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.
The Principal Country Officer will play a critical role in developing and operationalizing IFC’s strategy at the country level, in coordination with stakeholders across the WBG. The Principal Country Officer will establish and maintain senior public and private sector relationships within South Africa, carry out business development efforts, provide strategic oversight of IFC advisory, upstream and investment programs in the country as well as oversee the Johannesburg office administratively.
Duties and Accountabilities:
South Africa Country Operations
In collaboration with relevant IFC and WB teams, (i) support the Regional Director in the formulation and execution of country strategies and diagnostics.
Oversee the implementation of IFC/WBG’s strategy for South Africa and the integrated delivery of investment, upstream and advisory services to meet the needs of clients and advance the growth of IFC/WBG business in South Africa.
Cultivate and maintain high level relationships with key partners in South Africa, including government agencies, private sector, industry organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, World Bank, MIGA, CSOs and other partners.
Keep abreast of macro-economic developments that can impact IFC’s activities in South Africa and provide regular inputs to Country and Regional Industry management teams as needed.
Identify areas of new strategic engagement to be considered by IFC, in close coordination with regional industry colleagues, the World Bank, and other stakeholders.
Oversee IFC business development efforts in the country, closely working with relevant IFC and Bank colleagues, as relevant.
Provide strategic input on local issues to investment, upstream and advisory teams.
Lead missions, country portfolio review meetings and appraisal of new projects, as needed.
Liaise with IFC investment teams to monitor progress and performance of IFC projects in South Africa.
Identify, analyze, monitor, and help address key country and sponsor related reputational risks that may be associated with any IFC engagements in South Africa.
Disseminates best practices and lessons learned and manages learning and knowledge flows, including full suite of IFC products and solutions related to IFC’s country program with various stakeholders.
Analyze issues and make recommendations on matters requiring Regional Director approval.
Provide effective oversight to the Country Office analysts and officers and undertake quality control of key Country office outputs including strategies, monthly reports, and briefs.
Develop and/or review memos for senior management approval.
Represent IFC and/or support the Regional Director to represent IFC in key private and public sector, donor, World Bank or other DFI-led events and meetings as appropriate.
Participate in targeted business events and conferences to support IFC’s activities in South Africa.
Communicate key developments in South Africa to relevant corporate stakeholders in coordination with the Regional Director.
In partnership with the Regional Director, Communications, and other relevant colleagues, develop and implement appropriate communications strategies for IFC in South Africa.
Johannesburg Office Administration
Oversee day-to-day running of IFC’s Johannesburg office, including being responsible for office budget, facilities, security, and logistics.
Supervise members of the South Africa Country Team (operations and administrative staff) and provide mentoring. Ensure quality control of work products and efficient use of resources.
Represents the IFC in the country-level UN Security Management System.
Selection Criteria
Advanced degree in Business, Economics, or a related field;
More than 15 years of professional experience in banking, consulting, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment. Experience of development related investment and/or advisory work will be a positive.
Experience in investment transactions, with shown success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and closing quality investments; Portfolio management experience is a plus.
Demonstrated strong country knowledge including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework.
Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve.
Strong eye for identifying potential investment and advisory opportunities; capacity to identify and help address gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business.
Good business analytical, financial analysis, credit, and integrity assessment skills to recognize viable projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs.
Proven track record of developing and maintaining senior level public and private sector client relationship skills. Ability to focus on client needs effectively, and ability to operate independently with senior counterparts in a credible manner.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results.
Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in English.
Proven track record of excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines.
