Description

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group (WBG) — 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 unprecedented levels of uncertainty and volatility. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double our volume of business by 2030 and triple the work we do in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). To do so, IFC will need to deploy its full range of financing, mobilization, advisory, convening and thought leadership skills. This also calls for the need to generate our own opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and opportunities for the private sector and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. This strategy also relies on a closer WBG collaboration through the “Cascade” approach: working with clients, we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challenges—where such solutions are advisable and can be effective—and reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.

IFC is looking to recruit a Country Manager responsible for the following cluster of countries: Angola, Zimbabwe,  Botswana & Lesotho. This position is based in Luanda, Angola.

The Country Manager will play a critical role in operationalizing IFC3.0/Creating Markets strategy and enabling the Cascade at the country level.  He/she will be responsible, in close collaboration with the WBG counterparts, for developing operational country strategies and action plans and for driving their implementation. The Country Manager will oversee the investment and advisory portfolio and be responsible for the implementation and growth of IFC program in those markets, as well as providing operational support to the IFC liaison office in Namibia as required. While the cluster of countries may change, the mandate of the Country Manager will be to significantly build the portfolio, develop new opportunities for IFC in the cluster and enhance our impact.

The Country Manager will be responsible for all IFC’s activities in the cluster of countries while managing a multidisciplinary team of investment, advisory services and support staff on the ground.  This will require close interactions with corporate clients, governments, counterparts at the World Bank and other multilateral/bilateral institutions, as well as internal coordination within IFC with Industry Department Directors and Managers, Advisory Services Managers and constituent Executive Directors. The Country Manager will report to the Regional Director, Southern Africa.

Duties and Accountabilities
• Under the guidance of the Regional Director, Southern Africa, develop, design and implement multi-year country strategies and implementation plans for integrated upstream, investment and advisory operations, reflecting corporate priorities set by IFC’s senior management and including sector focus areas and business targets;
• Oversee all IFC’s activities in the cluster of countries;
• Lead the coordination with World Bank Group institutions and oversee with the regional industry managers (and other colleagues in IBRD, IDA and MIGA) the design and implementation of the Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and other forms of proactive collaboration to enable the Cascade at the country level.  Fully contribute and drive on behalf of IFC the development of Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs), Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs);
• Manage and develop relationships with key clients (governments and private companies) at the highest level of seniority and position IFC as the partner of choice to support high development impact projects in the cluster of countries.  Build up relationships with key stakeholders (including relevant regulators, businesses, CSOs, PE Funds, and investors);
• Identify and implement measures to improve country results in terms of efficiency, productivity, profitability and impact and increase its contribution to the corporate scorecard;
• Lead, manage, develop and mentor an integrated and diverse team consisting of regional and industry staff, ensuring that the team is high-performing, well-motivated, innovative, well-trained; has clear deliverables; and is committed to the success of IFC in the cluster of countries;
• Identify areas where IFC can catalyze market development through innovation based on a thorough understanding of local markets and best practices from IFC’s global experience;
• Lead/coordinate the development of a client engagement strategy for existing and new clients;
• Take accountability for early review and clearance of sponsors. For all client’s programs, review and validate IFC’s added-value, development impact and fit with IFC strategy in the cluster countries;
• Carry out all Country Manager responsibilities under the prevailing accountability for decision making (ADM) matrix at IFC;
• Develop IFC’s “brand”, building on IFC’s regional brand and the overall communications strategy; engaging with local media;
• Represent and provide visibility for IFC in the target markets including through organizing/participating in high profile events (Senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences);
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Industry Departments to originate, process and manage a pipeline of investments, and support proactive and strategic portfolio management, to meet IFC’s objectives;
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors.  Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential clients and develop and maintain relationships with these companies to identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products;
• Share accountability (with Industry Portfolio Managers) for the quality and performance of the Country Portfolio; work jointly with relevant managers to meet KPI targets in the cluster of countries;
• Provide administrative and HR management oversight;
• Act as the Head of Security for the cluster of countries responsible for QBG’s duty of care obligations to staff;
• Oversee the crisis management team supported by the business continuity management program offices;
• Appoint emergency wardens, security focal points and road safety focal points.
• Coordinate security decisions with other affected Heads of Office across the WBG.

