Description
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and the world’s largest multilateral source of loan and equity financing and advisory services for private sector in the developing world. 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. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, IFC draws on more than six decades of experience to create opportunities and solutions where they are needed most. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC is looking to recruit a Senior Manager responsible for IFC’s operations in the Sahel region based in Niamey and covering Mauritania, Mali, Niger Burkina Faso and Chad. ,. The Senior Manager will play a critical role in operationalizing IFC3.0/Creating Markets strategy and enabling the Cascade. He/she will be responsible, in close collaboration with the WBG counterparts, for the IFC and WBG country strategies and action plans in the Sahel region and for driving their implementation. The mandate of the Senior Manager will be to significantly build the portfolio, develop new opportunities for IFC in the Sahel region and enhance our impact. This will require close interactions with corporate clients, governments, counterparts at the World Bank and other multilateral/bilateral institutions, as well as internal coordination within IFC with Industry Department Directors and Managers, Advisory Services Managers, and the constituent Executive Director. The Senior Manager will report to the Regional Director, West Africa.
Duties and Accountabilities
• In consultation with the Regional Director, West Africa, develop and implement the country strategies and business plans for integrated upstream, investment and advisory operations, including sector priorities and business targets.
• Support the implementation of the Upstream strategy.
• Oversee all IFC’s investment and advisory activities in the country.
• Lead the coordination with World Bank Group institutions and oversee with the regional industry managers (and other colleagues in IDA and MIGA) the design and implementation of the Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and other forms of proactive collaboration to enable the Cascade at the country level. Fully contribute and drive on behalf of IFC the development of Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs), Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs).
• Manage and develop relationships with key clients (governments and private companies) at the highest level of seniority and position IFC as the partner of choice to support high development impact projects in the Sahel region. Build up relationships with key stakeholders (including relevant regulators, businesses, CSOs, PE Funds, and investors).
• Identify and implement measures to improve results in terms of efficiency, productivity, profitability, and impact and increase its contribution to the corporate scorecard.
• Lead, manage, develop, and mentor an integrated and diverse team consisting of regional and industry staff, ensuring that the team is high-performing, well-motivated, innovative, well-trained; has clear deliverables; and is committed to the success of IFC in the country.
• Identify areas where IFC can catalyze market development through innovation based on a thorough understanding of local markets and best practice from IFC’s global experience.
• Lead/coordinate the development of a client engagement strategy for existing and new clients.
• Take accountability for early review and clearance of sponsors. For all investments and AS client’s programs, review and validate IFC’s added-value, development impact and fit with IFC strategy in the country.
• Manage investment teams and provide guidance for complex investment structuring and portfolio management cases; make early review and Investment review stage decisions, serve as transaction manager, and chair decision meetings as appropriate under an approved delegated authority framework, and/or carry out all Senior Manager responsibilities under the prevailing accountability for decision making (ADM) matrix at IFC.
• Develop IFC’s “brand”, building on IFC’s regional brand and the overall communications strategy, engaging with local media.
• Represent and provide visibility for IFC in the country including through organizing/participating in high profile events (Senior level visits, interviews, seminars, and conferences).
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Industry Departments to originate, process and manage a pipeline of investments, and support proactive and strategic portfolio management, to meet IFC’s objectives.
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors. Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential clients, and develop and maintain relationships with these companies to identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities, and products.
• Share accountability (with Industry Portfolio Managers) for the quality and performance of the country portfolio; work jointly with relevant managers to meet Scorecard targets in the Sahel region.
• Provide administrative and HR management oversight.
• Act as the Head of Security for the country responsible for WBG’s duty of care obligations to staff.
• Oversee the crisis management team supported by the business continuity management program offices.
• Appoint emergency wardens, security focal points and road safety focal points.
• Coordinate security decisions with other affected Heads of Office across the WBG.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree with 12 years of professional experience in strategy, finance, or advisory, e.g., commercial or investment banking, project finance, private equity, and management consulting.
• As an ambassador representing IFC in the country, country manager must be a role model for ethical behavior and values of IFC.
• Strong client relationship management skills, with an existing network of relevant top-level contacts in the country’s private and public sector and/or demonstrated ability to build such high-level client network.
• Outstanding and proven track record of performance in investment and advisory activities.
• Strong leadership capabilities and experience managing people, especially leading diverse and high performing teams.
• Significant experience with proven success in developing client relationships.
• Ability to represent IFC externally with governments, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically and adjust the country strategies as needed so that they remain responsive to the client needs, and in coordination with development partners.
• Experience in transaction processing and portfolio supervision a strong plus.
• Work experience in the Africa region and a strong interest in developing a thorough understanding of Sahel.
• Ability to build successful relationships across the matrix.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• English language is required; French language is preferred.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and image in the market.
• Meet Bank Group-wide managerial selection criteria including Courage of your convictions, Leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and Building talent for the future.
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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