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.

The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To support this approach, IFC is seeking IFC is seeking an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) to support the program execution and implementation of the MAS Africa Financial Management Advisory program which supports IFC clients by building/enhancing their financial management competencies. The program targets prospective and portfolio investment clients to enhance their bankability and incubate an impactful multi-year pipeline of market opportunities and bankable projects. Targeted clients are expected to demonstrate efficiency in working capital management, streamlined decision making processes and better allocation of resources which would help them unlock growth opportunities and improve access to finance.

The selected candidate will focus on delivering high-quality Financial Management Upstream/Advisory engagements and contribute to the volume of financing enabled and facilitated by IFC to clients in the Africa region. This position will report to the Senior Operation Officer – Program Lead.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The program is seeking a seasoned Financial Management specialist to support the team on the overall program activities in West Africa as well as client specific engagements work. The roles and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:

Overall Program activities – Business Responsibility:  

•  Support the design of the service offering, provide technical expertise on building product tool kit.
•  Coordinate program activities in West Africa including managing the relationship with country cluster/s manager, country office representative and MAS sector investment leads.
•  Support business development activities through building the necessary technical document.
•  Lead the organization of financial Management conferences for potential and portfolio clients in Africa to raise the importance of healthy financial management operation.
•  Develop training material to deliver to all MAS staff on the financial management and how to design joint interventions to address potential clients need.
•  Support IFC on business development in the region and on developing and delivering new client engagements.
•  Support the development and operationalize a standardized Financial Management checklist for IOs to determine potential client’s level of financial management sophistication.
•  Supervise junior consultants on client engagements.
•  Develop scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets.
•  Support staff across IFC in developing proposals and supporting materials for Advisory engagements across other regions.
•  Ensure the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project business and M&E targets.  

Client specific work:

•  Design individual client engagements including client negotiation, and draft legal agreements.
•  Draft Financial Management advisory proposals to meet client needs in collaboration with IFC respective investment team.
•  Provide initial review for deliverables submitted by local consulting firms.
•  Develop training documents & presentation – if needed
•  Follow up on the implementation of the new ERP system including the hardware purchases as well as software configuration.
•  Develop a lesson learned on implementing project in hard markets.
•  Conduct and draft IDDs for client institutions.
•  Contract and manage project vendors including firms and consultants.
•  Provide as needed support to project outreach events, including online events such as webinars.

Client and Stakeholder Responsibility:

•  Collaborate with MAS investment teams to identify targeted clients.
•  Conduct Business development for MAS Upstream & Advisory, which includes identifying clients and their needs, preparing pitches, conducting negotiations, and concluding deals.
•  Work with CMUs and other stakeholders including donors to ensure successful.
•  Provide other support as required at the country, regional or the global level. 

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business or Finance.
•  10-12 years of relevant experience in project and/or program development, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets.
•  Genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.
•  Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.
•  Demonstrated capacity to innovate and challenge the status quo and proven track record of new idea generation, business development, and creating projects/programs from scratch.
•  Demonstrated experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
•  Demonstrated experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects, programs, and initiatives.
•  Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthetize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations.
•  Strong written and verbal communications skills.
•  Ability to mentor and coach junior staff.
•  Sensitivity for working in multicultural environment, commitment to diversity, and ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues/clients/partners across regions, sectors, and business lines.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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