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.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40-45% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.

IFC’s priorities in FIG as an industry group are: (i) grow investment and advisory solutions in all regions it operates in, while achieving strong profitability and development impact; (ii) build new and nurture existing client relationships to make IFC the preferred partner for key clients; (iii) manage portfolio of assets for strong profitability and impact; (iv) support local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (v) catalyze foreign investment, including mobilizing B loans, parallel loans, and other forms of capital mobilization; (vi) introduce and develop new financial solutions, products and platforms; (vii) build long-term partnerships with strong regional players; (viii) develop client, sector and country-level solutions through upstream and downstream interventions that can be scaled and replicated; and (ix) be a thought leader and innovator of products and client solutions globally.

The Banking Specialist Team (BST) within FIG provides deep banking industry expertise to our investment, upstream and advisory services teams across the globe. In addition to the traditional Banking Specialist’s duties of taking a leading role in investment appraisals and loan portfolio reviews, Banking Specialists are expected to i) contribute to FIG’s global strategy, ii) support regional management teams in the design and implementation of their regional strategy, iii) support clients in capacity building through technical assistance and workshops, iv) assist in the supervision of existing/portfolio exposures, and v) contribute to global knowledge development and dissemination.

The Global Head of Banking will lead the BST, hence managing a team of highly experienced banking specialists.  Primary reporting is to the FIG Global Sector Manager, Banking & Insurance.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain her/his Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3-year renewable term appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Leadership & Vision

•  Lead and manage a team of experienced banking specialists, providing direction and support, and developing a team culture that fosters teamwork, partnership and transparency.
•  Ensure team’s collective strength is optimal (through appropriate rotations, regular trainings, etc.) considering FIG program demand. Collaborate with Global Sector Manager to develop and execute succession plans.
•  Implement a team vision that aligns with the IFC’s strategic goals and foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture.

BST Work Program

•  Oversee the overall adequacy of BST appraisals/reports globally to ensure adherence to high quality standards.
•  Ensure the BST works seamlessly and efficiently to manage transaction needs globally balancing the workload adequately amongst the Banking Specialists with a view to prioritize the right combination of regional knowledge and subject matter expertise/experience.
•  Leads some of the more complex appraisals or portfolio cases in a specific region or globally, as needed
•  Ensure the BST has sufficient bandwidth beyond appraisals to meaningfully contribute to cross-regional fertilization in areas covering new business and portfolio, including, where relevant, supporting new product development, key sector reviews (at country, regional and/or global levels) and providing training to Investment Teams.
•  Lead the BST to monitor industry trends and ensure the team remains updated on banking sector best practices and regulatory changes. Collaborate with WB and IMF colleagues as appropriate.
•  Lead the BST to work with FIG leadership, Risk and Portfolio teams on identifying emerging risk trends/issues and mitigation strategies and regularly conducting forward-looking vulnerability analyses.
•  Lead the BST to support the implementation and monitoring of a relatively consistent set of financial covenants across FIG clients with a view to balance the need for consistency with consideration for regional/country specific contexts. Support the use of covenants as a warning tool (vs. only compliance)
•  Lead the BST to design and implement any additional initiatives that might enable the team to achieve higher levels of efficiency and contribution.

Thought Leadership & Contribution to Relationship Management

•  Speaks on behalf of the BST to act as a thought leader in the banking space, often serving as the lead voice on banking matters with external parties such large banking clients, regulators, and other key industry bodies.
•  Collaborate with FIG senior teams and IFC management to build and maintain strong relationships with global and regional financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders in emerging markets.
•  Lead the BST to collectively stay abreast of global banking trends, regulatory changes, and innovations to position IFC as a leader in the financial industry.
•  Foster partnerships that enhance the IFC’s presence and influence in the banking sector.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are highly desirable.
•  Extensive experience in the Emerging markets banking sector (min 20 years), with a strong track record in leading transaction due diligence, risk management, and business development. Experience and expertise to include but not limited to:

    o  Credit and risk management,
o  Consumer Banking and SME,
o  Asset/Liabilities management,
o  Working knowledge and analytical skills in financial analysis. statistical score modeling, vintage analysis and big data,
o  Working knowledge in Fintech and disruptive business models in financial products.
o  Due diligence of financial institutions (debt and equity) – Banks, Non Bank Financial Institutions and Leasing
o  Due diligence of Fintech (debt and equity)
o  Board experience – as Board member or invitee

•  Familiar with new areas of risk in the financial sector such as cyber risk and climate risk. Knowledge of how Artificial intelligence can be harnessed in the financial industry will be a plus.
•  Ability to see the big picture of where sectors, industries, regions, and countries are, where they are heading, and where IFC can lead investments and/or play a role in their development.
•  Deep understanding of banking products, financial instruments, and transaction appraisal processes. Knowledge of IFC products and processes, a plus.
•  Proven ability to drive product/transaction innovation and manage/support the development of new products.
•  Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance practices in the banking sector.
•  Demonstrated leadership experience, managing, and developing high-performing teams. Excellent people management skills and openness to feedback.
•  Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with team members, internal and external stakeholders, and senior management.
•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with strong and persuasive communication abilities with a high level of convincing power, capable of effectively influencing stakeholders, driving decisions, and advocating for strategic initiatives.
•  Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and departments.
•  Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule; facility to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries.
•  Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English are required; additional major language such as French or Spanish would be a plus.
•  Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

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.