Associate Operations Officer – GF  

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 Middle East, Central Asia, Turkiye, Afghanistan and Pakistan VPU (MCT) is hiring an Associate Operation Officer (henceforth AOO) to provide operational and analytical support to IFC’s operations in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The AOO will contribute to projects preparation and implementation of activities, provide strategic analysis and briefing materials, and provide support in engaging with the World Bank, government agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders, including the private sector associations, beneficiaries, and think tanks. The AOO will also support the Principal Head of Operations for MCT with other regional assignments in MCT when needed.  

The position will be based in Tashkent and the AOO will report to IFC’s Country Manager (CM) for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. 

Roles and Responsibilities

•  Keep abreast of regulatory developments that impact IFC’s general activities and provide input on local economic and business trends which are relevant to IFC investment decisions and strategies

•  Research untapped markets to identify constraints to private sector investments in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan as input to upstream market creation decisions 

•  Under the leadership of the Regional Director and in collaboration with the CM, Senior Operations Officer (SOO), regional teams and economists, (i) support the formulation and execution of country strategies and diagnostics; (ii) support preparation of various briefing materials, and (iii) contribute to the partnerships with World Bank staff

•  Support IFC’s project development activities, provide support during transaction execution and portfolio management

•  Work across all sectors to complete sponsor checks and due diligence

•  Participate in missions, country review meetings and appraisal of projects. Liaise with IFC investment teams to monitor progress and performance of projects to solve potential problems

• Work closely with IFC staff in the region in handling client relationships, identify, analyze and help address key country and sponsor reputation risks  

•  Maintain good working knowledge of current investment, advisory, and upstream operations in Uzbekistan, and support the CM and SOO in addressing queries from HQ management and staff

•  Support the CM and SOO in overseeing advisory projects and sectoral initiatives 

•  Support the CM and SOO to ensure IFC’s representation/involvement at key private sector, public sector, donor and World Bank events and meetings as appropriate, including making presentations, and ensure dissemination of information to relevant staff within the World Bank Group 

•  Build and maintain effective relationships with Government officials and the private sector, and close relationships with key IFC partners and WBG counterparts in the country office to further IFC’s activities 

•  Support the CM and SOO on operational matters when needed

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in economics, finance or related field and at least 5-6 years of relevant experience in MCT region, preferably in Uzbekistan 

•  Demonstrated knowledge of the country including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework 

•  Ability to read and anticipate shifts in market trends and the implications for IFC’s current and future business

•  Ability to demonstrate attention to detail, thoughtful scenario analysis, and diligence in work quality

•  Demonstrated active listening skills to identify client and stakeholder needs and diplomacy in interactions with others

•  Ability to write in a logical and comprehensive, yet concise manner

•  Ability to distill and summarize large amounts of information from various sources to prepare business documents and presentations  

•  Able to utilize charts, graphs, and other presentation techniques to effectively communicate complex data and concepts  

•  Team player with good problem solving and analytical skills, with an ability to execute tasks timely and effectively

•  Experience in working in the WBG and in Uzbekistan-considered as an advantage

•  Advanced user level proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word

•  Excellent written, verbal communication, presentation abilities, and interpersonal skills plus fluency in Russian and English is required

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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at [email protected], and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.