Country Officer

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Description

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The IFC program in Afghanistan has been working to address various issues affecting private sector development. IFC’s previous and current engagements include investing in sectors such as telecoms and finance and, in the Advisory Services program, working on improving the investment climate, supporting the development of the financial sector to facilitate access to finance, and working with the private sector to strengthen the capabilities of Micro-, Small- and Medium (MSMEs) to manage their ongoing business activities. IFC is aiming to continuing supporting the private sector in Afghanistan, particularly MSMEs. 

The IFC Afghanistan Country Office is recruiting a Country Officer based in Kabul, Afghanistan to work closely with IFC’s Senior Country Officer and Country Manager to support the advisory and investment service program development and oversight in the country. The position will report to the Country Manager. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

In his/her capacity, the Country Officer’s responsibilities will include, among others, the following:

• Help oversee on the ground all IFC’s investment and advisory-related activities in Afghanistan, in coordination with the Senior Country Officer and Country Manager
• Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with suitable sponsors and partners. Actively contribute to partner and investee selection, ensuring adequate mitigation of potential reputation risks for IFC
• Develop and maintain relationships with companies at a senior level to identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy and priorities in Afghanistan
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with IFC Industry and Advisory Departments to originate and help manage a pipeline of investments and advisory projects
• Support proactive and strategic portfolio management in line with IFC and WBG’s strategic priorities in Afghanistan
• Strengthen relationships and foster close collaboration with key IFIs, and multilateral and bilateral stakeholders active in Afghanistan (UN, FCDO, EU, and other development partners)
• Contribute to the development of IFC’s strategy in Afghanistan, in collaboration with Country and Regional Management teams 
• Lead the on-ground coordination with IBRD/IDA in collaboration with the IFC Country team, and develop a strong understanding of WBG products
• Ensure preparation of timely and good-quality documentation, presentations, briefs, and analysis as needed for all internal and external discussions relating to IFC’s engagement in Afghanistan
• Keep closely abreast of market, political, and economy-related developments in Afghanistan and ensure timely dissemination of information to WBG stakeholders as needed
• Contribute to and share knowledge sharing across WBG on relevant topics across the region and beyond   
• Represent IFC on the ground in Kabul in relevant events, workshops, roundtables, etc
• Management of visiting missions; coordinate with WBG CMU and clients on the ground to ensure efficient, safe, and effective missions in collaboration with the program assistant
• Act as the Security focal point for the IFC team on the ground and visiting missions in close coordination with the IBRD CMU and the security team on the ground

Selection Criteria

• At least eight (8) years of professional, relevant experience, preferably with experience in the energy sector and/or consulting 
• Master’s in business, economics, law, public administration or related field
• Experience relevant to private sector development and familiarity with the Afghan operational environment and development issues 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and sound business judgment to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions
• Team player with organizational skills and demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with minimal supervision
• Ability to respond to situations of high demand and pressure in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with a multi-disciplinary team, other groups throughout the institution, and development partners
• Ability to work with, and relate to, a wide range of stakeholders- donors, clients, and staff. The ability to work across the institution in a collaborative manner is essential
• A proven record in timely delivery of written/analytical outputs with high quality
• As an ambassador representing the IFC in the country, the Country Officer must be a role model for the ethical behavior values of the IFC
• Strong client relationship management skills, with an existing network of relevant top-level contacts in the country’s private sector and/or demonstrated ability to build such a high-level client network
• 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’s strategies as needed so that they remain responsive to the needs of client countries, and in coordination with development partners
• Excellent communication skills, including written and oral presentation skills in English; fluency in Dari and/or Pashto
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27493&site=1

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