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.
Our goal at IFC is to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop impactful investment projects. This strategy is, in part, premised on improved country/sector diagnostic, strategic, and public sector engagement capabilities, which seek to: 1) resolve obstacles to private sector growth via diagnostic and strategic work that informs both IFC operations and relevant IBRD/IDA policy operations; and 2) overcome the shortage of investable projects in priority markets by proactively improving the private sector ecosystem at the country and regional level.
The IFC’s Country Advisory and Economics unit for South Asia (CSAAE) is seeking to recruit an Associate Operations Officer to be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and reporting to its manager – also based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Responsibilities
Working closely with other members of the CSAAE, IFC and WBG teams, the selected candidate will be responsible for identifying, preparing and supporting the delivery of IFC’s market-creating solutions in Sri Lanka. The selected candidate will support the team to ensure that CAE programs are responsive to IFC’s strategic priorities and mobilize private investment.
The Associate Operations Officer will work closely across all core functions of CAE. The CSAAE team is responsible for:
Putting IFC’s country strategy and diagnostic recommendations into practice through advisory projects that engage governments, regulators, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to reform markets and sectors, and address key bottlenecks to private sector development.
Contributing to the delivery of other IFC and World Bank operations by providing analytical and/or advisory inputs. Contributing to WBG country engagement products, including Country Partnership Framework (CPF), Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDR), and Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs), and in support of IBRD/IDA lending operations.
Producing regional and country-level economic assessments to support IFC’s strategy and operations.
The Associate Operations Officer will be involved across all CAE functions with a particular focus on the delivery of advisory projects. Key responsibilities include:
Contribute to the operationalization of key strategic and diagnostic recommendations by designing and implementing client-facing advisory projects advancing regulatory reforms (cross-cutting and sectoral), building public and private sector capacity, and supporting market creation.
Monitor, analyze and report legal, regulatory and institutional developments in relevant areas for IFC’s investment and advisory priorities.
Contribute to the development and approval of project documents and client deliverables to ensure standards and objectives are met in line with IFC Advisory Governance.
Oversee/ supervise consultants assigned to projects, while ensuring a high quality of project supervision and completion documents.
Help develop and implement appropriate theories of change and results frameworks and indicators to strengthen the development impact and sustainability of client solutions and continuously learn from client projects/ engagements.
Create and share knowledge linked to advisory work, including participation and organization of internal and external events.
Contribute to sector diagnostics, working with CSAAE economists and IFC industry specialists, to identify opportunities for private sector development and practical solutions to address bottlenecks.
Contribute to economics related technical notes, briefings, presentations, etc. on fields of interest determined for the country/region.
The work will predominantly cover the Sri Lanka CAE portfolio but will combine with tasks across the CAE South Asia region programs when required.
Selection Criteria:
Master’s degree in economics, finance, business, or a closely related field.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience in private sector development.
A proven track record in the design and implementation of advisory projects for private sector development, such as government facing policy, regulatory or technical assistance projects.
Robust understanding of IFC and WBG products/ instruments and experience with cross-organizational collaboration.
Able to design research and analytics to provide new understanding of a thematic issue and/or potential opportunities to unlock new markets or new streams of business.
Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data/statistics programs and aptitude to learn new IT systems is a must.
Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills plus fluency in English is must.
