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 Western Europe (WE) department is seeking to recruit a Senior Country Officer, France with an entrepreneurial mindset and experience in emerging markets.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with official counterparts of France and other additional countries covered, including shareholders, and Development Finance Institutions.
• Serve as IFC representative in these countries, including as key contact point for clients and other public and private sector stakeholders.
• Drive business development through expanding market knowledge and building a solid client base across a range of sectors in countries covered by the Paris office.
• Manage the IFC Paris office, which is expected to ramp up its staff to about 50 from across the IFC institution. Provide administrative and office management oversight.
• As part of the WE leadership team, contribute to overall business development efforts across Western Europe and positioning of IFC in the whole region.

The position is based in Paris and reports to the Special Representative for Western Europe, who is based in Paris. There are also strong linkages to the industry and specialist teams across IFC.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• On the country management side, the Principal Country Officer will oversee all relationships with the relevant country authorities and actively manage relationships with key partners such as Development Finance Institutions, Shareholders, and other relevant stakeholders,
• Manage and handle visits of senior management to Paris, organizing meetings with key stakeholders and clients.
• Build up relationships with key stakeholders (including relevant regulators, businesses, NGOs, academia, PE Funds and investors);
• Manage the IFC Paris office, including office organization and providing administrative and office management oversight,
• Assume responsibility for health and safety issues, including participating in the WBG Paris Office crisis  management team and promote social and team building among IFC Paris staff,
• Work with teams across the WBG, where relevant.
• Identify strategic partnerships and conduct business development activities across sectors in France and additional markets to expand the IFC client and network base,
• Support the industry sector teams to identify prospective clients from WE and to originate investment opportunities by conducting early structuring discussions with prospective clients,
• Represent and provide visibility for IFC in the target markets including through organizing/participating in high profile events in these countries (senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences),
• Identify areas where IFC can leverage clients to catalyze market development through innovation utilizing best practices from IFC’s global experience,
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors and ensure the integrity of potential clients.  Develop and maintain relationships with these companies to identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products,
• Closely liaise with the new Paris based Global Head of Business Development and Client Coverage.

Selection Criteria

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 8-12 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with government officials, the senior management of potential clients and business partners
• Good understanding of the French corporate market and business culture; existing client network in countries to be covered a strong plus
• Demonstrated business development and client relationship management skills; ability to focus effectively on client needs
• Sound business judgment to identify potential private and public sector partners
• Knowledge of IFC strategy, products and services, risk appetite, and financing requirements
• Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities, deliver high quality work on schedule and interact successfully in multicultural teams
• Managerial skills to assume the leadership role of Paris Head of Office, comprising dealing with a wide range of administrative personnel matters, logistic and administrative issues, and to provide a sense of belonging to the Paris based staff
• Ability to guide and mentor junior staff
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral, including the ability to convey ideas and positions clearly
• Proficiency in English and French
• Genuine commitment to highest ethical standards and to sustainable development
• Willingness to 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.