The IFC strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on:
a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities
a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment
a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance
a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.
Duties & Accountabilities:
The roles and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:
Support the identification and assessment of Upstream, Advisory and Investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
Work closely with the IFC Investment Services team across countries in Eastern Africa to contribute to the development of early-stage project collaborations and co-developments; feasibility studies; and/or pilot projects that lead to investment opportunities.
Establish and maintain effective private sector client relationships including with local and national governments and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development activities.
Assist in designing and implementing scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across different African markets.
Identify game-changing trends, technologies and business models; and develop innovative solutions to meet client and market needs.
Proactively track and report on project milestones and KPIs jointly with the Investment Services team.
Lead projects end to end, including supervision of other staff working on projects.
Work with the World Bank to analyze sector and regulatory reforms that are needed to unlock opportunities for private investment.
Selection Criteria:
Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, International Relations, Science, Engineering, or other relevant field.
Strong investment banking, private equity, fund management or other similar experience with direct involvement in transactions.
At least 7-8 years of relevant experience in project and/or program development, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets.
Experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
Strong quantitative skills; familiarity with company evaluation and valuation; and proven experience with designing and/or working with financial models.
Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
A genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy and values.
Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.
Experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects/programs/initiatives.
Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills.
