Senior Investment Officer – GG  

IFCa member of the World Bank Groupis 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 2023, IFC committed a record $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.

IFC has launched an ambitious evolution of its strategy to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict Affected States (FCS). This new strategy aims at moving further upstream of where IFC has traditionally operated to support clients in riskier markets by proactively working in these countries to create, deepen, and expand the markets themselves as well as develop a pipeline of investable projects. This strategy relies on a new approach that calls for closer WBG collaboration to maximize finance for development (“Cascade”) by delivering private capital mobilization and closer work among IFC departments to create markets for private investment and increase the pipeline of investable projects. Working with clients, we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challengeswhere such solutions are advisable and can be effectiveand reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.

IFC’s PPP & Corporate Finance Advisory Department (CTA) is composed of two divisions: (i) the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Division; and (ii) the Corporate Finance Services (CFS) Division. The CTA department delivered over 30% of IFC’s long term commitments in FY 23 through private capital mobilization and is looking to implement a new scale up strategy to deliver more.

The PPP Division advises governments in designing and bringing to market commercially robust PPP projects that provide high quality, affordable and efficient infrastructure and social services to the public. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience with over 360 projects completed in 102 countries, the Division currently has over 120 staff across the globe, with technical, financial, contractual and procurement expertise. The team is currently managing 100+ active client engagements to help national and municipal governments partner with the private sector to improve basic services such as electricity, health, education, sanitation, and roads. IFC’s PPP Division also draws on the World Bank’s expertise in institutional reforms, sector structuring, legal and regulatory frameworks, tariff structures and regulation, and international best practice to strengthen and complement IFC’s transaction-oriented approach. The CFS Division provides transaction advisory services to private sector clients, focusing on Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) advisory solutions and providing ad hoc structuring advice. Through M&A advisory, CFS provides buy side and sell side services, helps clients creating opportunities and entering new markets or identifying and attracting new partners and investors. CFS focuses on cross-border transactions, mobilizes third party capital and brings clients into new markets. The CTA  team focuses on advising on the following types of transactions, across all infrastructure sectors with a focus on utilities, transport, and social sectors (health, education and affordable housing):

• BOT-type projects

• Concessions, privatizations, Lease and Management Contracts   

• Restructuring and privatization of state-owned enterprises 

• Asset monetizations 

The Africa region covers the continent of Africa and has recently prepared a scale up strategy to deliver higher private capital mobilization and impact. The CTA Africa team is currently based across the region with hubs in Dakar, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Cairo. The team members work on both new business development and execution of transactions in its active portfolio.

The CTA Africa regional transaction team is now seeking a Senior Investment Officer with significant market and industry experience to help manage, grow and develop its business in East Africa sub region, which comprises of nine countries (Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda. Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia).  The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Regional Manager and Head of CTA, Africa. He/she will act as the hub leader for Southern Africa CTA business but will also be required to work across the broader Africa region, as required. He/she will be part of collective decision-making process on strategies for business growth, pricing, targets, staffing, recruitment etc.

Duties and Accountabilities: 

• Originate, execute, and manage a pipeline of mandates and programs in PPPs across the region in the infrastructure and public services sectors with a good balance between strategic priorities, geographic distribution and country mix.

• Assist in implementation of IFC’s strategy by developing new products, coordinating with IBRD and IFC’s upstream units to ensure private sector investments are prioritized through PPPs, where feasible. 

• Develop/update the sub regional strategy for CTA’s business in South Africa, in partnership with the Country Managers, Industry Departments and where applicable, the World Bank with a focus to scale up the business in line with CTA’s strategic priorities, mobilization of private investment, climate-friendly and high impact projects.

• Foster strong relationships with World Bank Group counterparts to identify collaboration opportunities and to enhance business delivery at the country level.

• Lead the day-to-day management of project teams working on sell-side PPP mandates, including review and quality assurance of legal and technical outputs, documentation and financial models.

• Analyze structure, develop innovative PPP projects and present recommendations to management and clients. Manage client expectations and provide appropriate advice as necessary through proposing practical solutions.

• Manage marketing of project concepts to bidders, completing roadshows, prequalification, tendering and award, and the final negotiation of project agreements leading to financial close.

• Lead negotiations on the documentation with bidders; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in transactions.

• Coordinate closely with other parts of IFC including environmental, social, legal, other advisory, investment and World Bank colleagues to provide bespoke solutions to our clients to achieve sustainable development impact.

• Present thought leadership papers and activities both internally and externally. 

• Develop, coach, motivate and manage junior members of the team.

• Assist in other project or strategy related activities as the need may arise. 

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent Master’s degree in Finance or other relevant qualification. 

• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in PPP transaction advisory on buy and/or sell side, investment banking, project finance or corporate finance with a leading institution.

• Strong grasp of legal documentation including risk allocation related to PPP projects including concessions and privatizations.

• Proven track-record of originating, advising, structuring and executing infrastructure transactions.

• Strong financial, modeling, credit and structuring skills; demonstrated ability and experience of leading a variety of complex advisory, debt and equity transactions.

• Ability to think outside the box to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build the business. 

• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior government officials, donors, financial and technical partners as well as senior private sector investors in the infrastructure space.

• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners, strong business development and client relationship skills.

• Knowledge of overall industry sector trends and sector developments in Africa region.

• Well-developed relationships at senior level with investors working in the infrastructure sector across Africa. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated track record of working with as well as leading, motivating and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

• work under pressure and deliver high quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives.

• Willingness and ability to travel on short notice and frequently, as required.

• Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards.

• Genuine commitment to sustainable development and alignment with the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and values

• Previous PPP transaction advisory work experience in the region is desirable.

• Building organizational capacity through system and process improvements to improve execution timelines.  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Portuguese is preferred. 

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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