Duties and Accountabilities:

• Manage and develop relationships with key clients (governments and private companies) at the highest level of seniority and position IFC as the partner of choice to support high development impact projects in Sierra Leone. Build up relationships with key stakeholders (including relevant regulators, businesses, NGOs and investors as well;
• Develop and implement, in consultation with the Country Manager, an integrated investment and advisory strategy for IFC activities, including country priorities and business targets for key industry groups, and key engagements for IFC with a particular focus on infrastructure and other high impact projects, especially power, agribusiness and SME development and financing; on the advisory side a special focus is required on investment climate issues.
• Lead, manage, develop and mentor the country team ensuring that the team is high performing, well-motivated, innovative, well-trained; has clear deliverables and is committed to the success of IFC in the country;
• Identify areas where IFC can catalyse market development through innovation based on a thorough understanding of local markets and best practice from IFC’s global experience;
• Lead/coordinate the development of a client engagement strategy for key clients existing or targeted;
•Take accountability for pre-early review clearance of sponsors and pre-early review validation of IFC’s added-value, development impact and fit with IFC strategy for all investments and AS clients programs;
• Develop IFC’s “brand”, building on IFC’s regional brand and the overall communications strategy; engaging with local media.
• Represent and provide visibility for including through organizing/participating in high profile events (Senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences);
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Industry Departments to originate, process and manage a pipeline of investments, and support proactive and strategic portfolio management, to meet IFC’s objectives;
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors. Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential and develop and maintain relationships with these companies and identify business opportunities taking into account IFC’s strategy, priorities and products;
• Lead the coordination with World Bank Group institutions and, in particular, co-oversee with the Country manager (and other managerial colleagues in IDA and MIGA) the design and implementation of the Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and other forms of proactive collaboration e.g. collaboration in identified areas (including agriculture, energy). Fully contribute drive on behalf of IFC the development of the Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs).) Identify collaboration opportunities to enhance business delivery at the country level;
• Provide administrative and HR management oversight;
• Share accountability (with Industry Portfolio Managers) for the quality and performance of the Country Portfolio; work jointly with relevant managers to meet Scorecard targets (Client Satisfaction, Productivity, Development Impact and People metrics);
• Provide leadership in developing and implementing non-financial and non-advisory strategic engagements that contribute to deepening development impact.

Selection Criteria:

• Strong client relationship management skills, with an existing network of relevant top-level contacts in Africa (and specifically in Sierra Leone) private and public sector and/or demonstrated ability to build such high-level client network;
• Outstanding and proven track record of performance in investment and advisory activities;
• Strong leadership capabilities and experience managing people, especially leading diverse and high performing teams;
• Significant transaction experience with proven success in developing client relationships and processing quality investments;
• Ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Ability to think strategically and adjust the country strategies as needed so that it remains responsive to the needs of client countries, and in coordination with development partners;
• Portfolio supervision experience;
• Work experience in the Africa region and a strong interest in developing a thorough understanding of the sub-region;
• Ability to build successful relationships across the matrix;
• Strong written and oral communications skills,
• Recognized as a team player;
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and image in the market;
• Note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. IFC’s Recruitment and Employment Policies reflect its strong values for cultural, racial and gender diversity.
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.