IFC is seeking an Investment Officer (IO) to support our upstream/pre-investment work in the infrastructure sector in the LAC region, with a particular focus on Brazil and the southern cone. The IO will drive the pre-investment unit’s efforts to enable investment opportunities by (i) incubating high-impact projects that require early-stage development and pre-investment support together with private sector clients leading to an IFC investment, (ii) getting potential clients ready for IFC investment through client preparation and development, (iii) supporting business development in coordination with the investment team to identify opportunities with private companies in the relevant infrastructure sector, and (iv) identifying opportunities to work with the World Bank to tackle regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investments.
The position will be under the supervision of the Regional Upstream and Advisory Manager based in Mexico City and is expected to coordinate their work closely with the Brazil and Southern Cone regional investment lead and other sector leads as needed. The candidate will be based in Sao Paulo.
Duties And Responsibilities:
Play a leading role in upstream (pre-investment) pipeline creation through proactive origination/business development and developing and employing sector/country knowledge.
Identify and assess upstream (pre-investment) opportunities based on country and sector strategies, market creation, and investment potential; and sourcing projects and initiatives by engaging with the private sector and WBG colleagues and uncovering needs through strategic analysis.
In coordination with the designated regional lead for Brazil and the Southern cone, develop a strategy that leverages upstream (pre-investment) activities to generate new business opportunities for IFC; Build, maintain, and strategically leverage contacts with key players in the region; and participate in deals teams/in the execution of investment transactions originated out of upstream (pre-investment) activities, as required.
Lead Upstream initiatives, which includes the development of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, design of new business models, bankability assessment and implementation plans for Upstream projects that lead to IFC investments. Guide teams and clients at all stages of the upstream (pre-investment) project cycle, including support to the design of upstream projects, monitoring and evaluation of upstream portfolio and deliverables, and execution.
Perform quality control by providing commercial and sector inputs to ensure that upstream (pre-investment) activities lead to impactful and well-performing investments.
Identify potential issues and weaknesses in upstream (pre-investment) projects and help find timely solutions, including delivering complementary activities that increase the chances of conversion to an investment.
Engage with stakeholders and form partnerships with staff across IFC, including technical/industry specialists and investment staff, and the World Bank Group, sponsors, and other external parties to enable delivery of regional upstream (pre-investment) projects.
Manage, with the support of more junior team members, consultants hired to support the implementation of upstream (pre-investment) activities, ensuring the timeliness and quality of the work delivered.
Mentor and coach junior staff and share knowledge, experience, and contacts in the different infrastructure sector. Assist in supervising upstream (pre-investment) activities developed by more junior staff in the regional upstream teams.
Help build regional recognition of IFC’s distinctive capabilities in working Upstream(pre-investment) to catalyze a greater flow of investment opportunities in the sector.
Work with the World Bank to identify and help implement sector and regulatory reforms needed to unlock opportunities for private investment.
Provide inputs to World Bank and IFC country and sector strategy documents concerning developing investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector.
Selection Criteria:
Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Engineering.
At least 8 years of experience in the infrastructure sector, with a proven track record in project/program development producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or senior consulting functions, or in an investment related function, developing and closing deals.
Strong, demonstrated understanding and proven hands-on experience in at least one of the following infrastructure sectors: energy, transport, water and sanitation, waste management, or telecommunications/technology.
Strong “deal sense” and understanding of bankability criteria. Experience working with an infrastructure project developer or investor/financier is preferred.
Track record of engaging with the private sector and other stakeholders to develop investment projects.
Network of contacts in Latin America, or more specifically in Brazil and the Southern cone is considered a plus.
Demonstrated capacity for innovating and challenging the status quo to develop business opportunities.
Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations.
Demonstrated track record in program project/program development and management.
Excellent people skills, openness to feedback and new ideas, and ability to guide and motivate others.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Portuguese. Spanish speaking ability is a plus.
