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.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new strategy to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low Income Countries and Fragile and Conflict Affected States. This new strategy aims at creating our own opportunities for private investment in riskier markets by proactively working in these countries to create, deepen, and expand the markets themselves. 

Within IFC, support for the development and expansion of financing and advisory solutions across a wide range of sectors is one of IFC’s key strategic priorities. The Global Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services (MAS) Department (CMG) works closely with IFC’s regional MAS teams to finance and provide technical guidance to companies in the manufacturing, agribusiness, and services sectors from IFC’s own balance sheet and through mobilization of other capital. 

The Equity team (CMGEQ) within the Global MAS Department operates in close collaboration with regional MAS teams and regional departments to (i) formulate IFC’s strategy for investing equity and mezzanine financing across the MAS sectors, (ii) engage in business development, (iii) execute transactions, and (iv) manage assets from origination until exit.

IFC is seeking an Investment Officer for CMGEQ, to be based in Washington DC. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing overall support to IFC’s MAS equity & mezzanine business across all emerging markets.  This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in structuring, negotiating and executing equity & mezzanine transactions, asset management, as well as leadership skills.  The Investment Officer will report to the Global Head of Equity – MAS.  

Duties and Accountabilities:

The role and responsibilities of the Investment Officer will include but will not be limited to:

New Business

•  Responsible for coordinating and providing substantive input to the development of equity strategies and investment themes, to target and grow IFC’s equity & mezzanine business based on its current portfolio, trends in countries and sectors, and IFC strategies (corporate, sectors, and regions/countries);
•  Participate in business development activities in line with investment themes;
•  Provide expertise and support to teams executing equity and mezzanine investments; 

Asset Management

•  Take responsibility for equity & mezzanine asset management, including working closely with IFC’s regional deal teams and sector specialists, and investee management;
•  Support IFC value creation at investee companies;
•  Provide expertise, guidance, and support to teams managing smaller equity investments in the regional equity portfolios;
•  Work with deal teams to devise and execute equity sales, ensuring consistency with portfolio strategy;
•  Work with deal teams and MAS management to identify, appoint, and support IFC’s nominee directors to the boards of IFC investee companies.
•  Conduct analyses & modeling of IFC’s equity & mezzanine portfolio, including sectoral and regional portfolio construction, profitability, etc.

Leadership and Knowledge Sharing

•  Support a comprehensive program for increasing the knowledge and learning of equity & mezzanine investments execution and asset management;
•  Ensure quality control of work products;
•  Disseminate CMG’s equity culture and lessons learned.

Selection Criteria

Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and values;

•  A Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business and 6+ years of relevant work experience;
•  Experience in sourcing, negotiating, and executing equity & mezzanine transactions;
•  Network of contacts among companies in MAS sectors, private equity, and institutional investors;
•  Excellent interpersonal skills and openness to feedback;
•  Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build the business;
•  Recognized as a team player, strategic thinker, and thought leader;
•  Strong written and verbal communication skills; Fluency in English essential, additional languages such as Spanish or Portuguese are a plus;
•  Ability to collaborate closely with the World Bank, and other development finance institutions, commercial financial institutions, and institutional investors;
•  Ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines and to meet team objectives;
•  Sound business judgment, demonstrated ability to deliver results under stressful timelines and environments;
•  Strong “deal sense” based on the demonstrated track record in executing, managing, and exiting equity & mezzanine investments. Willingness and ability to travel and work across time zones.

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.