Country Manager, Caucasus Cluster – GH  

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.

IFC is looking to recruit a Country Manager responsible for the following cluster of countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia. This position is based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The Country Manager will play a critical role in operationalizing IFC3.0/Creating Markets strategy and enabling the Cascade at a country level. He/she will be responsible, in close collaboration with the WBG counterparts, for developing operational country strategies and action plans and for driving their implementation. The Country Manager will oversee an outstanding portfolio of approximately US$ 520 million. This cluster of countries generated annual investment commitments of around US$85 million (including mobilization) in the last fiscal year and includes an active Advisory Services program. The prospects for continued growth in both investment and advisory activities are very good. While the cluster of countries may change, the mandate of the Country Manager will be to significantly build the portfolio, develop new opportunities for IFC in the country and enhance our impact.

The Country Manager will be responsible for all IFC’s activities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia while managing a multidisciplinary team. This will require close interactions with corporate clients, governments, counterparts at the World Bank and other multilateral/bilateral institutions, as well as internal coordination within IFC with Industry Department Directors and Managers, Advisory Services Managers and constituent Executive Directors. The Country Manager will report to the Regional Director, Europe.

Duties and Accountabilities
• In consultation with the Regional Director, Europe, develop, design and implement multi-year country strategy and implementation plan for integrated upstream, investment and advisory operations, including sector priorities and business targets;
• Based on the country strategy, lead and coordinate policy dialogue with the government, in close consultation with the World Bank and other Multilateral Institutions;
• Based on the country strategy, allocate program budget to Industry teams to support the implementation of upstream and advisory projects;
• Follow macro, sectoral and political developments;
• Support the implementation of the upstream strategy and oversee all IFC’s investment and advisory activities in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia;
• Lead the coordination with World Bank Group institutions and oversee with the regional industry managers (and other colleagues in IDA and MIGA) the design and implementation of the Joint Business Plans (JBPs), early engagement for specific, private sector related “Reforms Asks from Government” to be included in WB’s DPO/DPLs and other forms of proactive collaboration to enable the Cascade at the country level. Fully contribute and drive on behalf of IFC the development of Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs), Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs);
• Manage and develop relationships with key clients (governments and private companies) at the highest level of seniority and position IFC as the partner of choice to support high development impact projects in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Build up relationships with key stakeholders (including relevant regulators, businesses, NGOs, PE Funds, and investors);
• Identify and implement measures to improve countries results in terms of efficiency, productivity, profitability and impact and increase its contribution to the corporate scorecard;
• Lead, manage, develop and mentor an integrated and diverse team consisting of regional and industry staff, ensuring that the team is high-performing, well-motivated, innovative, well-trained; has clear deliverables; and is committed to the success of IFC in the country;
• Identify areas where IFC can catalyze market development through innovation based on a thorough understanding of local markets and best practices from IFC’s global experience;
• Lead/coordinate the development of a client engagement strategy for existing and new clients;
• Take accountability for early review and clearance of sponsors. For all investments and AS client’s programs, review and validate IFC’s added-value, development impact and fit with IFC strategy in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia;
• Carry out all Country Manager responsibilities under the prevailing accountability for decision making (ADM) matrix at IFC;
• Develop IFC’s “brand”, building on IFC’s regional brand and the overall communications strategy; engage with local media;
• Represent and provide visibility for IFC in the target markets including through organizing/participating in high profile events (Senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences);
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Industry Departments to originate, process and manage a pipeline of investments, and support proactive and strategic portfolio management, to meet IFC’s objectives;
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors. Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential clients and develop and maintain relationships with these companies to identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products;
• Share accountability (with Industry Portfolio Managers) for the quality and performance of the Country Portfolio; work jointly with relevant managers to meet Scorecard targets in the countries (Client Satisfaction, Productivity, Development Impact and People metrics);
• Provide administrative and HR management oversight;
• Act as the Head of Security for the countries responsible for WBG’s duty of care obligations to staff;
• Oversee the crisis management team supported by the business continuity management program offices;
• Appoint emergency wardens, security focal points and road safety focal points;
• Coordinate security decisions with other affected Heads of Office across the WBG.

Selection Criteria

• MBA/Masters’ degree with a minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience in strategy, finance, or advisory, e.g., commercial or investment banking, project finance, private equity and management consulting;
• As an ambassador representing IFC in the country, the Country Manager must be a role model for ethical behavior values of IFC;
• Strong client relationship management skills, with an existing network of relevant top-level contacts in the cluster of countries’ private and public sector and/or demonstrated ability to build such high-level client network;
• Outstanding and proven track record of performance in investment and advisory activities;
• Strong leadership capabilities and experience managing people, especially leading diverse and high performing teams;
• Significant experience with proven success in developing client relationships;
• Ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Ability to think strategically and adjust the country strategies as needed so that they remain responsive to the needs of client countries, and in coordination with development partners;
• Experience in transaction processing and portfolio supervision a strong plus;
• A strong interest in developing a thorough understanding of the cluster of countries;
• Ability to build successful relationships across the matrix;
• Strong written and oral communications skills;
• Recognized as a leader;
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and image in the market;
• Meet Bank Group-wide managerial selection criteria including Courage of your convictions, Leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, Building talent for the future.

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.