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’s Creating Markets Advisory (CMA) Unit delivers on IFC’s capital increase commitments by providing a foundation for Regional, Industry and Upstream teams to increase private sector investment opportunities. CMA 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. Specifically, the CMA 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. Our global experience shows that challenges in the business environment and lack of the right enabling regulatory framework results in countries losing significant amounts of investment annually.  The unit collaborates extensively with the public sector, private sector and other teams across the World Bank Group in the design and delivery of advisory services.

The IFC is recruiting an Operations Officer (Private Sector Specialist) who can lead multiple ongoing projects, support new business development efforts and manage stakeholder engagements in the area of investment climate improvement and market creation. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will report to the CMA Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

I. Program management 

The candidate will be TTL for multiple investment climate projects – Investment Policy and Promotion, sector-specific regulatory reform in housing, agribusiness, other IFC priority sectors, and SEZs. In particular, the candidate will:
•  Lead effective implementation of the above stated projects on the ground with guidance and supervision from management;
•  Lead client engagement and relationship management on the ground to ensure high client satisfaction and IFC relevance with ongoing advisory engagements;
•  Actively collaborate with IFC Country Office and industry/investment teams for a strategically relevant and impactful (IFC 3.0) program execution;
•  Effectively coordinate and collaborate with global product specialists and experts for high-quality output and outcomes;
•  Form and manage successful team on the ground for smooth operation of project activities including selection and recruitment of STCs, firms etc;
•  Regularly report on project progress to management, donors and other stakeholders – deliver timely and high-quality project supervision reports every six months;
•  Work with results measurement team to ensure project progress, reforms and lessons are captured in a timely manner; impact evaluations are executed and high-quality project completion reports delivered.
•  Work with financial management team to ensure project budget is updated and well managed;
•  Constantly scan the investment climate and reform opportunities in the country in light of IFC country strategy ad priorities to allow development of new IFC 3.0 engagements and optimize opportunities on existing work.

II. Relationship management 

The candidate is expected to lead stakeholder engagements and coordination in the areas of investment climate and represent IFC Unit’s work on the ground. In particular, the candidate will:
•  Manage donor relationship on the ground, representing her/his Unit, including the Multi-donor Initiative platform and beyond;
•  Collaborate with various teams in IFC including region, country and industry teams for optimization of investment climate reform impact;
•  Lead collaborations with relevant engagements of the WB. This includes, for example, collaborating in the identification of Investment Climate-related prior actions for DPOs and supporting their implementation;
•  Create and manage relationship with broader stakeholder groups, both public and private for improved investment climate.

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in business law, development policy, management, economics or related field.
•  A minimum of 5 to 8 years of work experience, if on Investment Climate improvement, private sector development, sector-specific reform advocacy and related, also with relevant project management experience.
•  Good understanding of private sector issues and broader stakeholders in the Ethiopia and Eastern/Southern Africa.
•  Expertise in agribusiness, housing, SEZs, or in one of IFC’s priority sectors in Ethiopia and Eastern/Southern Africa is a plus.
•  Fluency in English. Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
•  Proven planning, organizational and leadership skills.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.
•  Exceptional ability to operate under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.
•  Capacity to take leadership and self-initiatives for successful realization of program.

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.

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