Selection Criteria

• Under the guidance of the Regional Director, Southern Africa, develop, design and implement multi-year country strategies and implementation plans for integrated upstream, investment and advisory operations, reflecting corporate priorities set by IFC’s senior management and including sector focus areas and business targets;
• Oversee all IFC’s activities in the cluster of countries;
• Lead the coordination with World Bank Group institutions and oversee with the regional industry managers (and other colleagues in IBRD, IDA and MIGA) the design and implementation of the Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and other forms of proactive collaboration to enable the Cascade at the country level.  Fully contribute and drive on behalf of IFC the development of Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs), Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs);
• Manage and develop relationships with key clients (governments and private companies) at the highest level of seniority and position IFC as the partner of choice to support high development impact projects in the cluster of countries.  Build up relationships with key stakeholders (including relevant regulators, businesses, CSOs, PE Funds, and investors);
• Identify and implement measures to improve country results in terms of efficiency, productivity, profitability and impact and increase its contribution to the corporate scorecard;
• Lead, manage, develop and mentor an integrated and diverse team consisting of regional and industry staff, ensuring that the team is high-performing, well-motivated, innovative, well-trained; has clear deliverables; and is committed to the success of IFC in the cluster of countries;
• Identify areas where IFC can catalyze market development through innovation based on a thorough understanding of local markets and best practices from IFC’s global experience;
• Lead/coordinate the development of a client engagement strategy for existing and new clients;
• Take accountability for early review and clearance of sponsors. For all client’s programs, review and validate IFC’s added-value, development impact and fit with IFC strategy in the cluster countries;
• Carry out all Country Manager responsibilities under the prevailing accountability for decision making (ADM) matrix at IFC;
• Develop IFC’s “brand”, building on IFC’s regional brand and the overall communications strategy; engaging with local media;
• Represent and provide visibility for IFC in the target markets including through organizing/participating in high profile events (Senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences);
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Industry Departments to originate, process and manage a pipeline of investments, and support proactive and strategic portfolio management, to meet IFC’s objectives;
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors.  Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential clients and develop and maintain relationships with these companies to identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products;
• Share accountability (with Industry Portfolio Managers) for the quality and performance of the Country Portfolio; work jointly with relevant managers to meet KPI targets in the cluster of countries;
• Provide administrative and HR management oversight;
• Act as the Head of Security for the cluster of countries responsible for QBG’s duty of care obligations to staff;
• Oversee the crisis management team supported by the business continuity management program offices;
• Appoint emergency wardens, security focal points and road safety focal points.
• Coordinate security decisions with other affected Heads of Office across the WBG.
Selection Criteria
• Have at least an MBA or equivalent degree with at least 12-15 years of professional experience in strategy, finance, or advisory, e.g., commercial or investment banking, project finance, private equity and management consulting.
• As an ambassador representing IFC in the country, country manager must be a role model for ethical behavior values of IFC.
• Strong client relationship management skills, with an existing network of relevant top-level contacts in the cluster of countries’ private and public sector and/or demonstrated ability to build such high-level client network;
• Outstanding and proven track record of performance in investment and advisory activities;
• Strong leadership capabilities and experience managing people, especially leading diverse and high performing teams;
• Significant experience with proven success in developing client relationships;
• Ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Ability to think strategically and adjust the country strategies as needed so that it remains responsive to the needs of client countries, and in coordination with development partners;
• Experience in transaction processing and portfolio supervision a strong plus;
• Work experience in the Africa region and a strong interest in developing a thorough understanding of the cluster of countries;
• Ability to build successful relationships across the matrix;
• Strong written and oral communications skills;
• Recognized as a leader;
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and image in the market;
• Meet Bank Group-wide managerial selection criteria including Courage of your convictions, Leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, Building talent for the future.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with a Term appointment that expires later than the end date of this appointment,  s/he will retain the duration of his/her current Term appointment.

Poverty has no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe.

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