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, please visit www.ifc.org.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious new strategy 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.
IFC’s Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Department covers sectors which cater to basic human needs such as food, shelter, jobs, and health and education. They play a critical role in providing goods and services to consumers, creating jobs, contributing to government revenue, and stimulating growth through SMEs. IFC’s priorities in MAS are: (i) increasing access to goods and services, with a particular focus on frontier countries and regions; (ii) building top sector expertise to make IFC the preferred partner for key clients, (iii) supporting local companies while improving their transparency, efficiency and sustainability; (iv) catalyzing foreign investment; and (v) developing client, sector and country- level solutions which can be scaled and replicated with a special focus on climate change.
IFC is seeking an Operations Officer (OO) to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The primary role of the Operations Officer is client engagement and project implementation for Upstream & Advisory projects in the manufacturing and consumer services (M&S) sector in Southern Africa. This will include supporting IFC’s efforts to enable investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions. In this role, the Operations Officer will work closely with Country/Regional, Investment, Upstream & Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives.
Duties and accountabilities
• Serve as an integral part of the M&S Upstream & Advisory team and support the identification and assessment of Upstream & Advisory and Investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Work closely with the IFC Investment Services and Country Office teams across the East & Southern Africa subregion to contribute to the development of early-stage project collaborations and co-developments; feasibility studies; and/or pilot projects that lead to investment opportunities in the M&S sector.
• Contribute to business development efforts to develop a strong pipeline of opportunities through market analyses and meetings with existing and potential clients to identify potential areas of support.
• Assist in designing and implementing scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across different African markets.
• Identify trends, technologies and business models; and develop innovative solutions to meet client and market needs.
• Implement 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.
• Prepare project documents including for project supervision and donor reporting purposes.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or another relevant field.
• Over 8 years of relevant experience in project and/or program development, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets.
• Experience working in in one or more of the following sectors: Manufacturing; Health & Education; Tourism, Real Estate & Property; Renewable Energy; Industrial Decarbonization.
• Strong quantitative skills; familiarity and proven experience with financial analysis and modelling.
• Experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
• Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• Proven track record in nurturing client relationships, resolving challenging issues and ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under tight timelines; strong organizational, administrative, project and task management skills.
• 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 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.
