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 US$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

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double the volume of business by 2030 and triple the work we do in Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected States (FCS).  To do so, IFC will need to deploy its full range of financing, mobilization, advisory, convening, and thought leadership skills.  This also calls for the need to generate our own opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and opportunities for the private sector and to imagine, design, and implement investment projects.

IFC’s Middle East, Central Asia and Turkey region (MCT) is the host of a large number of FCS countries representing a unique mix of middle income and international development association (IDA) classification. This mix presents IFC’ MCT region with a unique set of challenges and opportunities in helping support IFC’s commitment to increase its share of investment commitments in IDA and FCS to 40 percent by Fiscal Year 2030, with 15-20 percent in low-income IDA and IDA FCS countries. As part of the World Bank Group Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence 2020–2025 there is wide recognition that the private sector lies at the center of a sustainable development model in FCV settings.

In view of this IFC is seeking to recruit an Operations Officer with experience in developing Advisory projects in one or more of the following sectors: Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Health, Education, Tourism, Retail and Property. The selected candidate will focus on supporting the development of high-quality Advisory pipeline in the MCT region under the supervision of the CAE Mashreq Regional Coordinator. S/he will also support policy work and other interventions across the World Bank Group to prioritize various initiatives and to maximize the impact of IFC’ efforts in catalyzing sustainable private sector driven solutions in the MCT FCS environments.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Operations Officer under the guidance of the CAE Regional Coordinator based in Amman, will work closely with FCS country, Investment, Country Advisory and Economics (CAE) and Upstream teams to help build market/sector knowledge, develop new and nurture existing relationships with key private sector entities representing the Financial (FIG), Infrastructure (INR), Manufacturing Agribusiness and Services (MAS), and Funds (CDF) sectors to develop new advisory and investment opportunities for IFC in MCT FCS environments.

In more detail the Operations Officer will:

• Support the identification of Advisory opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential in MCT FCS.
• Design and implement Advisory Services projects and manage the relevant project cycle.
• Contribute to the development of feasibility studies in support of investment / upstream work in FCS environments.
• Assess the policy and regulatory environment in prominent sectors and prepare proposals for possible reforms to create more opportunities for investments by IFC or the private sector.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the competitive landscape in FCS country contexts.
• Work with the World Bank to analyze sector and regulatory reforms that are needed to unlock opportunities for private investment.
• Participate, as requested, in advisory, investment, upstream meetings and coordinate the preparation of presentations and follow-ups and minutes.
• Help build a dialogue with strategic stakeholders, including other DFIs, bi-lateral agencies, NGOs, Think Tanks, governments, and public agencies at both senior and technical levels.
• Help capture and share lessons from doing business in FCS feeding into IFC’s strategy, regional and corporate FCS reporting.
• Develop and maintain a sound understanding of WBG’s and especially IFC’s products, services, and priorities.
• Foster a culture of trust, innovation, and collaboration.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in a related field including business, finance, or economics or an area of expertise specific to a sector, subject matter, or industry specialty.
• Must have at least 6-8 years of experience in business development, consulting, project finance and investment banking, with good knowledge, networks, and credibility within the business and governmental communities.
• Private sector development experience including designing and implementing development programs.
• Knowledge and experience of working in FCS, forced displacement contexts and/or in challenging business environments.
• Proven knowledge of the investment process in IFC or in a Development Finance Institution (DFI) / Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), through working with investment or upstream teams.
• Experience in dealing with government clients, investors, and multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the Middle East region an advantage.
• Strong research, organizational and analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse related data and information. Attention to detail a must.
• Sound business judgment, ability to find creative solutions, drive for innovation and designing new interventions, a proven capacity to tailor interventions to specific contexts and issues.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team with proven ability to work with colleagues from different teams and achieve outstanding results while meeting tight deadline and maintaining strong client service orientation for challenging environments.
• Strong computing and presentation skills (proficiency required in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point)
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral, including the ability to convey ideas and positions clearly.
• Proficiency in English; Arabic (an advantage)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish, develop and manage relationships.
• Highly motivated; dynamic, committed, and accountable
• Ability 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.