Leadership: Contribute to knowledge dissemination through research, articles, conferences, and events, positioning FIG as a thought leader in the region.
- Mentorship: Support the development of junior staff involved in Upstream activities.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Minimum of 12 years of financial sector experience, preferably in investment, project management, or advisory roles.
- Proven ability to identify investment opportunities, lead projects, and manage client relationships at a senior level.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience in market research, financial modeling, and opportunity assessment.
- Excellent communication skills, fluency in English and French, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Experience in the North, Western, and Central Africa region is preferred, with a solid understanding of its market dynamics and investment opportunities.
Selection Criteria for Investment Officer (FIG)
To be considered for the Investment Officer (IO) role within IFC’s Financial Institutions Group (FIG) in North, Western, and Central Africa, candidates must meet the following qualifications and demonstrate the relevant experience:
- Education: A Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, International Development, or a related field is required.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in the financial sector, with at least 8 years focused on Commercial Banking, consulting services, or Digital Financial Services.
- Project Management Expertise: Proven track record in the origination, design, execution, management, and monitoring of both technical assistance and investment projects.
- Innovative Solutions: Ability to identify, design, and implement innovative and scalable business solutions that challenge the status quo and drive growth.
- Sectoral Knowledge: Strong understanding of the financial sector, including how to link policy reforms, advisory services, investment, and mobilization to create markets and develop country-level solutions.
- Industry Insight: Deep knowledge of international best practices and global trends in banking, as well as an understanding of regional trends in North, Western, and Central Africa.
- Upstream/Advisory Expertise: Familiarity with FIG Upstream/Advisory services, particularly in areas such as MSME Finance, Digital Financial Services, Climate Finance, Agrifinance, and Risk Management.
- Analytical Skills: Strong numerical, financial analysis, and budgeting skills, with the ability to analyze financial statements, portfolio indicators, and industry data to make informed decisions.
- Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and provide actionable strategic and tactical recommendations.
- Leadership: Proven leadership skills with a track record of leading teams on complex projects and programs, as well as fostering teamwork in multidisciplinary environments.
- Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain productive relationships both internally and externally, identifying business opportunities, discussing structural alternatives, and resolving challenges.
- Effective Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of confidently representing IFC with clients and stakeholders, including senior management in both the public and private sectors.
- Client Relationship Management: Strong ability to manage client relationships, ensuring effective follow-up with senior management and stakeholders to build lasting partnerships.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational capabilities with the ability to work under pressure in unstructured situations, adapt to client priorities, and maintain agility in unexpected circumstances.
- Accountability: A demonstrated sense of accountability and the ability to work effectively across disciplines in a multi-dimensional environment.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in both English and French is mandatory.
- Travel Requirements: Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the region and work across different time zones.
World Bank Group Core Competencies and Benefits
The World Bank Group provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, and paid leave options, such as parental leave. We also offer reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure an inclusive work environment.
We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, fostering diversity and inclusivity within our dedicated workforce. We do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. At the World Bank Group, we believe in equal opportunities for all and actively support creating a positive and empowering work culture.
Learn more about career opportunities, our values, and inspiring stories from employees at both the World Bank and IFC.
Job Locations:
- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Douala, Cameroon
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Dakar, Senegal
Application Deadline: 9/24/2024, 11:59 PM (UTC)
