Operations Officer – GG  

IFCa member of the World Bank Groupis 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 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion in long term finance 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. 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). 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 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To support this approach, IFC is seeking an Upstream Operations Officer to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office either in Riyadh, KSA; or Islamabad, Pakistan. The Upstream Operations Officer will be responsible for coordinating the relationship with the other WBG institutions as well as sourcing and executing projects in the MAS sectors, enhancing investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions in the MAS sectors across MCT.

In this role, the Upstream Operations officer will work closely with Country, Regional, Investment, Upstream & Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities:

– Develop strong relations with other WBG institutions, and development partners on operational and strategic matters.

– Support in the formulation of the MAS MCT strategy and in driving operationalization thereof.

– Contribute to and/or lead delivery of strategic initiatives as they emerge, including delivery of activities related to the Global Challenge Programs, Regional Corporate Initiatives, and other intradepartmental & firm-wide initiatives, as needed.

– Generate ideas about new investment opportunities, new products, and platform businesses by leveraging sector-specific data analysis, stress-testing various operating models, having dialogues with stakeholders, and sharing information across the WBG.

– Independently undertake market research and analytics, leveraging internal and external data sources to inform the development of strategic positions on operationally relevant topics. Contribute to the development of core set of analytics and indicators that capture private sector trends in countries and sectors of operation

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

– Maintain a good working knowledge of IFC’s MAS product offering and be able to effectively communicate it to others as needed.

– Help spot game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can bring solutions to emerging markets.

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

– Interact effectively with an extensive network of contacts (both internal and external) and respond effectively to inquiries and to diverse situations that require tact and pragmatic problem-solving skills. Liaise when needed with partners, clients, and service providers to ensure continuity of business operations.

– 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.

Selection Criteria

– Master’s degree in a field related to the position (economics, business, etc.)

– At least 8 years of relevant experience which could include a proven track record in various fields of operations and finance, including portfolio management and reporting. Experience gained in multiple locations or international settings is preferred.

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

– Has a reputation for being able to connect the dots across business strategies and portfolio management lessons learned in order to generate innovative ideas, products, or solutions that can be replicated across multiple geographies

– Ability to prepare documents and reports that are concise, well-organized, and appropriately focused on the most critical points that are relevant to the target audience.

– Utilize charts, graphs, and other presentation techniques to communicate complex data and concepts simple

– Experience in project/program management, including executing 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.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

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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