E T Consultant, Market Development, Iraq
Baghdad, Iraq
JOB DETAIL
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 $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.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double the 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.
IFC strategy in Iraq revolves around supporting the expansion of the role of the private sector in priority sectors. Additionally, IFC has progressed efforts to support the Government of Iraq (GoI) in moving forward with its sustainable infrastructure projects including, renewable energy, gas flaring reduction projects and rehabilitation efforts. On financial sector reform, IFC will continue to pursue an integrated approach to strengthen Iraqi banks’ and financial institutions internal capacities while supporting their trade flows and improving their product offerings, especially for SMEs, gender, trade finance and agricultural finance. Additionally, IFC is looking to expand its investment and advisory support for import substitution manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
IFC’s Country Advisory and Economics Unit (CAE) works with client country governments to address key legal and regulatory issues that constrain private sector development. CAE’s efforts are focused on improving the enabling environment that can facilitate private investment opportunities, including foreign direct investments. CAE addresses “if-then” reform asks in IFC strategies, complementing World Bank efforts, while strengthening IFC’s relationships with client countries in support of IFC 3.0; focusing on creating markets and mobilizing private capital. Specifically, the CAE team works proactively with governments and regulatory agencies to create effective and efficient market conditions, both at economy wide as well as industry/sector level, for increased private investments. The unit collaborates extensively with IFC Industry teams, cross-cutting teams, and other teams across the World Bank Group in the design and delivery of advisory services.
Scope of Work – Roles and Responsibilities
The Extended Term Consultant (ETC) will work closely with the Senior Country Officer for Iraq as well as Country Advisory and Economics (CAE) and Industry teams, to help build market/sector knowledge and develop new and nurture existing relationships with key private sector entities across Financial (FIG), Infrastructure (INR), Manufacturing Agribusiness and Services (MAS) sectors, to develop investment opportunities for IFC. The ETC’s responsibilities will cover both Federal Iraq with a focus on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The ETC will report to the Iraq Senior Country Officer, co-managed with the CAE Regional Coordinator for the Middle East based in Amman, Jordan. Frequent travel within the two jurisdictions in Iraq and the Levant region is expected. The position will be based in Baghdad, Iraq.
The ETC will focus on:
• Supporting the formulation, implementation, monitoring and updating of IFC’s strategy for Federal Iraq and KRI to achieve an appropriate balance of sustainable developmental impact and commercial return
• Business development and planning and mapping: The ETC will support a structured and systematized approach to identify and prioritize high potential leads for IFC investments and/or advisory services using market intelligence, networks and partnerships. He/she will contribute to the development of a client engagement strategy
• IFC ‘s role in the Forced Displaced (FDP)/Internally Displaced People (IDP) agenda: In line with IFC’s strategy in Iraq, the ETC will help IFC identify and develop investment/upstream/advisory opportunities particularly with businesses that include an FDP/IDP approach to their operational model. He/she will represent IFC in refugee/internally displaced events as needed, which includes IFC’s representation for engaging the private sector, partners (including United Nations institutions and the World Bank) as well donors, including the Government of the Netherlands and public sector stakeholders. The ETC in this respect will be supporting more directly the CAE Regional Coordinator, based in Amman, Jordan who is responsible for IFC’s FDP/IDP agenda in the Middle East region
• Supporting the Iraq Senior Country Officer in developing and managing portfolio relationships with key clients, government and other stakeholders
• Market and sector development: The ETC will assess the policy and regulatory environment in targeted sectors and prepare and assist in developing proposals for possible reforms to create more opportunities for investments by IFC or the private sector
• Assessing integrity risks: The ETC will help the Iraq country team in conducting preemptive IDDs (Integrity Due Diligence) and help IFC conduct more thoroughly scheduled IDDs
• High potential lead/sponsor development: The ETC will support investment teams in initial assessment of high potential leads in preparation for investment, including, but not limited to, Environment and Social (E&S), Health and Safety practices, Corporate Governance (CG), Gender Inclusion, Financial Management and others
• Participating, as requested, in client meetings and coordinate the preparation of presentations and follow-ups and minutes
• Building a dialogue with strategic stakeholders, including government agencies, other Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), bi-lateral agencies, NGOs, Think Tanks, at both senior and technical levels
• Knowledge Management: The ETC will help capture and share lessons from doing business in Iraq feeding into IFC’s strategy and operations in FCS at the corporate level
• Developing and maintain a sound understanding of WBG’s and especially IFC’s products, services, and priorities
• Fostering a culture of trust, innovation and collaboration
Selection Criteria
• Must have obtained an MBA or Master’s degree in business, finance, or economics
• Must have 6-8 years of experience in economics, business development, and finance, with good knowledge, networks, and credibility within the business and governmental communities in Iraq
• Experience in dealing with government clients, investors, and multiple stakeholders
• Knowledge of Iraq and KRI
• Strong financial, analytical, and modeling skills; sound business judgment; ability to find creative solutions to accommodate different interests Experience in reviewing legal documents and/or technical studies will be a plus
• Good “deal sense” based on demonstrated strong analytical skills and sound business judgment
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenges the status quo in order to build the business
• Ability to work independently in a challenging environment
• Proficiency in English and Arabic
• Strong research, organizational and analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse related data and information. Attention to detail is a must
• Strong computing and presentation skills (proficiency required in Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point)
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral, including the ability to convey ideas and positions clearly
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish, develop and manage relationships
• Highly motivated; dynamic, committed, and accountable
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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