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.

 The Caribbean Region is seeking an experienced Senior Investment Officer (SIO) to lead business development in Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname, collectively referred to as the English-speaking Caribbean (ESC).  As Head of the ESC, the SIO will help open markets and build IFC’s business activities across all industries. S/he will work closely with regional and industry colleagues in the design, negotiation, structuring, and supervision of projects. The position will be based in Kingston, Jamaica, and report to the IFC Country Manager for the Caribbean.

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategy

•  Fine-tune IFC’s strategy in the ESC (together with the Country Manager and Country Officers) and supervise its implementation.
•  Oversee the preparation of World Bank Group (WBG) strategy documents such as IFC Country Strategies and Business Plans, Country Private Sector Diagnostics, and Country Partnership Frameworks.

Business development
•  Develop and maintain a good understanding of the countries in the ESC and stay on top of key economic and political issues.
•  Work with investment, advisory, upstream, and relevant WBG teams to continue to roll out the IFC strategy and develop a strong project pipeline.
•  Build and maintain high-level relationships with the private sector, relevant government officials, key development partners, think tanks and WBG colleagues to support business development and portfolio management.
•  Participate in client selection and help ensure IFC works with the right sponsors.
•  Assist in project structuring and implementation using local market intelligence.
•  Track the project pipeline and assist in moving transactions forward.
•  Help manage development partner relations to support the raising of funds for advisory projects.
•  Track and supervise the preparation of visiting missions/trips to the country.
•  Contribute to the preparation of board papers and other documents, as needed.

Portfolio management
•  Develop a good understanding of the portfolio, assist with resolving issues, and maintain good relationships with existing clients.

Briefs
•  Prepare/coordinate high-quality briefs for WBG senior management.

Representation
•  Represent IFC externally and provide visibility for IFC through organizing/participating in high-profile events (e.g., senior management visits, press interviews, seminars, and conferences).
•  Ensure internal and external requests are addressed.
•  Act for the Country Manager as needed.

People management
•  Assist with supervising staff in the ESC, including providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship and recommending career and training opportunities.

Office management
•  Assist with the smooth running of the IFC operations within the WBG office in Kingston.

Selection Criteria

•  Post-graduate degree, preferably in finance, business administration, management, economics, or a similar field.
•  8 to 12 years of relevant experience, preferably in development, investment or commercial banking, public-private partnerships, management consulting, or operational experience in an investment and/or advisory role.
•  Experience and/or a strong interest in working in the Caribbean and willingness to travel frequently in the region.
•  Proven ability to assess the viability of business opportunities and risks. Strong analytical, credit, transaction structuring, and negotiation skills will be advantages.
•  Ability to think creatively about potential investment opportunities and to use business development skills and “out-of-the-box thinking” to translate such opportunities into bankable projects.
•  Good understanding of IFC’s investment and advisory business lines, IFC products, how they complement each other, and how they may be leveraged to match the long-term needs of clients and open new markets.
•  Track record in developing and maintaining strong high-level relationships in the private sector, government, think tanks, and development institutions. Candidates with an existing network will have an advantage.
•  Ability to represent IFC externally with the private sector, government, development partners, media, and other stakeholders.
•  Team management experience, including supervising, mentoring, and training staff.
•  Team player with strong strategic thinking, leadership, and influencing skills and track record working in a matrix structure (regional, industry, WBG) to lead/influence diverse teams in implementing the strategic priorities of the ESC countries per the country strategies. Candidates with an existing internal network will have an advantage.
•  Strong client service orientation.
•  Ability to work in challenging business environments.
•  Excellent written English and oral communication skills, including the ability to work with or supervise the use of data to produce top-notch presentations.

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.