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 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’s Africa Infrastructure unit is an open and dynamic team which delivers financial and technical support to clients in the power, transport, telecoms, municipal & environmental infrastructure, and natural resources 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 resources issues.
IFC is seeking a Principal Investment Officer for its Africa Infrastructure team to be based in Washington, D.C. She/he will be a member of the Africa Infrastructure Leadership team and will have direct supervisory responsibility for certain members of the Africa Infrastructure team based in Washington, D.C. as determined. The Principal Investment Officer will be responsible for leading business development and transaction processing for INR in the Africa region covering all subsectors. She/he will also coordinate on a continuous basis with relevant Departments/Divisions within IFC, such as Global Infrastructure, Treasury, Legal, Risk, the Equity Desk, Environmental & Social, Blended Finance, the World Bank and other internal and external stakeholders.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The Principal Investment Officer will identify new investment opportunities, execute transactions, and actively manage portfolio projects in infrastructure and the digital economy across Africa. In addition, the Principal Investment Officer will serve as a member of the Africa Infrastructure leadership team and take on direct supervisory responsibilities for DC-based Africa Infrastructure staff as determined.
• Business Development: Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment and pre-investment opportunities in the Africa region by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge.
• Structuring and Negotiation: Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new debt and equity transactions, portfolio restructurings, etc. Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
• Deal Execution: Lead deal teams to deliver transactions efficiently, on a timely and expeditious basis and using best practice standards. Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, capital increases, equity sales, upstream opportunities, etc.
• Monitor the portfolio and report development results internally and externally. Coordinate closely with social, environmental, legal, and technical assistance colleagues in structuring transactions, to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to project and sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Strategy Development and Knowledge Sharing: Develop business development strategies for clients, sectors, countries, or regions with the objective of building a robust investment pipeline. Build IFC’s knowledge base for best practices and participate in knowledge sharing and dissemination.
• Connect global and regional teams, ensure solutions and knowledge flow across IFC and the World Bank, and promote adoption of new approaches and best practices. Build external recognition of IFC’s distinctive capabilities throughout deal cycle, including Upstream, to catalyze greater flow of investment opportunities in the sector.
• Coordination with WB: Support World Bank and MIGA colleagues on sector reforms and unblocking constraints to attracting and mobilizing private sector capital.
• Supervising, mentoring and coaching supervise and manage staff; mentor and coach less-experienced colleagues to help build talent and grow the skill base of staff. Support relevant manager(s) in staff recruitment and skills development. Support the creation and implementation of incentives to motivate and reward staff.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree in finance, MBA or similar relevant education.
• 15+ years of relevant experience with a commercial bank, a private equity firm, or a development finance institution with tasks related to private sector infrastructure financing and development.
• Strong technical and operational skills demonstrated by a strong track-record of structuring and closing investments in infrastructure sectors and portfolio supervision of complex projects.
• Strong business development and client relationship skills demonstrated by track record; sound business judgment in screening and identifying leads.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials.
• Knowledge of the various infra core sectors (power, transportation, utilities, telecom/digital, natural resources); equity investment, project finance and renewable energy finance experience is essential. Prior work experience in Africa infrastructure.
• Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English as demonstrated by a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable and effective manner; French is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead project teams and mentor investment staff.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• 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.
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