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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low and middle-income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth. IFC’s goal is to prioritize investment in the financial sector because it promotes development in all other sectors.

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.

IFC’s Distressed Assets Recovery Program (DARP) focuses on making investments in the distressed assets space, investing both in local operating partners and investment facilitates in emerging markets globally. DARP has a successful track record of transactions and IFC is looking to expand its investment activities in this line of business. As a result, IFC is looking to identify a Senior Investment Officer to join the FIG DARP team, with the aim to continue to scale up DARP’s business, as well as strengthen the management of the existing DARP portfolio.

The Senior Investment Officer will be based in DC or one of IFC FIG hubs, based on business needs and report to the Global Head of DARP. His/her primarily geographic focus will be Middle East and Central and South Asia, with the flexibility to work in other regions as needed.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain her/his Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3-year renewable term appointment.

Role & Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•  Coordinate within FIG and with regional management and the WB Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation (FCI) team to define DARP’s regional strategy, prioritize areas of focus, and establish goals for the business and the team;
•  Support IFC’s upstream work in agreed priority areas;
•  Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in distressed assets, anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge;
•  Evaluate, structure and negotiate new transactions in order to make recommendations to IFC’s management;
•  Lead execution, use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions;
•  Actively oversee the supervision and management of the current DARP portfolio, working closely with portfolio staff, aiming to preempt problematic situations and being able to react quickly;
•  Manage the relationship with existing DARP clients and build new relationships with local and global investors in the distressed assets space;
•  Provide support to project teams by bringing product expertise;
•  Mentor junior staff;
•  Assist in other project or strategy related activities as the need may arise.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in finance, economics or other related areas; accreditation as a CFA is considered a plus;
•  Minimum 10-12 years of experience in finance, with evidence of growing expertise in banking, financial institutions and finance related disciplines;
•  Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity);
•  Ability to interact directly with the senior management of potential clients and financial and technical partners;
•  Good management skills with proven track record of success in developing client relationships and execution of client engagements;
•  Strong track record of negotiating complex transactions, with a focus on structured finance;
•  Experience in distressed assets acquisition, management, and resolution, either as investor or servicer/manager;
•  Excellent business judgment and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues and present creative, practical solutions;
•  Great team player, able to mentor and train junior staff;
•  Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule; facility to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries;
•  Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English are required; additional major language desirable;
•  Willingness to travel and to relocate to another jurisdiction, if needed
•  Knowledge and experience in international economic development areas and 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.