Description

International Finance Corporation (IFC) — a member of the World Bank — 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 strategy to stimulate more investment activity by Creating Markets, including in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict Situations (FCS). This new strategy requires a shift in our approach to proactively create, deepen and expand markets and projects rather than waiting for clients to propose projects for IFC to finance. This strategy also relies on upstream work with Governments and World Bank colleagues to enable private sector solutions and financing. We call this approach the “Cascade.” Working with clients, we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challenges, where such solutions are advisable and can be effective, and reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.

The Financial Institution Group (FIG) is one of IFC’s key Departments responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume, profitability and development reach, approximately 40%. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network. FIG has three main objectives: 1) financial inclusion; 2) servicing the real economy; and 3) mobilizing third-party resources. The goal is to develop efficient financial systems that will increase financial inclusion and fuel economic growth in client countries and enhance IFC’s developmental impact.

FIG Africa is based across the continent with main hubs and offices in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa and is recruiting for a Principal Investment Officer (“PIO”) based in Nairobi, Kenya with excellent local market and industry experience to join the investment team, which originates, manages and monitors IFC’s financial sector investments, including investments that support the institutions’ regional expansion across Africa. The PIO will report to the FIG Regional Industry Manager, Eastern Africa and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Note: Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English are required. Portuguese and French would be considered a significant plus.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Principal Investment Officer will lead IFC FIG business development and support portfolio supervision, which involves investment and relationship management activities with financial institutions and stakeholders in Africa.

•  Develop, lead, coordinate and implement a business development strategy and corresponding business growth plan (for investment and advisory services) to catalyze investments in the financial sector, including developing solutions to open new markets;
•  Establish and implement a strategy for elevating IFC’s presence, voice, and influence in global markets to mobilize investments and funding;
•  Create new high-level relationships (CEO and other C-suite levels) with large corporate clients having a global, regional, or cross-sector scope for cutting-edge opportunities that may not fully take shape in the short term (e.g., within one year);
•  Proactively support business development efforts of country teams, which include identifying strategic and top-tier clients, globally and regionally; leading relationship management for a few strategic and top-tier clients; and ensuring new deals within the sector are ready for investment committee reviews;
•  Lead the processing of select highly complex or strategically important transactions in the sector and leverage relationships to remove barriers encountered by teams;
•  Serve as a corporate resource in leading multidisciplinary teams to develop leads into new deals that effectively balance IFC’s additionality, financial risks and rewards, sustainable development impact, and opportunities for innovation and scalability;
•  Manage relationships with existing and potential FIG clients, investors, arrangers and other key stakeholders of the financial sector community in the region;
•  Provide insight into sector developments in the financial services sector to anticipate new investment opportunities and performance issues;
•  Support upstream initiatives across the World Bank to unlock constraints to financial sector growth and inclusion in the region and globally;
•  Lead the growth of clients’ business, preparation and execution of client engagement strategies covering the Africa region;
•  In coordination with transactions teams, ensure quality in the origination and structuring of new transactions in a strategic context; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in complex transactions; mobilize other investors alongside IFC;
•  Supervise and monitor complex portfolio projects supporting value contribution and development impact to IFC’s debt and equity investment portfolio: lead active portfolio management and negotiations to maximize financial and development effectiveness results;
•  Work with the portfolio officers and the special operations team to address emerging risks in sector portfolio and to capture learning that can translate into improved structuring of future sector business;
•  Support building of teams, network of peers and partnerships for success;
•  Develop assigned staff, consultants and broader team members through mentoring, coaching, providing on-the-job learning opportunities, and designing and delivering internal learning opportunities;
•  Ensure quality control of work products;
•  Ensure effective and efficient use of resources; and
•  Facilitate interactions and knowledge sharing among IFC clients and within the World Bank.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in finance or similar relevant education; accreditation as a CFA or CPA is considered a plus;
•  15+ years of relevant experience in the financial sector, including a solid operational understanding of commercial banks and other financial entities in Africa;
•  Demonstrated network of top-level contacts in the financial services and investment industries in Africa;
•  Documented experience and expertise in identifying, evaluating, structuring and negotiating private debt and equity investments; experience in portfolio management;
•  Ability to work effectively on simultaneous projects under time pressure;
•  Knowledge and Experience in International Economic Development Arena;
•  Excellent business judgment and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues and present creative, practical solutions.
•  Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule; facility to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries;
•  Ability to build and maintain relationships with the business community and governmental authorities, as needed; and
•  The position requires regional and international travel. 

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.