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 2023, IFC committed a record US$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 global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC’s “upstream” approach is meant to proactively create conditions that result in the movement of capital into private sector investments in the countries where we work. This is strategic business development in markets or sectors where ready-to-finance projects are not yet available, yet significant development gaps exist. Upstream activities occur before the traditional investment project cycle and are necessary precursors. They can be accomplished as quickly as in a few months or take several years. IFC’s Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is seeking an associate investment officer responsible for designing and implementing upstream advisory projects in the financial sector in Africa, setting the stage for investment transactions that introduce novel concepts, shape markets and drive impact.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The position represents a key function in the FIG Africa Upstream Advisory team and involves the following responsibilities:
• Contribute to upstream advisory project design and implementation across a range of initiatives carried out by the FIG Upstream Advisory team in Africa.
• Investigate bankability of business models and project concepts; undertake structuring of investment transactions; map out paths and milestones to investment concept approval.
• Conduct targeted research to enable appropriate project design, including assessment of sector dynamics, identification of market gaps/barriers, and analysis of economics of products and services in the market.
• Develop excel based models to analyze, estimate and/or forecast transaction economics, project scenarios, and partner/client financials.
• Collaborate closely with the FIG investment team to ensure successful conversion from upstream projects to investment transactions; support processing of transaction concepts enabled by upstream work.
• Support and in some cases manage relationships with World Bank, government and private sector stakeholders in support of project design and execution.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree and minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the financial sector, with a minimum of 3 years in an investment function.
• Robust understanding of investment products and bankability criteria; substantial experience in identifying, evaluating, structuring and negotiating debt, equity, guarantee and/or risk sharing transactions; proven track record of creative and novel approaches to early-stage investment work.
• Deep knowledge of a theme/sub-sector of interest to the FIG program in Africa (capital markets, agrifinance, housing, embedded finance, climate); proven expertise in capital markets, securitizations, structured products would be a plus.
• Thorough understanding of financial sectors in Africa.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and distilling market-oriented research and applying a creative approach to problem solving in a project design/implementation context.
• Excellent financial analysis skills to create and refine excel based financial models.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage many simultaneous tasks under time pressure and deliver consistently at agreed deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French; Portuguese a plus.
• Willingness to travel throughout Africa.
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.
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