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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy (IFC 3.0) to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets. This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “Upstream” or at the pre-investment stage (early in the project-development cycle) to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Implementing this strategy will require 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. 

Specific “Upstream” pre-investment and early-stage project development products include (i) collaboration engagements through which IFC supports private companies in the evaluation of new investment opportunities or business models; (ii) co-development engagements whereby IFC shares in the cost and risk of developing investment projects; (iii) advisory engagements to assist existing and prospective clients in unlocking investment opportunities or advancing climate and broader sustainability goals; (iv) joint engagements with the World Bank, taking a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in our member countries and addressing these bottlenecks through policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level. 

IFC’s focus on infrastructure is on (i) increasing access to basic infrastructure services; (ii) supporting local companies while improving transparency and corporate governance; (iii) exploring new equity and debt investment opportunities and catalyzing foreign direct investments, including co-investments and mobilizing syndicated and parallel loans; (iv) introducing and developing new financial products including through Public Private Partnerships; and (v) building long-term partnerships with strong global and regional players.

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Infrastructure department is an open and dynamic team that originates, structures and commits financing to infrastructure projects across several sectors, including energy, transportation, water and waste, telecom and technology, subnational infrastructure, and natural resources.  The department includes new business, portfolio, and upstream (pre-investment) units. The upstream/pre-investment team intrinsically works with investment and portfolio teams generating leads on potential opportunities for IFC.

IFC is seeking an Associate Investment Officer to support our upstream/pre-investment work in the infrastructure sector in the LAC region.  The selected candidate will focus on supporting the development of high-quality pre-investment pipeline in the Latin America & Caribbean region (with a focus in Mexico and Central America) across the different infrastructure sectors (Energy, Water and Wastewater, Municipal Infrastructure, Transport Telecommunications, Media, Technology). S/he will also support policy work and other interventions across the World Bank Group to prioritize various initiatives and to maximize the impact of upstream/pre-investment efforts. The position will be under the supervision of the Regional Upstream and Advisory Manager, and the selected staff will work with other Senior Investment Officers working in infrastructure in the region. The candidate will be based in Mexico City.

Role & Responsibilities:

The roles and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:

•  Support the identification and assessment of pre-investment/upstream opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
•  Collaborate in developing client/country pre-investment/ upstream strategies, engagement plans and pitch books
•  Contribute to client engagement, undertaking diagnostics, designing pre-investment/upstream solutions proposals, preparing documentation, and overseeing project implementation
•  Screen opportunities on operational and financial performance, credit and integrity risk of potential clients and projects
•  Contribute to the development of feasibility studies and implementation plans for Upstream projects that lead to IFC investments.
•  Assist in designing and implementing scalable solutions and platforms similar to “Scaling Solar”, “Utilities for Climate”, “Sustainability Linked Finance” that can be replicated across markets. Also support in establishing strategic collaborations with clients to co-develop infrastructure projects.
•  Help spot game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can bring solutions to emerging markets.
•  Produce regular reports on the assigned pre-investment/upstream portfolio including monitoring progress against project milestones and KPIs.
•  Contribute to sector-specific data analysis and stress-testing of various operating models to help generate ideas for new projects, new products and platform businesses.
•  Work with the World Bank to analyze sector and regulatory reforms that are needed to unlock opportunities for private investment.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, Engineering, or other relevant field.
•  At least 5 years of relevant experience in project and/or program development and project design, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets. Demonstrated experience in Project Finance and/or Corporate Finance is strongly preferred.
•  Proven experience in the development of business models, from conceptual stage to investment (Go/No-Go) decision, integrating market analysis, technical studies and financial planning to build a strong business case for C-suite level management and Board members.
•  Strong understanding of one or more of the following sectors: Energy (Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, Distribution and Transmission, Distributed Generation, and Green Hydrogen), Municipal Infrastructure (Water, Wastewater, Waste Management, Subnational Finance), Transport (Public Transport, Electromobility, Roads, Ports, Airports, and Rail projects), Telecommunications, Media and Technology.
•  Understanding of IFC Sustainability Framework, with emphasis of IFC Performance Standards.
•  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.
•  Capacity to innovate and challenge the status quo and experience in new idea generation, business development, and creating projects/programs from scratch.
•  Understanding of the relevant sector and ability to link policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver solutions at a country level via the Cascade approach.
•  Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments and other stakeholders, including donors, to encourage pioneering business and market development.
•  Experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
•  Experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects/programs/initiatives.
•  Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills.
•  Strong written and verbal communications skills in English and Spanish are required.

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.