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 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, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC is looking to recruit an Associate Investment Officer for its Africa Infrastructure department. The department is responsible for sourcing, structuring, executing, and supervising pre-investment, investment and portfolio transactions in the core infrastructure sectors (power; transportation and logistics; telecoms, media and technology; utilities, municipal and environmental; and natural resources) across Africa. The position will be based in Douala, Cameroon, and the selected candidate will report to the Regional Industry Manager, Central Africa & Anglophone West Africa.
Duties and Accountabilities
• Support business development across all infrastructure sectors.
• Support the development of a strong pipeline of good quality early-stage development and investment opportunities, predominantly in the relevant sub-region, by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge.
• Work closely with IFC country representatives, World Bank, and MIGA colleagues including on developing client, country, regional, and sector strategies, and support related promotion work, including early-stage development and sector / policy advisory work.
• Review and analyze business opportunities, and synthesize information into internal reports and briefings for decision-making purposes.
• Support the evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and closing of new early-stage development, debt and equity transactions, portfolio restructurings, capital increases, equity sales, etc.
• Support the development of innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
• Participate in negotiation/documentation teams in the development of solutions to overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, legal, and other support and technical assistance colleagues in structuring transactions, to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to project and sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Support the supervision of existing portfolio investments in the Africa region.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop infrastructure sectors and to develop specific investment opportunities.
• Participate in project teams; coach and mentor junior staff.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree in finance or similar relevant education.
• 4-6 years of experience with a development finance institution, a commercial bank, an international financial institution or a private equity firm with tasks related to private sector infrastructure financing and development in emerging markets.
• Strong technical and operational skills in, and a proven track record of, originating, developing, structuring and closing private sector investments in infrastructure sectors and portfolio supervision of complex projects, ideally including in the Africa region.
• Knowledge of the core infrastructure sectors stipulated above.
• Strong experience in project and/or corporate finance, with equity investment experience a plus.
• Proven analytical, financial analysis, equity valuation, and financial modeling skills to analyze and form conclusions on company financial information, projects, and industry indicators. Able to oversee and provide quality control feedback on financial models prepared by more junior staff.
• Prior experience of working in emerging markets and good knowledge of sector issues in Africa, with experience of working and living in Africa a plus.
• Ability to interact directly and independently the senior management of clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials.
• Strong track record of portfolio supervision of complex projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills in the required languages stipulated above.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently across Africa.
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development and to IFC’s – and the wider World Bank Group’s – mission, strategy and values.
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.