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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 is unique for both its regional and global prospective, development focus, long-term approach to investments, ability to leverage the resources of the entire World Bank Group, as well as its commitment to maximizing the value of its portfolio companies through sustained assistance.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% 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, Payments, Fintech, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.

Within FIG, the Digital Finance (DF) team aims to work with private sector Digital Finance companies throughout emerging markets to expand their access to funding through a range of IFC investment products from corporate loans, asset backed structures, and bonds on the debt side to equity and quasi-equity in private or listed companies. Focus is on debt solutions. In addition, the DF team drives and supports regions in development and building of lending portfolios to later-stage Digital Finance providers. To enable financial inclusion of unbanked and underserved populations, IFC is keen to develop a lending program to later-stage Digital Banks, Embedded Finance providers, and Fintech in emerging markets with the aim of supporting and funding these institutions.

To grow this business, FIG is seeking an Industry Specialist – Digital Finance with solid investment expertise and relevant network in the global Digital Finance space that can help deepen the scope, reach and impact of IFC’s investments in Digital Finance to develop new initiatives with clients, partners, and World Bank Group teams across regions.

The position will be based in Washington, DC.

Duties and Accountabilities

The responsibilities of the Industry Specialist will include but are not limited to:

•  Originate viable IFC investment transactions in the Digital Finance space globally, maximizing development impact as well as profitability
•  Drive collaboration with regional departments and work closely with regional teams to deliver IFC’s investment targets and development impact
•  From FIG Global, deliver expertise and specialization regarding digital finance opportunities to support the regions
•  Build a strong pipeline of potential future investment opportunities in Digital Finance in cooperation with regional IFC teams
•  Implement innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions across the capital structure (senior debt, mezzanine, or equity)
•  Identify opportunities and support and lead FIG’s engagement regarding Digital Finance with a range of market players including banks, insurers, Fintech companies, and innovative financial service providers
•  Develop global platforms (IFC investment frameworks) and global solutions for facilitating FIG investment
•  Develop global client relationships with Digital Finance providers
•  Maintain relationships with clients, market players, and other stakeholders (government, development partners, World Bank Group) to develop markets and investment opportunities
•  Help to build and maintain a network of global and regional co-investors and co-lenders to develop specific investment opportunities and to provide funding alongside IFC
•  Lead and/or provide guidance to investment teams on due diligence (financial, market, valuation etc.), risk/mitigation analysis, and structuring/ negotiations from a Digital Finance perspective
•  Coordinate closely with technical experts (banking specialists, environmental specialists, lawyers, etc.) to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions, and achieve sustainable development impact
•  Analyze industry trends and prior transactions to develop new business and improve portfolio performance
•  Disseminate knowledge across the industry group and promote knowledge-sharing within FIG as well as more broadly across IFC
•  Provide support in developing thought leadership on Digital Finance trends, and in addition think through the implications of these trends for IFC’s business in this space to both grow and future proof IFC’s business and be an integral part of driving a sustainable growth of the Digital Finance business
•  Closely follow emerging landscape in the Fintech/Digital Finance space and use that knowledge to provide insights and ideas to FIG Digital Finance leadership
•  Represent IFC/FIG as a participant at Digital Finance events
•  Work closely and constructively across FIG business/product lines as well as FIG regional teams to provide insights into Digital Finance space evolution, both medium-term and long-term and be accretive to FIG’s overall business

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business
•  8-10 years of investment experience (e.g., commercial or investment banking, private equity, or funds), including at least 3 to 5 years investment experience in the Digital Finance space
•  Demonstrated investment track record of successfully sourcing, structuring, closing, managing, and exiting transactions in the Digital Finance ecosystem
•  Emerging Markets experience highly preferred
•  Strong structuring and technical skills with a variety of complex financial structures and instruments for both debt (focus), and equity
•  Sound business judgment in screening/identifying potential investment opportunities and making go/no-go recommendations
•  Solid understanding of relevant trends and issues
•  Established network in the broader Digital Finance ecosystem including industry strategic investors, top tier VCs, entrepreneurs, impact investors and the broader development Finance community
•  Open to feedback and willingness to learn
•  Technology savvy professional, with a passion for global development
•  Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly; strong presentation skills
•  Communication skills in Spanish are desirable
•  High emotional intelligence and work ethic
•  Effective team player in multi-cultural and multi-location environment and ability/experience with providing guidance, professional development, and quality control of work products
•  Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of (potential) clients, partners, and government officials
•  Capacity to identify and successfully develop market creation opportunities in multiple countries by demonstrating long-term perspective, open-mindedness, persistence, innovation, and ability to leverage all instruments and programs available at the World Bank Group
•  Strong commitment to knowledge management
•  Willingness to be proactive in contacting people and learning about new developments
•  Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency, and fairness
•  International exposure, especially to the emerging markets, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to travel extensively

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.