Operations 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, visit www.ifc.org.

In fiscal year 2024, IFC invested $56 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector in development and prosperity. Complementing our investment, IFC’s upstream and advisory services support clients with the provision of diagnostic studies, technical expertise, mentoring, and long-term projects to increase capacity. This investment strategy calls for generating our own opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. 

It requires taking a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in our member countries and addressing these bottlenecks through World Bank Group engagement on policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level. It also requires capacity to leverage WBG programs and projects to develop our own proactive sector interventions and to imagine and design projects even in the absence of reforms. For more information, visit www.ifc.orgThe Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk.  FIG Advisory Upstream and Advisory Services in Asia Pacific, the unit where this job is based, leverages IFC’s global presence to drive thought leadership and deliver expert advice to our clients, addressing development challenges in our priority markets in the region through our financial sector intermediaries, which include banks, NBFIs, microfinance institutions, Fin Techs, etc.

IFC is seeking an Operations Officer for the Upstream and Advisory Services department within FIG, with deep technical expertise in climate finance. The selected candidate will be based in Mumbai, India, and will focus on supporting the development and delivery of high-quality Advisory and Upstream projects in the country.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Operations Officer will have a wide range of evolving responsibilities in line with the strategic priorities of FIG. The main responsibility of this candidate would be to support the FIG team in achieving its country and regional priorities in promoting climate finance in South Asia, with a focus on India. The anticipated scope of duties and responsibilities includes:

•  Designing, developing, and implementing high-quality Advisory and Upstream initiatives and projects, primarily in climate finance and also focusing on financial inclusion.

•  Leading and/or providing support throughout the project life cycle, including conducting diagnostics and scoping, concept development, creating implementation plans, client management, technical capacity building, project delivery, and closure.

•  Working with country teams to create new products involving specific sectors by preparing sector-specific data analysis, engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, and sharing information across the WBG.

•  Researching untapped sectors to identify constraints to private sector investment as input to market creation decisions.

•  Maintaining relationships with counterparts at IFC clients and other key stakeholders/partners to facilitate access and provide local context to IFC project teams.

•  Supporting engagement with relevant teams across the World Bank and IFC, including investment staff, to ensure alignment with World Bank Group priorities and to promote effective collaboration.

•  Providing organizational and coordination support for convening knowledge-sharing forums and conferences and contributing to developing content materials.

•  Managing human and financial resources efficiently across initiatives for optimal impact.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in finance, economics, or related areas. Candidates with accreditation in climate finance would have an advantage.

•  At least 8-12 years of relevant financial market experience in emerging markets, including a proven track record in business consulting, investment banking, and operational experience in the financial sector. Experience in climate finance and sustainability is preferred.

•  Capacity to understand, enable, and participate in market creation opportunities by demonstrating long-term perspective, open-mindedness, persistence, innovation, and ability to leverage all available tools.

•  Broad understanding of the economy, sectors, regulatory and industry fundamentals and drivers; industry and market benchmarks; latest trends and changes; and industry standards, including policies and regulations affecting investment and business growth.

•  Capacity to build productive and mutually beneficial relationships and networks internally and externally to identify business opportunities, discuss structuring alternatives, and resolve issues.

•  Capacity to build and maintain extensive networks in sectors, countries, and regions to bring new engagements and business opportunities.

•  Ability to interact effectively with working-level WBG staff and participate in collaborative interventions/projects that enable private sector investment by exercising sensitivity to differences in corporate cultures, priorities, and operating practices/requirements.

•  Commitment to sustainable development.

•  Original thinking/quick learning abilities with strong initiative, drive, and attention to detail.

•  Strong project management and analytical skills; ability to oversee multiple complex projects and initiatives. Proven analytical abilities with excellent research, synthesis, and writing skills; ability to communicate ideas confidently and credibly.

•  Good team player with strong interpersonal skills and commitment to working in a respectful, team-oriented, and multicultural environment.

•  Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English are required.

•  Willingness to travel.

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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
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