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.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most.

The Country Advisory and Economics team for the Eastern Asia and the Pacific Region (CEAAE) supports the region through provision of country economic diagnostics, strategy, and engagement products as well as through direct support to operational teams and country units, in collaboration with economists throughout the World Bank Group. CEAAE currently operates across the EAP region, with an active portfolio in Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.  Specifically, the team has four principal functions:
•  Producing both regional and country-level economic assessments to support IFC’s strategy and operations.
•  Collaborating with regional and industry colleagues to produce analytical products such as Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and IFC Country Strategies.
•  Significantly contributing to WBG products such as Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCD), Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDR), and IBRD/IDA lending operations; and
•  Putting IFC’s country strategy and diagnostic recommendations into practice through Advisory projects that engage with governments, regulators, civil society, development partners and other relevant stakeholders to reform markets and sectors and address key bottlenecks to private sector development.

To ensure effective implementation of the expanding program in Fiji and Pacific region, CEAAE is hiring a Country Operations Officer to be based in Suva, Fiji.  He/she will work closely with IFC country, industry, and upstream teams across Eastern Asia and the Pacific Region. The Country Operations Officer will report to the Country Advisory & Economics Manager in CEA in addition to a dotted reporting line to WBG Country Manager in Fiji.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The selected candidate will be responsible for delivering market-creating client solutions by leveraging local and regional resources.  In this respect, the focus will be to ensure the existing CMA portfolio is responsive to IFC’s upstream and investment priorities, as well as to build new business given the potential market and client needs, aligned with the IFC strategy and business plan for Fiji.  Specifically, the candidate is expected to:

•  Monitor the macro-economic conditions and trends for countries in the designated IFC country cluster and advise the WBG Country Manager and operational teams on its impact on IFC operations, in particular, macro-economic risks to IFC projects and strategies to mitigate them.
•  Provide macro-economic analysis to support IFC investment operations including due diligence. Draft relevant sections of IFC Board papers including country context and strategic fit.
•  Contribute to Country Private Sector Diagnostics, Country Climate Development Reports, and provide IFC input to WBG Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Partnership Frameworks, Progress and Learning Reviews and other joint initiatives.
•  Support WBG Country Manager and teams to develop IFC country strategies to help maximize IFC development impact and build IFC pipeline of Private Sector investment opportunities.
•  Maintain close liaison with World Bank teams, other development partners and client governments to help ensure that IFC engagements are aligned with WBG strategies and government development strategies.
•  Provide technical advice and monitor progress of the implementation of IFC country and industry strategic priorities through advisory reform support in financial sector/private sector investment climate reforms to unlock investment potential and create markets. Closely liaise with upstream and industry colleagues in preparation and execution of CEAAE advisory projects in the country cluster. Support client in implementing recommendations and help trouble shoot as needed.
•  Contribute to analytical work on selected topics that inform IFC country and sector programs.
•  Support peer to peer knowledge exchange sessions across the region.
•  Conduct research to shape ongoing and future offerings in creating markets advisory and develop new tools and guidance to incorporate internal and external best practices.
•  Design and deliver training and communication strategy for Investment and Advisory staff to better enable them to be champions for investment climate reform, and for external stakeholders to generate interest in investment climate reforms and understanding of why it is important/ advantageous to businesses, community and/or economy.
•  Proactively strengthen the value proposition of advisory products through embracing new trends and partnerships.
•  Support business and project development in line with client and market needs while working collaboratively across WBG.
•  Participate in senior level client meetings to provide technical advice and monitor progress in implementing relevant reforms to unlock investment.  In addition, when requested represent IFC externally at high-profile events, and support the WBG Country Manager as needed.
•  Oversee/ supervise assigned consultants.
•  Develop technical capabilities of the assigned staff and members of the team through mentoring, coaching, and by providing on-the-job learning opportunities.
•  Ensure quality control of work products and outputs.
•  Determine resources needed to support projects and ensure efficient/ effective use of resources. Manage project budgets and align staffing needs.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in a related field and at least 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 or investment banking, or operational experience in the sector or technical or professional field.
•  Track record in developing and maintaining strong relationships across the public and private sector and development partners.
•  Relevant experience in the Pacific is required.
•  Established network in the Fiji government ecosystem, particularly with entities that can help support IFC’s business development efforts an advantage.
•  Ability to carry out analytical work and demonstrate judgement in making sound assumptions when there are gaps in data and information.
•  Ability to assess market failures and economic soundness and feasibility of policy options to enhance investment attractiveness and private sector development, from a cross-cutting and sectoral perspective.
•  Strong analytical, finance, financial modeling, credit, and transaction structuring skills are an advantage.
•  Solid understanding of IFC’s investment and advisory business lines and products.
•  Ability to build strong work relationships with colleagues across operational teams, country teams and organizations within the World Bank Group and ability to work in a matrix structure.
•  Strong client service orientation, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities.
•  Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English is required.

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.