Senior Banking Sector Specialist – GG  

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, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new strategy to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This new strategy aims at creating our own opportunities for private investments in riskier markets by proactively working in these countries to create, deepen, and expand the markets themselves. 

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG’s strategy and implementation work focuses on 3 main pillars: (i) increase financial access and inclusion; (ii) scale sustainability and climate finance; and (iii) make financial systems more efficient, resilient, and sophisticated. 

IFC’s priorities in FIG as an industry group are: (i) grow investment and advisory solutions in all regions it operates in, while achieving strong profitability and development impact (ii) build new and nurture existing client relationships to make IFC the preferred partner for key clients (iii) manage portfolio of assets for strong profitability and impact; (iv) support local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (v) catalyze foreign investment, including mobilizing B loans, parallel loans, and other forms of capital mobilization; (vi) introduce and develop new financial solutions, products and platforms; (vii) build long-term partnerships with strong regional players; (viii) develop client, sector and country-level solutions through upstream and downstream interventions that can be scaled and replicated; and (ix) be a thought leader and innovator of products and client solutions globally.

IFC seeks to deepen its banking industry expertise with more resources to meet our growing mandate and increasingly demanding requirements from our investment services and advisory streams.  IFC aims to hire a Banking Specialist who will complement the existing group of technical expertise housed in IFC’s Financial Institutions Group (FIG) Global Industry Unit (CFG).  The Senior Banking Specialist is expected to be located in Johannesburg but will be considered as a global resource reporting to the Chief Banking Specialist.

Beyond the Banking Specialist’s traditional role of taking a leading role in investment appraisals and loan portfolio reviews, the new IFC FIG model demands greater value-added services for existing and potential clients.  Banking Specialists are expected to i) contribute to development of FIG’s global strategy, ii) support regional management teams in the development and implementation of their regional strategy, iii) support clients in capacity building through technical assistance and workshops, iv) assist in the supervision of existing/portfolio exposures, and v) contribute to global knowledge development and dissemination.  The role requires significant travel, both within the region where they are based and globally.

The ideal candidate should have considerable hands-on, private sector, operational experience in banking, at senior level in a variety of African countries; the successful candidate’s experience should include at least Credit risk management and overall risk management including liquidity, market and non-financial risks, Consumer Banking and SME, a firm understanding of data analytics and statistical credit score modeling, hands-on.  Sound experience in due diligence of financial institutions and Fintech, strategic business acumen and deal making with strong operational hands-on skills and a willingness to apply those skills when working with clients and on investment transactions are also critical. 

 She/he will be part of FIG’s Global Team which bases its Banking Specialists across regions.  Banking Specialists might be required to work across other regions whether based in Africa or elsewhere. Women and emerging markets candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Reporting relationship: Primary reporting to Chief Banking Specialist in FIG.

Role & Responsibilities:

The business accountabilities of the banking specialists will include but will not be limited to supporting regional FIG managers to:

•  Support the implementation of regional industry FIG strategy and delivery of FIG business targets and development outcomes mainly through leading appraisals but also through participation in the design of regional industry strategies. 

•  Support both business development for both Investment and Advisory services in the Region and portfolio monitoring by helping the Regional Industry Manager to maintain high quality, performance, and compliance of portfolio in the region.

•  Disseminate IFC’s Industry lessons and experience in the region, contribute to the global knowledge bank for Industry and share experience within and across regions. •  Contribute to the design and delivery of formal and on-the-job industry training. mentor and develop junior investment staff.

•  Support the quality of work performed by investment teams during appraisals and in the preparation of investment review meetings.

•  Collaborate with FIG Management, Credit and Risk to identify and manage industry risks, including relevant early warnings in the region and globally. Support Investment and Credit Teams in the design of new products and appropriate guidelines.

Selection Criteria

•  A Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business,

•  A minimum of 20 years relevant operational private sector banking experience in a variety of African countries.

•  Substantial banking experience at senior management level including decision-making responsibility and influence over the results of the entity. 

•  Experience and expertise to include but not limited to:

1. Credit and risk management,
2. Consumer Banking and SME,
3. Asset/Liabilities management,
4. Working knowledge and analytical skills in financial analysis. statistical score    modeling, vintage analysis and big data,
5. Working knowledge in Fintech and disruptive business models in financial products. 
6. Due diligence of financial institutions (debt and equity) – Banks, Non Bank Financial Institutions and Leasing  
7. Due diligence of Fintech (debt and equity). 
8. Fluency in both English and French required.  Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus. 

These are absolute technical requirements and candidates with less experience will not be considered.

•  Ability to represent IFC externally and to develop and manage relationships with clients, government, media, donors, and other stakeholders

•  Strong sense of service to clients and demonstrated private sector business development aptitude. Proven success in developing client relationships and executing quality investments.

•  Ability to work in the matrix as an integral part of the Regional and Industry Department, and deliver high quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives.

•  Ability to collaborate closely with World Bank and other financing institutions and banks.

•  Good ‘deal sense’ based on demonstrated strong analytical skills and sound business judgment.

•  Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo in order to build the business.

•  Excellent people management skills and openness to feedback; new ideas and ability to guide staff to solutions to problems.

•  Strong written and verbal communications skills;

•  Recognized as a team player and leader, ability to manage and resolve conflict.

•  Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency

Qualified applicants please submit a cover page and a resume (not exceeding four pages in total), which clearly states the reasons that make you the best candidate for this position and your experience relative to the listed requirements.

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.

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