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. For more information, please visit www.ifc.org.

The Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services (MAS) Industry Group plays an important role in supporting IFC’s strategic priorities, covering investments in the global manufacturing and services, agribusiness, health and education sectors. MAS’ sectors play a critical role in providing goods and services to consumers, addressing core needs, creating jobs, contributing to government revenues and stimulating growth. In IFC’s client countries, these sectors can account for as much as 80% of overall economic activity and can account for up to 90% of employment activity, particularly in the poorest countries.

MAS is seeking an experienced Senior Investment Officer to be based in Tbilisi, Georgia to complement its team to cover manufacturing, agribusiness and consumer services sectors in the Southern Caucuses region including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Europe MAS team and will work closely with IFC offices in the region as well as global team to develop new business opportunities, execute transactions as well as manage portfolio investments.

Duties and accountabilities : 

• Work closely with the region, including relevant country managers and country officers and other groups such as Financial Institutions Group and Infrastructure, where applicable, to develop client engagement strategies and sector development strategies in the identified countries.
• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in MAS sectors that fit with the Country Partnership Frameworks of the countries by anticipating market trends, client needs and employing sector/country knowledge.
• Shape business leads into actionable concepts ready for mandate by identifying and screening potential investment opportunities, preparing the investment thesis, and leading the structuring of those opportunities that strike a balance between client’s expectations and protecting IFC’s and other investors’ rights.
• Bring lessons learned from previous transactions and portfolio management and evaluations of development impact into discussions on the design and structuring of new transactions in order to build a profitable and impactful portfolio.
• Use networks to keep project moving and collaborate with key internal stakeholders to obtain buy-in on deals and negotiate risk and mitigation strategies. Ensure seamless communication flow and cooperation among all IFC team members and external stakeholders.
• Perform complex, credit risk rating assessments, covenant compliance reviews, and development impact assessment. Oversee the portfolio management work of analysts and investment officers for assigned portfolio to identify gaps and create a macro view of the financial, compliance, and risk status of the portfolio, anticipating emerging risks.
• Develop assigned staff and members of the broader team through mentoring, coaching, and providing on-the-job learning opportunities, as well as oversee or supervise assigned staff and consultants and ensure quality control of work products.

Selection Criteria

• An MBA or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 8-12 years of experience in finance and investments with a proven track-record in sourcing, structuring and closing investments in MAS’s sectors.
• Strong business development and client relationship skills, a successful track record and the ability to effectively focus on client needs.
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners.
• A strong “deal sense” and understanding of bankability criteria.
• Strong financial and credit skills. a demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity).
• The ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as with senior government officials.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have knowledge in the overall trends in MAS industrial sectors, and experience in MAS and in emerging markets.
• A successful track record of engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• A demonstrated capacity for innovating and challenging the status quo to develop business opportunities.
• A good understanding of the relevant sectors and the ability to link policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and private capital mobilization to deliver solutions at the country level.
• A demonstrated track record in project/program management.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; a demonstrated ability to synthetize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations.
• Excellent people skills, openness to feedback and new ideas, and the ability to guide and motivate others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong inter-personal skills, the ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
• The ability to mentor junior investment staff members.
• Highly motivated, committed to the highest ethical standards.
• A 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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