Country 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.

IFC Colombia Office is seeking to reinforce its country team by hiring a talented, innovative, and passionate Country Officer to support the delivery of its ambitious country strategy. The position will be base in Bogota, Colombia. Candidates will have to demonstrate a solid investment culture as well as a true passion for development and public policy.

The Country Officer will be working closely with the Senior Country Officer and team to help design, coordinate, oversee, monitor IFC’s program implementation in the country, and lead specific development impact initiatives. The selected candidate will coordinate upstream activities in the country, design and lead the direct implementation of various cross-sector initiatives, and support policy work and other interventions across the World Bank Group to prioritize various initiatives and to maximize the impact of IFC upstream efforts. The Country Officer will also represent IFC in external and internal meetings and events, and act on behalf of the Regional Director or Senior Country Officer when needed. The role requires close interaction with the private sector, government, and international development organizations, as well as key counterparts in the World Bank Group (WBG), to develop new business and support the structuring and negotiation of investment and advisory transactions.

Duties and Accountabilities

 Strategy

•  Develop and maintain a good understanding of the country’s business, economic, and political background, and stay on top of key economic and political developments
•  Coordinate, provide substantive input, and/or ensure provision of quality Country Office input to IFC Country and Industry Strategies, deep dives, World Bank Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Partnership Framework and other WBG strategy documents as well as their reviews
•  Participate in the design of new approaches and interventions to create upstream markets and the identification of needed market and regulatory reforms
•  Build and maintain relationships across financial analysts, think-tanks, rating agencies, development partners, government officials, and the broader economic and business communities

Business Development and Portfolio Management

•  Together with the Senior Country Officer, oversee integration and delivery of IFC’s investment and advisory activities in Colombia to ensure needs of clients and objectives of IFC strategies are met; update pipeline reporting and business-pans regularly
•  Promote and coordinate IFC’s investment and advisory activities, and developing and maintaining relationships with IFC stakeholders, WBG counterparts, governments, and private sector clients to develop IFC business
•  Coordinate investment and advisory initiatives that are most innovative, relevant and impactful in Colombia, together with IFC experts and sector teams; research untapped markets to identify current constraints to private sector investment as input to upstream market creation decisions
•  Represent IFC externally and provide visibility for IFC through organizing/participating in high profile events (high-level visits, press interviews, seminars and conferences)

Country Operations, Staff Supervision/Development and Resource Management

•  Manage and contribute to management of administrative and logistical operations of IFC Colombia, as may be assigned by the Senior Country Officer
•  Coordinate senior visits and missions to Colombia, including preparing high-quality briefs, and overseeing logistic arrangements
•  Oversee or supervise assigned staff and consultants
•  Develop assigned staff and members of the broader team through mentoring, coaching, and providing on-the-job learning opportunities

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or master’s degree in business, Finance, Economics, Public policy, or related discipline.
•  At least 6 years of relevant experience in investment banking across various sectors, complemented by project/ program development, public policy or consulting functions in emerging markets.
•  Excellent understanding of the local and global economic and political context and private sector development issues in Colombia and Latin America. 
•  Experience developing partnerships and relationships with private sector clients, local and national governments and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
•  Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to analyze and synthetize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations. Proven track-record assessing business viability and risks, and presenting investment opportunities.
•  Demonstrated commitment to the World Bank Group core values of Impact, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Innovation.
•  Team player with strong leadership and influencing skills, and track record working in a matrix structure; ability to thrive under pressure and function effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, while working on multiple projects.
•  Excellent people skills, openness to feedback, new ideas, and ability to guide and motivate others.
•  Strong written and verbal communications skills in English and Spanish. Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions, and represent IFC in various forums and with external stakeholders.
•  Proven ability to effectively plan, direct, organize and administer diverse activities to ensure effective delivery of work program. Ability to plan and manage staff to achieve high quality results and encourage innovation in an open team-based environment, inspiring trust and influencing and resolving differences across organizational boundaries.

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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