Investment Officer

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, we made over $43 billion in total investment commitments — the largest volume in our history in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. 

The Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital team (“CDFDT”) invests in VC funds and venture/early growth companies that offer innovative technologies or business models with high impact potential in emerging markets. By executing transactions at earlier stages than IFC’s more traditional business lines, the venture capital team enhances the organization’s strong commitment to innovation, supports local businesses, and helps accelerate cross-border technology transfers.

CDFDT is seeking an experienced Investment Officer to provide coverage for transaction origination, execution, and portfolio activities across its global portfolio of VC funds, direct investment, and co-investments.

S/he will be based in Istanbul and will report to the Senior Manager for the Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital team (CDFDT). 

Responsibilities:

• Establish, build, and maintain strong relationships with and work with the team to consider investing in Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkey (MCT) technology start-up businesses including, but not limited to, priority verticals such as ed-tech, health-tech, climate-tech, fintech, etc
• Support IFC’s VC activities in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkey (MCT), and Africa region
• Develop and make strategic direct venture investments, VC funds investments, parallel investments, and co-investments in target sectors based on rigorous due diligence of prospective early growth stage ventures, strong technology analysis, business model, and financial valuation
• Lead business development, due diligence, negotiation, and transaction structuring of new business opportunities and liaise extensively with colleagues across the region and industry verticals
• With a focus on regional stakeholders, support the identification of and development of upstream and market creation initiatives related to fostering tech innovation transfer to relevant emerging markets in alignment with country and sector strategies
• Represent IFC’s disruptive technologies team in internal and external events, develop relevant corporate initiatives, partnerships, and engagement to enhance IFC’s strategic positioning in the disruptive technology space across all relevant industry verticals
• Coordinate closely with IFC’s business risk functions to ensure maintenance of the highest environmental, social, and integrity standards
• Work in close coordination with industry and regional IFC colleagues
• Periodic travel may be required

Selection Criteria:

• Advanced degree required, MBA from leading international institutions preferred
• At least 6-8 years of work experience of which at least 4-6 years of venture capital or private equity experience, ideally with some emerging markets transaction experience
• Prior experience in, investment banking or business/corporate development will be considered
• Significant transaction experience in and analytical knowledge of venture investing with a focus on priority sectors such as ed-tech, health-tech, climate tech, and fintech
• Experience in negotiating and structuring venture capital equity transactions
• Existing and relevant network amongst research institutions, private companies, and financial and strategic investors who are active in the climate tech ecosystem, broadly defined, globally
• Experience in portfolio management, including facilitation of exits
• Having prior experience as an investee company board director/ observer or operational experience at a venture-backed company is a plus
• Excellent financial and analytical skills
• Fluency in spoken and written English; other language abilities highly valued

Source:  https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=26821&site=1