Operations 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. 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.

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). We aim to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop impactful investment projects. This strategy is, in part, premised on improved country/sector diagnostic, strategic, and public sector engagement capabilities, which seek to: 1) resolve obstacles to private sector growth via diagnostic and strategic work that informs both IFC operations and relevant IBRD/IDA policy operations; and 2) overcome the shortage of investable projects in priority markets by proactively improving the private sector ecosystem at the country and regional level. Country Advisory and Economics Unit for North, West, and Central Africa within the Africa Vice Presidency was recently established due to the re-organization to drive the strategy.   

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). We aim to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop impactful investment projects. This strategy is, in part, premised on improved country/sector diagnostic, strategic, and public sector engagement capabilities, which seek to: 1) resolve obstacles to private sector growth via diagnostic and strategic work that informs both IFC operations and relevant IBRD/IDA policy operations; and 2) overcome the shortage of investable projects in priority markets by proactively improving the private sector ecosystem at the country and regional level. Country Advisory and Economics Unit for North, West, and Central Africa within the Africa Vice Presidency was recently established due to the re-organization to drive the strategy.   

This position covers IFC cluster for Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin as well as Guinea which has a joint country representative.  This group of countries have a diverse investment and advisory portfolio dealing with a wide range of stakeholders.  CAE supports all of these activities through strong analytics and policy dialogue. CAE also serves a critical bridge between IFC and IDA.  In this role, the selected candidate, reporting to the Manager, CAE North, West and Central Africa, will contribute to CAE work program and lead some CAE engagements in the cluster with the view to help IFC expand the frontier, particularly at the sub-national level dialogue. The position is based in Abidjan. We seek a motivated and dynamic professional with strong analytical skills and policy-relevant experience in private sector development.

 

Duties and Accountabilities:

•  Contribute to and lead selective business and project development in line with client and market needs while working collaboratively across WBG 

•  Contribute to and selectively lead the implementation of projects by participate in senior level client meetings to provide technical advice and monitor progress in implementing relevant reforms to unlock investment. Moreover, support client in implementing recommendations and help trouble shoot as needed.

•  Ensure high quality of project supervision and completion documents and provide quality control over client deliverables. 

•  Contribute to and selectively lead the engagement with the relevant teams at the World Bank and IFC for reforms needed to unlock new markets and work collaboratively with Upstream teams. 

•  Ensure adequate portfolio management of advisory projects in Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo and Guinea and potentially in other countries of the West Africa cluster.

•  Contribute to and selectively lead the engagement with the Government officials and private sector to improve the visibility of IFC.

•  Organize knowledge sharing sessions across the region,

•  Contribute to and selectively lead research and diagnostics relevant to our clients and stakeholders and to push our knowledge frontier on policy dialogue. 

•  Manage resources – budget, STCs, etc. for effective project implementation 

•  Develop technical capabilities of the broader practice group team through mentoring, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

 

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics or a closely related field, or professional certification (CPA, CFA).

•  At least 8 years’ experience in private sector development, with a focus on delivering private sector oriented reform projects in delivering advisory engagements. 

•  Strong track record of having successfully negotiated and implemented reforms.

•  Experience in West Africa is a plus.

•  Understanding of IFC and WBG products/ instruments and where there are opportunities for cross-organizational collaboration. Demonstrable experience working on IFC and WBG products will be an advantage.

•  Ability to design, negotiate and lead efforts to develop client offerings that reflect in-depth knowledge of thematic area and understanding of business case for how thematic focus will help client to improve their business.

•  Ability to conceptualize and conduct research and analytical projects that could ultimately lead to the opening of new markets and/or reframe thinking on thematic approaches to better meet IFC and WBG mandates.

•  Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and aptitude to learn new systems is a must.  Ability to use project management systems is a plus.

•  Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills plus fluency in English and French is a must.

 

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.

 

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