Investment 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. For more information, please visit www.ifc.org.

The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on: i) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; ii) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; iii) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and iv) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To drive this approach, IFC is seeking an Investment Officer to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office Kigali, Rwanda; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lusaka, Zambia; or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Investment Officer will be responsible for supporting IFC’s efforts to enable investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions in Agribusiness sectors across the East & Southern Africa subregion. 

In this role, the Investment Officer will work in closely with Country, Regional, Investment, Upstream & Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives. The selected candidate will focus on developing a high-quality pipeline of Agri-business projects, structuring, negotiating, and executing debt and equity investments in the Agri-business sector while identifying upstream and advisory opportunities to enhance these investment transactions.

Duties & Accountabilities:

The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

•  Support the identification and assessment of Upstream & Advisory and Investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential. 

•  Work closely with the IFC Investment Services team across countries in the East & Southern Africa subregion to contribute to the development of early-stage project collaborations and co-developments; feasibility studies; and/or pilot projects that lead to investment opportunities in the Agri sector. 

•  Assist in designing and implementing scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across different African markets. 

•  Identify trends, technologies and business models; and develop innovative solutions to meet client and market needs. 

•  Lead client projects end to end by a) regularly monitoring the project’s financial situation b) efficient procurement of consultant services and c) providing monitoring and reporting information to ensure the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project business and M&E targets. 

•  Prepare project supervision and donor reports, including M&E reports and the required back-up data which confirms the reported results and achievements. 

• Execute loan, equity, and mezzanine financing instruments, including processing mandates, conducting due diligence, structuring deals, negotiating terms and documentation and processing internal approvals.

• Provide high-quality client service throughout the project cycle, from transaction sourcing and processing to supervision.

•  Serving as an integral part of the Agribusiness Upstream & Advisory team and support Project Leads as needed in providing advice, implementation support, and assistance with project implementation management.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, Agribusiness, or another relevant field.

•  Over 8 years of relevant experience in project and/or program development, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets.

•  Strong experience in investment banking, private equity, fund management or related areas with direct involvement in investment transactions.

•  Strong quantitative skills; familiarity with company evaluation and valuation; and proven experience with designing and/or working with financial models.

•  Experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.

•  Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.

•  Proven track record in nurturing client relationships, resolving challenging issues and ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments. 

•  Demonstrated ability to deliver results under tight timetables; strong organizational, administrative, project and task management skills.

•  A genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and values.

•  Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.

•  Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills.

•  Strong written and verbal communications skills in English.

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.

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