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, 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. 

IFC sees private equity and venture capital as making a valuable contribution to development by providing capital and know-how to fast growing companies that are leading drivers of job creation in the emerging markets. In addition to its more traditional business, IFC supports these companies through its Disruptive Technologies Group, which invests directly in early and late stage venture companies as well as in venture capital funds. 

IFC is seeking an Investment Officer to provide overall coverage for IFC’s venture capital investment program across emerging markets. In addition, the role will include developing relevant corporate initiatives, partnerships and engagements to enhance IFC’s strategic positioning and business development efforts with the Western Europe technology and VC ecosystem. 

S/he will be based in Paris and will report to the Chief of Technology Investment and Global Portfolio Manager for the Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital team (CDFDT). 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the team to consider investing in Western European technology start-up businesses including, but not limited to, priority verticals such as ed-tech, health-tech, climate-tech, fintech etc., where the technology has a clear and near-term benefit if deployed or scaled in Emerging Markets.
• Cross support IFC’s VC activities in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEU), Middle East, Central Asia and Turkey (MCT) and Africa region.
• Undertake rigorous due diligence of prospective venture investments, VC funds investments, parallel investments and co-investments in target sectors, deliver strong technology analysis, business model and financial valuation.
• Coordinate with internal IFC stakeholders, including: Legal; Risk; Environment, Social & Governance; Impact Assessment; and Macroeconomics teams – to analyze proposed investments, ensure compliance with IFC standards and determine whether to recommend an investment for IFC.
• Prepare investment review materials and presentations, and make recommendations to IFC management and investment decision making bodies on proposed investments to obtain investment approval.
• Negotiate terms and legal documentation for investments.
• Review existing VC fund investments and investee companies and prepare portfolio supervision reports, including valuations, performance analyses and strategy and manager assessments.
• Track and monitor compliance matters for investments and propose courses of action in the event of non-compliance.
• Participate in business development, due diligence, negotiation and transaction structuring of new business opportunities and liaise extensively with colleagues across the regions and industry verticals.
• With a focus on Western Europe-related stakeholders, support the identification of and develop of upstream and market creation initiatives related to fostering tech innovation transfer to relevant emerging markets in alignment with country and sector strategies.
• Communicate IFC’s strategy for disruptive technologies and its rationale for engaging in specific transactions.

Selection Criteria:

• Engineering degree required; advanced degree required, MBA from leading international institutions preferred.
• At least 6 years of work experience of which at least 4 years of venture capital or technology experience, preferably 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.
• Ability to think independently, analyze problems, identify solutions, and work effectively on simultaneous projects under time pressure.
• Comfortable working in a matrix organizational structure; ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; ability to work with people at all levels and demonstrate responsiveness and ability to work as part of a team.
• Written competency and spoken language fluency in English and French.
• Excellent financial and analytical skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27562&site=1