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.

IFC’s Corporate Strategy Unit (CBFSP) is one of the units in the Strategy and Operations Department (CMSCS), reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Support (COSVP).  The Corporate Strategy unit formulates IFC corporate strategy in partnership with operations and other support functions. Bringing in external perspectives and insights, Corporate Strategy develops relevant analytics to support IFC Senior Management decision making.  The unit works closely with operations to co-develop sector or thematic strategies, advises on their implementation, and reports to the Board on their implementation. CMSCS is the corporate relationship manager that both leads and coordinates corporate strategy engagements with other parts of the World Bank Group, including OPCS and the FCV Group and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG).  The unit is organized into four verticals, (i) IFC Corporate Strategy; (ii) Operational Strategy; (iii) FCS/IDA Coordination Unit; (iv) IFC-IEG engagement.

CMSCS is looking for a seasoned, highly motivated Senior Strategy Officer to lead the Corporate Strategy vertical within the unit, ensuring effective coordination and articulation of strategy with IFC operations.  The main responsibilities include: (i) implementation of an inclusive, cross-IFC strategy process, leading engagement across operational and support units to build IFC’s strategic vision and to enable articulation of IFC’s annual flagship “Strategy and Business Outlook” (SBO) amongst other documents; (ii) leadership, bringing in cross-IFC insight to support articulation and engagement of IFC into relevant IFC and WBG corporate strategy papers (e.g. Development Committee Papers; Regional and Practice Group Updates; (iii) support to WBG Private Sector Lab; (iv) lead development of private-sector focused analytics and the design and maintenance of user-friendly database and dashboard for corporate and operational needs, in partnership with Operational teams; (v) strengthen IFC Strategy Network.

S/he will have a supervisory role and work closely with operations, Risk, and Corporate Support groups as well as other counterparts in IFC and a broad network across the WBG, and report to the CSMCS manager.

Duties and Accountabilities:
•  Lead an institution-wide corporate strategy process with IFC Senior Management and across regions, industry, advisory and upstream as well as support teams to develop a corporate strategy that is reflective of corporate goals and operational realities.
•  Lead production of the “Strategy and Business Outlook” (SBO) and the management of related Board and IFC senior management engagements as well as effective dissemination
•  Develop core set of analytics and indicators that capture private sector trends in regions and sectors of operation, including impact of global macro environment to support IFC corporate strategy formulation, leveraging use of this data with IFC Operational data to undertake appropriate analytical pieces;
•  Lead design and oversee maintenance of user-friendly database to extract compelling insights on private sector development in general and IFC’s five strategic priorities to support corporate strategy formulation and articulation
•  Play lead role in CSM efforts to support IFC’s role in the WBG Evolution Roadmap to develop a new IFC playbook and work across IFC to develop an appropriate implementation plan of this new playbook;
•  Lead, contribute to or coordinate the production of corporate papers (e.g., budget paper) and WBG strategy papers (e.g. Development Committee Papers; Regional and Practice Group updates), briefs, reports, and presentations to Management and the Board
•  Strengthen “IFC Strategy Network” as primary market-place for exchange of knowledge, ideas and strategic priorities for all IFC staff
•  Contribute to relationship management with corporate functions in MDBs and other DFIs.
•  Work closely across the verticals in the Corporate Strategy unit, industries, regions, risk and corporate support, as well as with other counterparts in IFC and the WBG on special projects
•  Represent CMSSC, as needed
•  Mentor staff

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a closely related field
•  A strong track record of performance over a sustained period with a minimum of 10 years of experience in development finance, most of which is ideally in IFC industry, regional or corporate functions
•  Excellent knowledge of IFC’s strategy and operations; strong understanding of IFC business models at corporate, industry, and regional levels and key characteristics of IFC’s IS, AS and Upstream pipeline/portfolio
•  Experience with private sector operations in IFC or equivalent MBD/ DFI required
•  Superior analytical skills and demonstrated ability to distill, integrate, and translate complex issues and information from diverse sources and perspectives into clear, crisp, and strategically relevant insights; ability to expand on the thinking/solutions proposed by others
•  Track record of managing and maintaining large databases; familiarity with established databased run by international organizations; ability to leverage internal data infrastructures a plus
•  Demonstrated project management skills, with a proven track record in execution, innovation and incubation of new ideas; ability to deliver against tight timelines and with quick turn-around
•  Superior people skills with an ability to (i) foster collaboration; (ii) strengthen relationships and expand networks; (iii) lead a team under pressure while engaging multiple stakeholders
•  Superior written communication skills, including long form (Word) and in PowerPoint with technical precision
•  Outstanding verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across disciplines, functions, and levels of seniority
•  Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment
•  Ability to work successfully in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams
•  Genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values
•  Meet WBG Core Competencies at the GG level

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.