The Trade and Supply Chain Department manages all IFC’s trade finance related products and programs and develops new products for the benefit of all IFC clients. CTS has been implementing several trade finance and working capital solutions including structured trade and commodity finance, as part of IFC’s multi-faceted response to financial crises with an initial focus on supporting critical commodities, such as soft and energy commodities, providing financing along the value chains to traders, producers, processors, and buyers. The structured trade and commodity finance program is expected to grow with an estimated annual volume of approximately $500-750 million over the next 3 years.
CTS is looking for an Investment Officer to help grow and develop its Commodity Trade & Structured Finance program and significantly enhance its business opportunities. The Investment Officer will report to the Head of Commodity Trade & Structured Finance and will be based in Washington DC.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The Investment Officer will be responsible for developing and executing a wide variety of structured trade facilities such as portfolio facilities, working capital loans and commodity trade finance facilities, including transactional finance, borrowing base, pre-export finance, and pre-payment facilities (among others). As IFC’s Commodity Trade & Structured Finance team works collaboratively with groups from across the organization, including manufacturing and infrastructure teams, the Investment Officer will be responsible for leading and coordinating the activities of multidisciplinary teams across regions through all stages of the business.
Business Development: Together with Industry Investment Officers, Trade Finance Officers, and regional staff, originate and assess opportunities, identify bankable projects in target regions, particularly IDA countries, grow and develop new business transactions. Develop and guide teams in the preparation of pitchbooks and client proposals in support of new business.
Structuring and Negotiation: Structure complex facilities according to in-depth knowledge, understanding, and assessment of sectors, clients, commodities, securities, and country risks. Negotiate terms with clients, internal and external stakeholders, and partners, including senior management of IFC and clients (CEO, CFO). Prepare client/partner presentations and support their decision making at key transaction stages.
Deal Execution: Lead transaction team from initiation, due diligence to internal approvals, processing of transactional and structured trade facilities, actively handling key work and directing and coordinating work of other team members from multiple departments. Take responsibility and accountability for transaction related decisions and relationships.
Transaction Management: Deliver all transactions and accountabilities of the role efficiently, on a timely and expeditious basis and using best practice standards. Ensure that defined transactional requirements recorded in documentation are executed accordingly. Monitor the portfolio and report development results internally and externally, taking the lead to enhance existing middle office functionality.
Knowledge Sharing: Take the lead in knowledge sharing in the field of trade and commodity finance across IFC to promote commodity finance products as well as maintain relevant product standards. Initiate collaboration and share expertise as a subject matter expert, providing advice, peer review and contribution to knowledge products across WBG to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions.
Selection Criteria:
Master’s degree in finance, economics, or other related areas; accreditation as a CFA or CPA is considered a plus.
Minimum 4-8years of experience in finance, structured finance, with expertise in banking and/or financial institutions, with proven track record managing transactions and client relationships in the commodity trade & structured finance sector (Agri, energy, metals).
Excellent oral and written skills in English are required; additional major language such as French and/or Spanish are desirable.
Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information. Knowledge and experience in global financial markets including expertise in emerging markets.
Advanced financial, credit and risk evaluation skills, with demonstrated ability to structure and negotiate a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and/or equity).
Demonstrated strong written, presentation, and communications skills and ability to synthesize and present information effectively and tailored to different audiences.
Excellent organizational skills and capacity to follow up systematically and efficiently on a broad set of initiatives and decisions to deliver high quality work on schedule. Ability to anticipate, coordinate and prioritize high work volumes in an action-oriented manner.
Broad network of contacts (corporates and banks) in the commodity sector and experience in identifying, originating, and qualifying new business opportunities developing and executing results-driven client engagements.
Leadership experience in managing teams, delegating workload, providing direction, training, and mentoring of junior staff, and working with autonomy in multicultural teams and across boundaries.
Ability to interpret complex data, assimilate information from a wide range of sources, develop innovative solutions, and make recommendations with incomplete information when necessary.
Excellent business judgment and problem-solving skills to identify issues, present creative, practical solutions, make and commit to sound decisions, anticipating short- and long-term implications.
High degree of diplomacy and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients, staff, and managers at all levels. Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; and
Experience in sustainable and/or climate finance is a plus.
