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 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.

Infrastructure is one of IFC’s strategic priorities. IFC’s Infrastructure department supports the World Bank Group’s aim of improving access to efficient, reliable, and affordable infrastructure for the poor in emerging markets.  The team is responsible for originating and managing IFC’s investment activities in the following sectors: Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission, Mining, Transport & logistics, Telecommunications, Water, Waste, Privatized Public Services and other Subnational/Cities financing. IFC’s focus in the sector is on: (i) increasing access to basic infrastructure services; (ii) supporting local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (iii) exploring new equity and debt investment opportunities and catalyzing foreign direct investments, including co-investments and mobilizing syndicated and parallel loans; (iv) introducing and developing new financial products including through Public Private Partnerships; and (v) building long-term partnerships with strong global and regional players.

IFC’s Infrastructure Department for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is recruiting an Associate Investment Officer and an Investment Officer to work across the business cycle, with focus on client relationship management, business development, deal execution (project finance, corporate finance, equity and hybrid instruments); and actively manage portfolio investments in core infrastructure sectors (transport, energy, water, waste, municipal infrastructure and telecom).  The new hire should be available to engage in infrastructure projects throughout the LAC region, but with a clear focus in Mexico and Central America.  The overall goal of the job holder is to maximize the profitable impact of IFC’s interventions.
Significant amounts of travel would be required to meet the objectives of the assignment. The appointee will be stationed in Mexico City, Mexico reporting to IFC’s Regional Lead for the Infrastructure team in Mexico & Central America and to the LAC Infrastructure New Business Manager.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Support transaction teams during investment due diligence and execution. Prepare investment committee materials, evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions.
•  Draft and present memos of relevant early-stage investment opportunities for discussion with management.
•  Actively manage and/or support portfolio investments, including credit risk assessment, financial analysis, processing waivers, disbursements, etc.
•  Assist in mapping and screening business opportunities in infrastructure sectors; undertaking market research and performing corresponding integrity checks
•  Build complex financial models from scratch, perform financial analysis, and/or provide quality control over financial analysis and projections developed by an analyst to evaluate the benefits and risks of investments.
•  Produce country and sector analysis, marketing materials, and pitch books.
•  Support the development of a strong pipeline of investment opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge.
•  Coordinate closely with social, environmental, legal, and technical specialists to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
•  Support teams managing relationships with clients, banking and multilateral partners, and other stakeholders to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
•  Business development including strengthening client relationships, understanding client needs, and bringing IFC’s suite of advisory, project collaboration/co-development, and financial products to generate a robust pipeline in line with IFC’s business objectives by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge.
•  Manage relationships with clients, banking and multilateral partners, and other stakeholders to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
•  Market coverage including gathering market intelligence, mapping market players, and analyzing trends, emerging risks, and opportunities.
•  Prepare and present relevant early-stage investment opportunities for discussion with management.
•  Support and/or lead investment transaction teams during investment due diligence and execution. Prepare investment committee materials, evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions.
•  Supervise and actively manage investments in IFC’s portfolio, including credit risk assessment, financial analysis, processing waivers, disbursements, etc.
•  Provide quality control over financial analysis and projections developed by an analyst or associate IO to evaluate the benefits and risks of investments.
•  Coordinate closely with social, environmental, legal, and technical specialists to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
•  Mentor and coach more junior team members.
•  Actively contribute to and help share a healthy and productive working culture that supports business development and professional development.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in a related field of education, including business, finance, or economics or an area of expertise specific to a sector, subject matter, or industry specialty.
•  4-8 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience could include project finance, private equity, or investment and commercial banking.
•  Strong knowledge of Excel and financial modeling, and ability to analyze and form conclusions or company financial information.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
•  Highly motivated and committed to the highest ethical standards.
•  Relevant working experience in infrastructure (transport, electricity, water, waste, municipal or telecom projects).
•  Track record in infrastructure projects in LAC, including limited recourse project finance transactions, corporate finance, and/or equity transactions.
•  Demonstrated client relationship skills, including the ability to interact effectively with counterparts at all levels.
•  Appreciation of legal, technical, environmental, social, and other considerations in project and corporate finance.
•  Skilled at project planning, analysis, and execution.
•  Relevant working experience in infrastructure (transport, electricity, water, waste, municipal or telecom projects).

The following are highly desirable:

•  Relevant experience in Mexico & Central America.
•  Genuine interest and knowledge of relevant infrastructure and regional sector trends.
•  “Can-do” attitude and demonstrated ability to think outside the box and push the envelope.
•  Ability to interact directly and independently with potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as government officials.
•  Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
•  Genuine commitment to sustainable development.
•  Ability to work well under time pressures with minimal instruction or supervision.

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.