Country Officer – GG

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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is recruiting a (Country) Operations Officer to help promote and coordinate IFC’s activities in Sierra Leone. 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). The position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone and reports to the IFC Resident Representative, Liberia and Sierra Leone (based in Monrovia, Liberia), under the overall country-cluster management of the IFC Country Manager, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone (based in Accra, Ghana).

 

Duties and Accountabilities

• Assist the Resident Representative in overseeing IFC activities in Sierra Leone and assist with smooth running of the IFC country office.
• Work with the Resident Representative to oversee implementation of IFC’s strategy in the country including preparation of business plan updates and various strategy documents.
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of the country and key economic and political issues.
• Work with investment, advisory, upstream, and WBG teams to continue to roll out the IFC 3.0 strategy and develop the project pipeline.
• Build and maintain strong senior level relationships with the private sector, relevant government officials, key development partners, and WBG colleagues to support business development and portfolio management.
• Provide business intelligence to investment teams and assist in project preparation, structuring and implementation.
• Track the project pipeline and assist in moving transactions forward.
• Help manage development partner relations to support the raising of funds for advisory and upstream projects.
• Track and oversee the preparation of visiting missions/trips to the country.
• Develop a good understanding of the portfolio, assist with resolving issues, and maintain good relationships with existing clients.
• Prepare/coordinate high-quality briefs for WBG senior management.
• Together with the Resident Representative, provide visibility for IFC through organizing/participating external and internal events (high-level visits, press interviews, seminars, and conferences).

 

Selection Criteria

• Post-graduate degree, preferably in finance, business administration, management, economics, or a similar field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, preferably in areas such as investment or commercial banking, public-private partnerships, management consulting, or operational experience in an investment and/or advisory role.
• Deep understanding of local economic and political context; experience in the country would be an advantage.
• Ability to assess the viability of emerging business opportunities and risks.
• Help identify potential investment opportunities and utilize business development skills to translate such opportunities into bankable projects. 
• Solid finance, financial modeling, credit, and transaction structuring skills is an advantage.
• Good understanding of IFC’s investment and advisory business lines.
• Track record in developing and maintaining strong senior-level relationships in the private sector, government, and development institutions.
• Ability to represent IFC externally with the private sector, government, development partners, media, civil society, and other stakeholders.
• Team management experience including supervising, mentoring, and training staff. 
• Strong client service orientation with an ability to resolve challenging issues.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical and presentation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in 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.

 

This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position:

• Application preparation: Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support. Our coaches are here to help tailor your application to the requirements of the job (service provided at your own cost).
• Interview preparation: When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support.
• Additional services for  Swiss nationals who get invited to the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.):
  • Let us know by writing to recruitment@cinfo.ch. We flag matching applications to HR partners and SDC/SECO for visibility.
  • Benefit from free interview/assessment preparation by registering here : Interview and Assessment Centre Preparation for Jobs in Multilateral Organisations. Our coaches stand ready to help prepare for upcoming interview/assessment centre.