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.
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: i) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; ii) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; iii) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and iv) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.
To drive this approach, IFC is seeking an Investment Officer to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Investment Officer will be responsible for supporting IFC’s efforts to enable investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions in MAS sectors across the East and Southern Africa region with a special focus on DRC, Burundi, and other francophone countries in the region. In this role, the Investment officer will work in closely with Country, Regional, Investment, and Upstream & Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives.
Duties & Accountabilities:
The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
• Support the identification and assessment of Upstream & Advisory and Investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Develop early-stage project collaborations and co-developments; feasibility studies; and/or pilot projects that lead to investment opportunities in the MAS sectors.
• Work closely with the IFC Investment Services team to develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in the MAS sectors through proactive origination/business development and developing and employing sector/country knowledge.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional clients, businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
• Lead client projects end to end by a) regularly monitoring the project’s financial situation b) efficient procurement of consultant services and c) providing monitoring and reporting information to ensure the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project business and M&E targets.
• Serve as a transaction/ team leader and sector investment specialist, evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, as necessary.
• Lead term sheet negotiation/legal documentation process; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, governance, and technical assistance colleagues in order to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Prepare project supervision and donor reports, including M&E reports and the required back-up data which confirms the reported results and achievements.
• Assist in the formulation, monitoring and updating of IFC’s strategy in the MAS sectors in the Africa region, working with IFC’s industry and regional departments and in close coordination with the World Bank.
• Serving as an integral part of the Agribusiness Upstream & Advisory team and support Project Leads as needed in providing advice, implementation support, and assistance with project implementation management.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or other relevant field.
• 8-12 years of experience in corporate and/or project finance with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments.
• Demonstrated experience in investment banking, private equity, fund management or related areas with direct involvement in investment transactions.
• Expertise in the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (tourism, retail, properties, health, education) sectors. Experience in Africa will be an added advantage.
• Excellent financial, credit and equity skills; demonstrated ability to creatively structure a variety of complex debt and equity instruments.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners, as well as senior government officials.
• Proven track record in nurturing client relationships, resolving challenging issues and ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments.
• Proactiveness, strong business development and client relationship skills, and ability to focus on client needs effectively.
• A genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and values.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Strong Computer skills to develop user-friendly analyses/presentations (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English and French.
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.
