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.

In the fiscal year ended in June 2022, IFC long-term commitments in agribusiness and forestry totaled more than $4.2 billion (12 percent of which in Africa), to help boost production, increase liquidity, improve logistics and distribution, and expand access to credit for small farmers.

IFC has made agribusiness a priority because of its potential for broad development impact and especially strong role in poverty reduction and food security. We combine investments and advisory services to help the sector address higher demand and escalating food prices in an environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive way. 

IFC’s Manufacturing Agribusiness & Services (MAS) department is seeking to hire an Associate Operations Officer to support the growth development of its Agribusiness Upstream and Advisory Services in West, Central and Northern Africa. This position will be based in Douala, Cameroon.

Duties and Accountabilities

The successful candidate will join a diversified and high talented team working across West, Central and Northern Africa. He/she will be responsible of:

Project development:
•  Ensure quality delivering of allocated Agribusiness Upstream & Advisory projects:
•  Lead the project implementation
•  Conduct regular field visits and hold meetings with clients as necessary to ensure smooth implementation on activities
•  Organize project steering committee meetings with the various project stakeholders
•  Ensure timely delivery of project progress reports: bi-annual supervision reports, donor reports as necessary, completion reports
•  Provide project updates for country manager unit and MAS management as necessary.

Contribute to Business Development:
•  Participate in project scoping missions, identify appropriate upstream and advisory services that IFC may be proposed to the client.
•  Lead the development of project documents: Proposals, Early Looks, Concept Notes, Implementation Plans, Budgets, Legal documents. 

Monitor Staff
•  Supervise consultants and component leads supporting the implementation of projects.

Knowledge management
•  Contribute to events organized or products developed by IFC
•  Create regular engagement plans with clients and other stakeholders.
•  Prepare briefings for Country Managers and Regional Directors.

Selection Criteria

The position requires energy and enthusiasm, the ability to multitask effectively and deliver under minimal supervision, flexibly adapt to changing priorities, sound judgment, and capacity for hard work. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have a proven track record in managing development projects in agricultural supply chains.
The Candidate should meet the following criteria:
•  Masters’ degree in agriculture, development, finance, economics, or a related topic
•  Over 5 years’ experience work experience in Africa in agribusiness value chain
•  A minimum of 3 years experience in coordinating project implementation activities, including scoping activities, training materials development, training of trainers, monitoring and evaluation in at least three different countries and three different value chains.
•  Strong knowledge of the IFC project management and governance platform
•  Deep knowledge of the IFC Sustainable Supply Chain, Sustainable Crop Production, Food Safety team and platforms
•  Experiences in Gender in agriculture will be an asset
•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), including with senior management
•  Demonstrated project management, coordination and operational experience, and attention to detail.
•  Demonstrated ability to learn new topics quickly
•  Ability to travel at short notice and work under pressure in difficult and remote locations.
•  Strong organizational and time management skills.
•  Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point) and scheme standard databases.
•  Knowledge of the IFC project management tools: Iportal, e-procurement, Ibis,
•  Excellent spoken and written proficiency in both English and French languages. 

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.