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

The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To drive this approach, IFC is seeking a Senior Operations Officer (SOO) to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Senior Operations Officer will be responsible for leading client engagement and project implementation for Upstream & Advisory projects in the agribusiness sector in countries across East & Southern Africa. This will include supporting IFC’s efforts to enable investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions. In this role, the Senior Operations officer will work in closely with Country/Regional, Investment, Upstream & Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives. 

Duties and Accountabilities: 

The role and responsibilities of the position will include but are not limited to:
•  Lead teams in the development, implementation, and ongoing management of Upstream & Advisory projects with IFC agribusiness clients in countries across East & Southern Africa.
•  Supervise project teams and ensure delivery of project results in accordance with approved plans, key performance indicators, and development impact measurement targets.
•  Determine the resources needed to support projects and ensure their efficient/effective use in compliance with IFC policies and procedures including project governance, procurement, and budget processes.
•  Lead business development efforts to develop a strong pipeline of opportunities through market analyses and meetings with existing and potential clients to identify potential areas of support.
•  Manage senior level relationships with clients and articulate IFC’s value proposition, leading to increased development impact and supporting pipeline development.
•  Build the capacity of staff and members of the broader MAS team through mentoring, coaching, and by providing on-the-job learning opportunities.
•  Contribute to the development of knowledge management products and participate in knowledge sharing activities with internal and external audiences.
•  Collaborate with relevant teams across IFC and other parts of the World Bank Group to support development of investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions.
•  Support IFC Regional and Country Office operations in Southern and Eastern Africa as required.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in economics, business, agribusiness, or a related area.
•  A minimum of 12-15 years of private sector operational experience in agribusiness, private sector development, agricultural development, or a related field.
•  Deep knowledge and experience working on agribusiness issues with private sector clients, governments, development partners and other sector stakeholders.
•  Strong business development track record including ability to design, negotiate and lead efforts to develop and sell client offerings that reflect in-depth knowledge of agribusiness.
•  A demonstrated ability to understand what makes businesses succeed, to develop innovative solutions and to challenge the status quo to enhance private sector opportunities.
•  Strong project management and team leadership skills with an ability to develop strategies and work with multiple stakeholders to achieve business goals and objectives.
•  Strong organizational skills with an ability to work under time pressure, respond to ad-hoc shifts in client priorities, unstructured situations and unexpected events while maintaining order and professional delivery.
•  Recognized as a team player, collaborator, communicator with a demonstrated an ability to work in a multicultural environment.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
•  Willingness to travel frequently across Southern & Eastern Africa and other regions. 

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.