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.

In the fiscal year ended in June 2022, IFC long-term commitments in agribusiness and forestry totaled more than $4.2 billion (12 percent of which in Africa), to help boost production, increase liquidity, improve logistics and distribution, and expand access to credit for small farmers.

IFC has made agribusiness a priority because of its potential for broad development impact and especially strong role in poverty reduction and food security. We combine investments and advisory services to help the sector address higher demand and escalating food prices in an environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive way. 

IFC’s Manufacturing Agribusiness & Services (MAS) department is seeking to hire an Operations Officer to support the growth development of its Agribusiness Upstream and Advisory Services in West, Central and Northern Africa. This position will be based in Douala, Cameroon.

Duties and Accountabilities

The successful candidate will join a diversified and high talented team working across West, Central and Northern Africa. He/she will be responsible of:

Project development and management:
•  Ensure quality delivery of allocated Agribusiness AS portfolio projects:
•  Lead project implementation and client relationship management.
•  Conduct regular field visits and hold meetings with clients as necessary to ensure smooth implementation of activities.
•  Organize project steering committee meetings with project clients.
•  Ensure timely delivery of project progress reports: bi-annual supervision reports, donor reports, and completion reports.
•  Provide project updates for country manager unit and MAS management.

Contribute to Business Development:
•  Work collaboratively with IFC Investment, Country Office, Upstream, Advisory, CMA and World Bank colleagues to align initiatives and to help build a pipeline of investable projects.
•  Participate in project scoping missions, identify appropriate upstream and advisory services that IFC may be proposed to the client.
•  Lead the client negotiation process.
•  Lead the development of project documents: Proposals, Concept Notes, Implementation Plans, Budgets, Legal documents. 

Monitor Staff
•  Ensure onboarding of new staff, particularly any new Short-Term Consultants (STCs) involved in project implementation: ensure that they are trained on IFC systems, procedures, and way of working.
•  Supervise consultants and component leads supporting the implementation of the referenced projects.

Knowledge development
•  Contribute to the development of standardized tools and products targeting gender and smallholder farmers in agribusiness.
•  Lead events organization for sharing lessons learned by IFC MAS Upstream and Advisory in the region.
•  Create a standard means of meeting, communicating, and scheduling with clients.

Selection Criteria

The position requires energy and enthusiasm, the ability to multitask effectively and deliver under minimal supervision, flexibly adapt to changing priorities, sound judgment, and capacity for hard work. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have a proven track record in managing development projects in agricultural supply chains.
The Candidate should meet the following criteria:
•  Masters’ degree or higher in agriculture, development, finance, economics, or a related topic.
•  Over 10 years of international and/or regional experience across Africa on leading project implementation activities, including scoping activities, resources management, monitoring and evaluation.
•  Experience leading broad and complex projects, involving the participation of one or more multi-disciplinary teams with widely recognized and demonstrated expertise.
•  Extensive experience on Gender in Agriculture and Good Agricultural Practices in different crops.
•  Experience in developing tools aiming at harmonizing processes and promoting efficiency.
•  Strong record and work experience in Africa in agribusiness networks.
•  Strong knowledge and experience with the functioning of agricultural cooperatives in the OHADA region.
•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), including with senior management.
•  Demonstrated project management, coordination and operational experience, and attention to detail.
•  Demonstrated ability to innovate, create and learn new topics quickly.
•  Ability to travel at short notice and work under pressure in difficult and remote locations.
•  Strong organizational and time management skills.
•  Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point) and scheme standard databases.
•  Excellent spoken and written proficiency in both English and French languages. 

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.