Associate Operations Officer

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.

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:

• A broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities
• A greater focus on preparing clients in developing markets and sectors for investment
• A greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance
• A longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective

To support this approach, IFC seeks an Associate Operations Officer to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office in Amman, Jordan. 

The Associate Operations Officer will work closely with IFC’s senior officers, who are responsible for originating, designing, negotiating, structuring, and subsequently implementing IFC’s engagements.

The Associate Operations Officer will be responsible for delivering on the assigned tasks and initiatives within the framework of MAS MCT engagements and projects and will assist the MAS MCT Management in defining strategy and making decisions on key strategic issues. 

In this role, the Associate Operations Officer will work closely with Country, Regional, Investment, Upstream, and Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives. 

Responsibilities:

• Support identifying and assessing Upstream, Advisory, and Investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Conduct market mapping, comparator sector analysis, and company financial projections/models. Analyze companies’ historical and projected financial statements within the sector to support informed decision-making
• Support in various aspects of business development, including writing concept notes, preparing budgets, brief presentations, or other materials as requested
• Assist with overall portfolio management, planning, and monitoring of results and deliverables to ensure timely and quality delivery of the work program. Be on top of IFC systems and processes
• Maintain an excellent working knowledge of IFC’s MAS product offering and be able to communicate it effectively to others as needed
• Help spot game-changing trends, technologies, and business models that can bring solutions to emerging markets
• Support in formulating the MAS MCT strategy and driving its operationalization
• Contribute to and/or lead the delivery of strategic initiatives as they emerge, including activities related to the Global Challenge Programs, Regional Corporate Initiatives, and other intradepartmental and firm-wide initiatives, as needed.
• Independently undertake market research and analytics, leveraging internal and external data sources to inform the development of strategic positions on operationally relevant topics. Contribute to the development of a core set of analytics and indicators that capture private sector trends in countries and sectors of operation
• Assist in designing and implementing scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across different markets
• Interact effectively with an extensive network of contacts (both internal and external) and respond effectively to inquiries and diverse situations that require tact and pragmatic problem-solving skills. Liaise when needed with partners, clients, and service providers to ensure continuity of business operations.
• Lead client projects end to end by a) regularly monitoring the project’s financial situation, b) efficiently procuring consultant services, and c) providing monitoring and reporting information to ensure the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project business and M&E targets
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other documents for meetings and discussions with internal and external stakeholders
• Support project leads as needed by providing advice, implementation support, and assistance with project implementation management
• Develop strong relations with internal clients, other WBG units, and development partners on operational matters

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree with 5-6 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Relevant experience, which could include a proven track record in various fields of operations and finance, including portfolio management and reporting
• Experience gained in multiple locations or international settings is preferred       
• Has a reputation for being able to connect the dots across business strategies and portfolio management lessons learned to generate innovative ideas, products, or solutions that can be replicated across multiple geographies
• Ability to prepare documents and reports that are concise, well-organized, and appropriately focused on the most critical points that are relevant to the target audience
• Utilize charts, graphs, and other presentation techniques to communicate complex data and concepts simple
• Experience in project/program management, including executing implementation plans with defined business development milestones
• Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development
• Proven track record in nurturing client relationships, resolving challenging issues, and ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under tight timetables; strong organizational, administrative, project, and task management skills
• A genuine commitment to the development of the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation abilities, interpersonal skills, and fluency in English are required. Arabic is preferred; fluency in another MCT language would be an added advantage
• Willingness to travel extensively

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=29941&site=1