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 Partnerships and Blended Finance Department sits within the Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency. It has two units that work closely together, each led by a Senior Manager. The Partnerships unit is responsible for spearheading IFC’s strategic partnerships with sovereign governments, international organizations, foundations and philanthropies, and other institutions. IFC engages with partners to deliver on joint operational goals, conduct research, convene stakeholders, and to raise funds for use in IFC advisory services and provision of blended concession finance. IFC raised over $750 million in new funding in FY24.The Blended Finance unit oversees the deployment of IFC blended finance facilities, manages reporting to donors, and works with Partnerships on raising new funds. The unit seeks to ensure that scarce donor resources are used to maximize development impact, minimize the amount of subsidy used, and deliver on donor intentions.  

IFC is recruiting a Director, Partnerships, & Blended Finance to lead the department and manage its ~75 staff to the highest professional standards. This position is an exciting opportunity to spearhead new initiatives with IFC sovereign and non-sovereign partners around the world and work closely with IFC and World Bank colleagues across multiple departments.  The position will provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to work across different industry groups and regions within a creative and results-oriented environment.

The position is based at IFC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. S/he will be a member of the leadership team of the Vice Presidency and will report to the VP of Economics and Private Sector Development.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic and operational leadership: Partnerships
•  Proactively build coalitions across development partners, corporates, multilaterals, foundations, think tanks and other relevant stakeholders to develop thematic partnerships, strengthen IFC’s reputation and position in the development finance landscape, enable IFC to set the global agenda on private sector development in emerging economies and expand our impact in strategic priority areas.
•  Lead the Department in delivering a new strategy for partnerships, expanding both the types of partner relationships and the range of institutions and organizations targeted.
•  Lead fundraising from a large and growing set of sovereign and private donor partners to finance IFC advisory and project preparation activities and for blended concessional finance.
•  Build on, or establish, strong personal connections with heads, networks and/or key representatives of major donors (sovereigns, foundations, individuals) to maximize solid medium- to long-term fundraising results.
•  Undertake a major stakeholder mapping exercise to proactively identify areas of alignment between actual or emerging thematic priorities for donors and that of IFC, to guide the evolution of partnerships.
•  In close collaboration with IFC’s regional and industry colleagues, establish new and manage/co-manage existing strategic partner relationships across IFC. Oversee the creation of new donor facilities, from ideation and communication to fundraising to operational implementation. Examples include a new multi-donor fund for blended finance for climate investments and new bilateral sovereign facilities.
•  Work closely with the Corporate Analytics & Reporting team, Operations Management team, and others as needed to manage the database and system for collecting and disseminating fundraising data, and report to IFC’s and WBG Senior Management on IFC’s fundraising efforts. Oversee the production of timely and high-quality annual donor reports on how funds are utilized and the development impact they have.
•  Maintain close coordination and liaise with relevant counterparts at the IBRD (World Bank).

Strategic and operational leadership: Blended Finance
•  Oversee the efficient and effective deployment of all concessional blended finance funds under management; ensure that obligations to contributors who have entrusted IFC with delegated authority to manage their funds are fully met.
•  Oversee the replenishment and deployment of IFC’s allocation of the IDA Private Sector Window.  Work closely with World Bank colleagues in the Development Finance Vice Presidency to streamline governance and processes. Lead development of impactful communications for IDA Deputies, governments, and other stakeholders
•  Lead on Board engagement on IFC’s blended finance, including delivering an annual technical briefing.
•  Ensure consistency of approach and practices in deploying new funds and managing the portfolio of blended concessional funds across sources, sectors, regions, and themes, supporting innovation and calibrated risk-taking.
•  Approve use of blended finance in investments that fall under Director delegated authority.

People and resource management:
•  Professionally manage the department and its staff to a modern standard and high level of performance, with special attention to diversity objectives.
•  Drive and inspire technical excellence within the department by creating an environment of learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
•  Deliver the agreed upon work program through cost effective use of resources and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

Selection Criteria

•  Advanced professional degree in business, economics, or related field.
•  A minimum of 15+ years of relevant professional experience, including in fundraising and in private sector investment. Experience in international financial institutions and MDBs a plus.
•  Understanding of landscape of sovereign donors, philanthropies and foundations, and other international organizations, and demonstrated success in engaging and influencing external partners.
•  Sound business judgment and practical knowledge of finance and private sector development in an emerging market context.
•  Excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills and high political acumen, with demonstrated ability to interact as a peer with the highest levels of business and government leaders.  Ability to represent IFC in high-profile networks.
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to think strategically and synthesize complex issues.
•  Ability to successfully manage multiple demands simultaneously and work under pressure. Willingness to travel globally.
•  Strong team orientation, with an ability to lead and work effectively with a range of colleagues including operational staff and senior management across the World Bank Group.
•  Demonstrated ability to design and implement new strategies, develop innovative solutions, and make sound decisions to build IFC business.
•  High degree of professional integrity, discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
•  Demonstrated experience in managing senior, experienced and diverse staff. Ability and willingness to engage in coaching and mentoring of junior staff.
•  Demonstrated ability to lead effectively and manage a geographically dispersed team in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 4 year term appointment.

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.