Principal Investment Officer
Hanoi, Vietnam
JOB DETAIL
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.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double our 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. This strategy also relies on a closer WBG collaboration through the “Cascade” approach: 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 Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) Industry is one of IFC’s key strategic priorities. The team delivers financial and technical support to clients in the power, transport, TMT, municipal & environmental infrastructure, oil and gas, and mining sectors, from IFC’s own Balance Sheet and through mobilization of other capital. The Department also seeks to maintain IFC, as part of the World Bank Group, at the cutting-edge of helping member countries find solutions to new and emerging infrastructure and natural resource issues.
IFC’s priorities in Asia for INR are: (i) grow business in the region and achieve strong profitability and impact; (ii) build new and nurture existing client relationships to make IFC the preferred partner for key clients; (iii) manage portfolio of assets for strong profitability and impact; (iv) support local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (v) catalyze foreign investment, including mobilizing B loans and parallel loans; (vi) introduce and develop new financial products; (vii) build long-term partnerships with strong regional players and (viii) develop client, sector and country-level solutions that can be scaled and replicated.
Roles and Responsibilities
The candidate is expected to perform the functions of a Principal Investment Officer at all material stages of the IFC deal cycle, from deal origination to portfolio management, with a focus on building IFC’s infrastructure portfolio in Vietnam and the Mekong region (“the Region”), including to:
• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in the Region by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge
• Supervise a commensurate number of projects in the Region
• Supervise, leverage and mentor junior staff
• Work closely with the Country Managers and Officers in the Region – joint work to include developing client, country, and sector strategies
• Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, capital increases, equity sales
• Review and analyze business opportunities, and synthesize information into internal reports for decision making purposes
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions
• Lead negotiation/documentation; deploy strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop investment opportunities
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact
In addition, the successful candidate will:
• Have a reputation for being able to draw conclusions from portfolio management lessons learned and synthesize business strategies to generate innovative ideas or solutions that can be replicated in other locations.
• Anticipate where future opportunities will emerge in markets and sectors, and able to leverage expertise and reputation to connect IFC with those opportunities to grow infrastructure business.
• Be able to have difficult conversations with clients to set reasonable expectations and with team members on their accountabilities or performance.
Selection Criteria
• MBA or equivalent qualification
• At least 15 years of experience with a development finance institution (DFI), a commercial or investment bank or with a private equity firm with tasks related to private sector infrastructure financing
• Proven and recent deal track-record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments in infrastructure sectors
• Strong business development and client relationship skills with a demonstrated network relevant for leading business development efforts in East Asia, ideally in the region
• In-depth knowledge of the core infrastructure sectors – power, transportation, utilities, natural resources, and TMT
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English backed by examples and references
• Willingness to travel extensively within and outside the region
• Financial skills: demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt, equity and mezzanine instruments);
• Demonstrated track record in portfolio management of complex projects is a preference
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners
• Demonstrated ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds
• Proven ability to mentor junior investment staff
• Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development.
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.
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