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. For more information,
The Europe Infrastructure unit is an open and dynamic team, which develops, advises, structures and invests in infrastructure across a number of sectors including power, transportation, telecom, technology, urban infrastructure and utilities. Our geographic focus includes Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
We are seeking a (Senior) Investment Officer in Kyiv to grow our in-country footprint and further expand our business in Ukraine. The selected candidate will work across the IFC business cycle, with a particular focus on early-stage/pre-investment work and business development but is expected to work across the full project cycle including transaction execution and asset management. The position will be IFC’s infrastructure team’s most senior representative in Ukraine and therefore expected to provide on-the-ground representation of IFC’s infrastructure business and be actively involved in shaping IFC’s role and prioritization in the reconstruction and development of the country. The position will be under the joint supervision of the Ukraine Infrastructure Lead.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The role and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to.
• Work closely with the Ukraine Infrastructure Lead to coordinate the infrastructure business development activities in Ukraine and help develop a strong pipeline of investments by assessing business leads, anticipating market trends and employing deep sector/country/market knowledge.
• Lead pre-investment and advisory initiatives to create a pipeline of future investments for IFC by spotting emerging opportunities for private investment and converting them into bankable projects through technical assistance and co-development of projects (early equity).
• As the most senior infrastructure representative in the Kyiv office, work closely with the country manager and officers including to develop and deepen public and private sector relationships.
• Support the overall expansion of IFC’s footprint in Kyiv under current circumstances, including through working with the Regional Head of Upstream and Advisory Head and the Ukraine Infrastructure Lead to grow the team, oversee the workload of other infrastructure staff based in Kyiv, and mentor and support junior team members.
• Evaluate new business leads and structure potential new transactions, deploying IFC’s full range of pre-investment and investment products. Spot trends, technologies and business models that can increase development impact and present opportunities for high-value proprietary engagements.
• Lead internal processing of new business transactions in Ukraine. Help develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions in challenging market conditions.
• Lead negotiation/documentation for pre-investment and investment projects; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
• Lead pre-investment and advisory initiatives to create a pipeline of future investments for IFC by spotting emerging opportunities for private investment and converting them into bankable projects through technical assistance and project development phase equity.
• As the most senior infrastructure representative in the Kyiv office, work closely with the country manager and officers including to develop and deepen public and private sector relationships.
• Coordinate with World Bank colleagues and help create opportunities for investments for the private sector through policy reforms and public investment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
Selection Criteria:
• Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or other relevant field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in infrastructure project investment and financing activities, with some prior experience in Ukraine.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials.
• Genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy and values.
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities against the backdrop of IFC’s Economic Resilience Action program for Ukraine.
• Strong business development and client relationship skills demonstrated by track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively.
• Capacity to innovate and challenge the status quo. Proven track-record of sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing investments in infrastructure sectors.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure sectors, such as power, transportation, utilities, natural resources, telecoms, technology. Deep understanding of one or two infrastructure subsectors will be a plus.
• Experience engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development strongly desired.
• Excellent understanding of local context and market dynamics in Ukraine; regional knowledge of countries and understanding of infrastructure challenges faced by countries within the broader region will be a plus.
• Excellent people skills and team player, ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, openness to feedback, new ideas, and ability to guide, and motivate others.
• Pro-active, motivated and able to multi-task under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English and in Ukrainian is required. Knowledge of other regional languages skills are a plus.
