IFC’s MAS team covering the Europe region is seeking to recruit a Senior Investment Officer to work in IFC’s Belgrade office. The position will call for supporting business development and executing investment transactions in all MAS sectors in Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSE) as well as providing oversight to a select part of the MAS portfolio in the region. It is expected that at least 75% of the time would be dedicated to new business development and execution, to realize the goal of ramping up the MAS portfolio in Europe.
The candidate will have a proven track record of strong originations skills and as a project leader of multidisciplinary teams and professionals who have expertise in the regions and/or MAS sectors (i.e. industry specialists, investment officers and analysts, lawyers, insurance, corporate governance and environmental and social specialists). Experience with various sponsors/investors/clients, as well as varying investment products (senior secured loans, mezzanine, straight equity etc.) will be important.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Business Development:
Play senior, leadership role for MAS Europe team in the region with foreseen emphasis on Central and South-Eastern Europe for business development in all MAS sectors
Establish important sponsor and other stakeholder relationships with executive level contacts, sponsors and other stakeholders in CSE for all MAS sectors to foster strategic partnerships
Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in MAS sectors in CSE - anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge will be required
Execution/Portfolio:
Help build and maintain the MAS portfolio, including providing oversight on / supervising key MAS portfolio investments in CSE and other countries in the Europe region
Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, etc
Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions
Execute IFC s project development investments with a strong focus on achieving bankable projects
Lead negotiation/documentation teams; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions
Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact
General:
Collaborate in developing sector and/or regional strategies and support related promotion work, including targeting potential investments and policy advisory work
Candidates will demonstrate the ability to play a leadership role in areas such as formulating business strategy, developing new financial products, providing guidance to multiple teams on transaction enhancement and setting standards for quality control
Selection Criteria:
MBA or equivalent qualification;
At least 8-12 years of experience in finance and investments with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments in MAS or infrastructure sectors
Strong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively
Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners
Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity)
Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds
Ability to mentor junior investment staff
Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards; and
Genuine commitment to sustainable development
Preferrable knowledge of overall MAS industry sector trends, experience in MAS and emerging markets
