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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC’s Infrastructure Department for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is recruiting an Investment Officer to work in helping identify and sourcing business opportunities; support the structuring and execution of infrastructure investment transactions (project finance, corporate finance, equity and hybrid instruments); and actively manage portfolio investments in core infrastructure sectors (water, energy, transport, waste, municipal infrastructure and telecom). The new hire should be available to engage in infrastructure projects throughout the LAC region but with a focus on Mexico. The overall goal of the job holder is to perform the regular activities of an Investment Officer enabling the institution to maximize impact and development by generating and processing new business opportunities.

Willingness to travel is required. The appointee will be stationed in Mexico City, Mexico reporting to IFC’s Regional Lead for the Infrastructure team in Mexico and to the LAC1 Infrastructure Regional Manager.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development: 

•  Support in the sourcing and assessment of new opportunities; identifying bankable projects, anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge; synthesize information into internal reports for decision-making purposes.
•  Build on and expand candidate’s existing relevant network of business relationships in the Mexican Infrastructure, Energy & Telecommunications space.
•  Work together with more senior staff to develop a strong pipeline of good-quality investment opportunities.
•  Produce country and sector analysis, marketing materials, and pitch books.
•  Coordinate closely with upstream (pre-investment), advisory, and environmental & social teams to add value to our client’s businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
•  Support teams managing relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners, and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
•  Undertake market coverage including gathering market intelligence (conduct research, talking to key stakeholders, etc), mapping market players, and analyzing trends, emerging risks, and opportunities.
•  Perform integrity checks.

Structuring and Negotiation: 

•  Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new debt, mezzanine, and equity transactions.
•  Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
•  Participate in or lead negotiations as appropriate to overcome impasses and lead negotiations to a successful outcome.
Deal Execution and Transaction Management:
•  Support and/or lead investment transaction teams during investment due diligence and execution.
•  Draft materials to present the transaction to different internal audiences for decision-making.
•  Deliver on a timely and expeditious basis, using best practice standards.
•  Provide guidance, review and perform quality control (audit) over financial models, financial analysis and projections developed more junior team members to evaluate the benefits and risks of investments and ensure solid structure and consistency of legal documents with agreed-upon terms.

Portfolio Monitoring: 

•  Monitor a portfolio of existing assets and prepare high quality reports identifying any potential risks, issues and mitigants.
•  Ensure that transactional requirements recorded in the documentation are monitored and in compliance.
•  Coordinate closely with social, environmental, legal, risk, and technical colleagues to add value to our existing clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to project and sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
•  Mentor and coach more junior team members (ensure quality control).
•  Process waivers, amendments and restructurings as needed, diligently and swiftly, working with portfolio management, credit, special assets unit (if applicable), and other support units (legal, E&S, etc.).
•  Foster and grow the relationship with existing clients to generate repeat business and support their needs.
Strategy Development and Knowledge Sharing:
•  Build IFC’s knowledge base for best practices and participate in knowledge sharing and dissemination.
•  Initiate collaboration and share expertise to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions. 

Selection Criteria

The following are requirements (candidates will not be considered if they do not meet any of those):

•  Master’s degree in a related field and at least 6–8 years of relevant experience.
•  Related fields of education include business, finance, or economics or an area of expertise specific to a sector, subject matter, or industry specialty.
•  Relevant experience could include a proven track record in business consulting, investment banking, private equity or investment and commercial banking or operational experience in the sector or technical or professional field.
•  Ability to conduct business in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing.
•  Strong analytical and financial structuring skills and sound business judgment.
•  Demonstrated client relationship skills, including the ability to interact effectively with counterparts at all levels.
•  Appreciation of legal, technical, environmental, social, and other considerations in project and corporate finance.
•  Skilled at project planning, analysis, and execution.
•  Relevant working experience in infrastructure (transport, electricity, water, waste, municipal or telecom projects).
•  Track record in infrastructure projects, including limited recourse project finance transactions, corporate finance, and/or equity transactions.
•  Strong knowledge of Excel and financial modeling, and ability to analyze and form conclusions on company and project’s financial information.
•  Highly motivated and committed to the highest ethical standards.
Ability to consider transactional aspects of the opportunities being created through Upstream (pre-investment) initiatives.
•  Demonstrated ability to work on investment or advisory transactions with a diverse range of clients and across multiple sectors and subsectors and in more than one industry and subsector.
•  Thorough knowledge of Mexico and a strong network.

The following are highly desirable:

•  Experience in infrastructure transactions across Latin America.
•  Genuine interest and knowledge of relevant infrastructure and regional sector trends.
•  “Can-do” attitude and demonstrated ability to think outside the box and push the envelope.
•  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and independently with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
•  Proactive and highly motivated
•  Genuine commitment to sustainable development.

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.