Associate Investment Officer
Cairo, Egypt
JOB DETAIL
Description
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 one hundred countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on: i) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; ii) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; iii) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and iv) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.
To support this approach, IFC is seeking an Upstream Associate Investment Officer to join the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) department in the IFC Office in Cairo, Egypt. The Upstream/Advisory Associate Investment Officer will be responsible for designing and implementing upstream and advisory projects for FIG Africa (with a focus on microfinance), enabling and enhancing investment transactions, shaping markets and driving impact thus setting the stage for mainstream investment.
In this role, the Upstream/Advisory Associate Investment Officer will work closely with Country, Regional, Investment, Upstream and Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to
• Support the identification and assessment of upstream and advisory and investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Contribute to the development of projects and programs, including market studies and client diagnostics, writing concept notes, and successfully designing and implementing sector and client level engagements that lead to investment opportunities for FIG and/or enhancing existing FIG investments
• Support debt and equity investment transactions as required from initiation, due diligence, internal approvals, processing and negotiations and coordinating the work of other team members from across multiple departments.
• Analyze historical and projected financial statements of microfinance institutions, banks and other relevant clients, to support informed decision making.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of IFC’s FIG product offering and be able to effectively communicate it to others as needed.
• Lead client projects end to end by (a) displaying a solid understanding of IFC’s systems and processes (b) efficient procurement of consultant services and (c) providing monitoring and reporting information to ensure the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project business and M&E targets.
• Prepare project supervision and donor reports and the required back-up data which confirms the reported results and achievements.
• Demonstrate a level of technical capability and professional knowledge of microfinance across a broad range of technical areas, display the ability to articulate this in front of senior executives and board members, and contribute to implementation of select consulting assignments.
• Interact effectively with an extensive network of contacts (both internal and external) and respond effectively to inquiries and to diverse situations that require tact and pragmatic problem-solving skills. Liaise when needed with partners, clients, and service providers to ensure continuity of business operations.
• Help spot game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can bring solutions to emerging markets and develop innovation solutions to meet client and market needs, with an emphasis on expanding the role of, digital, agri and climate finance solutions in the microfinance sector.
• Develop strong relations with internal clients, other WBG units, and development partners to analyze microfinance sector trends and regulatory reforms that are needed to unlock opportunities for private investment.
• Assist in the development of the FIG’s knowledge management.
• Assist in other project or strategy related activities as the need may arise.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics or another relevant field.
• 6-8 years of relevant experience in project and/or program development, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets including executing implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
• Experience in the financial sector, particularly microfinance, including a solid operational understanding of financial entities in emerging markets.
• Experience in investment banking, private equity, fund management or related areas with involvement in investment transactions
• Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• Proven track record in nurturing client relationships, resolving challenging issues and ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under tight timetables; strong organizational, administrative, project and task management skills.
• A genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills, and a high capacity for teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
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