Country Manager – 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 Bangladesh and Nepal. This position is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The Country Manager supports IFC’s Vision 2030 by translating IFC’s strategic goals into impactful country-level actions. This includes mobilizing private capital, leading government and private sector engagement, driving market creation and policy reform, ensuring strong operational delivery, and fostering innovation and collaborationall to scale development impact and sustainability in emerging markets.

The Country Manager will be responsible for all IFC’s activities in IFC while managing a multidisciplinary team of investment, advisory services, and support staff on the ground in offices in Dhaka and Kathmandu. This will require close interactions with corporate clients, governments, counterparts at the World Bank, MIGA 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 Director, South Asia Region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Business Management

• Develop and implement IFC’s country strategies for Bangladesh and Nepal under the guidance of the Director, South Asia Region, aligned with the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), and oversee all investment, advisory, and upstream activities to support private sector development.

• Coordinate systematically with World Bank and MIGA in terms of developing one WBG approaches to enable private sector solutions and scale up private capital mobilization.

• Lead IFC’s engagement with government, private sector, and key stakeholders to identify and deliver optimal private sector solutions, while driving business development and maintaining a robust pipeline of impactful, bankable projects.

• Coordinate with industry teams to develop client engagement strategies and conduct due diligence across sectors such as energy, finance, transport, ICT, health, and agribusiness, ensuring rigorous client vetting and integrity standards.

• Promote upstream market creation and policy reforms to improve the enabling environment for private investment and provide strategic guidance on implementing IFC operations aligned with global thematic platforms.

• Oversee portfolio performance, addressing implementation issues to ensure high-quality results, and manage office operations, including budgeting, facilities, IT, security, and HR matters such as performance reviews and staff development.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, private sector clients, development partners, and civil society to enhance collaboration and development impact within Bangladesh and Nepal.

• Coordinate with bilateral and multilateral agencies to support country-led development processes and promote inclusive consultation with academia, local governments, and NGOs.

Cross-Institutional Knowledge and Communications

• Foster a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, applying global insights to local contexts while considering political and economic dynamics.

• Disseminate best practices, manage knowledge flows across IFC and WBG platforms, and ensure transparent communication of results internally and externally in coordination with communications teams.

Country Team and Resource Management

• Lead and support IFC’s country teams in Bangladesh and Nepal, promoting a positive and productive work culture with clear communication and collaboration.

• Oversee resource utilization and office operations, implement safety and security programs for staff and assets, and represent IFC in the UN Security Management System at the country level.

• Act as the Head of Security for IFC India responsible for WBG’s duty of care obligations to staff, establish and maintain business continuity plans as per the internal guidelines.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum Masters or equivalent degree with a minimum of 12 to 15 years of professional experience in strategy, finance, or advisory, e.g., commercial or investment banking, project finance, private equity, and management consulting.

• Strong client relationship management skills, with an existing network of relevant top-level contacts in the country’s private and public sector, and/or demonstrated ability to build such a 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 is a strong plus.

• Work experience in the South Asia region and a strong interest in developing a thorough understanding of Bangladesh and Nepal.

• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and image in the market.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

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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