Senior Manager, Western Europe – Operations Job 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 over 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 Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean Vice Presidency oversees the IFC’s engagements in the two regions, including operationalizing the IFC’s response in Ukraine and the post-COVID-19 recovery, building a strong pipeline for private sector investments rooted in country strategies, and fostering more collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders to maximize impact.

Due to the increased importance of mobilization and the growing number of clients in Europe, and the strategic importance of developing the work with partners, IFC is looking to recruit a Senior Manager for the Western Europe sub-region. The Senior Manager will lead IFC’s operations in Western Europe, develop new business opportunities, and manage relations with European shareholders and partners, which is critical to ensuring the implementation of IFC’s global business strategy and achieving its business goals.
The Senior Manager for Western Europe will report to the Regional Director for Europe.
The position will be based in Paris, France.

Duties & Accountabilities:
In addition to promoting IFC in all its countries of operations, the position has the following areas of responsibility:
•  Represent the IFC in its relations with high-level decision-makers, policymakers, and opinion-makers in Europe.
•  Direct and guide management on the IFC’s strategic relations with other IFIs and international organizations located in Europe, and development finance institutions, including strategic guidance for senior management on priority issues for IFC engagement, opportunities for cooperation and relationship, and reputational risks.
•  Develop strategic engagement, communications, and outreach programs to foster and maintain the IFC’s relationships with key government counterparts, constituencies, opinion-makers, and media in European donor countries.
•  Supervise the implementation of country-specific relationship management and dialogue with European governments, constituencies, and institutions.
•  Manage important relationships at the capitals’ level including communicating IFC’s strategy and operations to our shareholders and feeding back important shareholder concerns and initiatives to IFC management.
•  Mobilize funds to implement IFC’s strategy and act as a catalyst for the relationship with all donors to ensure the efficient implementation of IFC’s strategy.
•  Lead the institutional relationships with European stakeholders, including Governments, Development Partners, and European Union Institutions.
•  Responsible for overseeing the effective implementation of high-quality European and country-specific activity programs, aimed at strengthening the IFC’s relationship with European countries, constituencies, and global institutions that are based in Europe.
•  Ensure an integrated approach to our relations with European shareholders.  S/he needs to draw on a wide network of contacts across the IFC to ensure that approaches are well-coordinated and that key strategic information is flowing in a timely manner to relevant colleagues in the institution.
•  Identify potential new clients for IFC in Europe, including using networks of business organizations, industry associations, banks, and other intermediaries. Coordinate country and industry-specific business development strategies with the Regional Industry Directors. In addition, in close coordination with the Global Industry teams, he/she is responsible for ensuring that the relationship management function with private sector clients is carried out.
•  Possess a strong understanding of the development strategy and specific initiatives in IFC’s countries of operation in emerging markets and keep IFC’s management informed about them.
•  Effectively manage staff, plan performance/evaluation discussions, facilitate development opportunities by supporting career planning, and create a productive, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
•  Manage IFC’s offices in Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Brussels.

Selection Criteria

•  A master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business and at least 12 years of relevant experience.
•  Strong knowledge of IFC’s business (i.e., a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments in emerging markets), as well as of IFC policies and global strategy.
•  Strong business development and client relationship skills; track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively.
•  Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of existing and potential clients, of financial and technical partners, as well as senior government officials.
•  Good network of contacts with European Governments, Corporations, multilaterals, and Development agencies.
•  Good knowledge and understanding of European Union institutions.
•  Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners.
•  Knowledge of overall industry and sector trends.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French with the ability to represent IFC externally.
•  Highly motivated, and committed to the highest ethical standards.
•  Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
•  Demonstrated skills in leading and working in teams, delivering products and commitments, and working across boundaries.
•  Ability and willingness to travel extensively.
•  Field experience is highly preferred.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with a Term appointment that expires later than the end date of this appointment, s/he will retain the duration of his/her current Term appointment.

Poverty has no borders; neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences, and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe.

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.