Principal Investment Officer – Infrastructure Climate & Sustainability Lead – GH

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.

Climate change is one of the greatest development challenges of our time. Left unchecked, it could push over 130 million people into extreme poverty over the next ten years. Further, the people who contribute the least to climate change could suffer the most from its effects.  On the other hand, climate is also a major economic opportunity that can promote growth, create jobs, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon development. Our research shows that climate business can generate $23 trillion in investment opportunities, create 213 million cumulative jobs, and achieve 4 billion tons of CO2 reduction in developing countries.

Helping our clients tap into these opportunities and working with a host of partners to catalyze finance for climate action, is at the core of IFC’s business. In fiscal year 2023, IFC delivered 46% in own-account climate finance and mobilized an additional $6.8 billion.  The World Bank Climate Change Action Plan (2021 – 2025) outlines the institution’s collective response to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement (referred to as “Paris Alignment” or “PA”). Under the Action Plan, IFC has committed to align 85% of new operations with the goals of Paris Agreement by July 1, 2023, and 100% of these by July 1, 2025 and to achieve at least of 35% of its investments in climate positive activities.

IFC’s Infrastructure Group (including the Infrastructure and Energy Departments) is one of the three Industry Groups within IFC, with an existing investment portfolio of about US$10 billion under management.    It provides investment and advisory services for private sector and municipal clients across energy, mining, transport, utilities, and telecom/media/technology sectors, and further mobilizes private sector capital from institutional investors and other financial institutions.  IFC Infrastructure is committed to aligning its operation with IFC’s Paris Alignment commitments and has an ambitious target to further scale up its climate business over the coming years, including through sustainable finance which is a key tool for IFC to meet its climate finance targets.

It is in this context that IFC Infrastructure is seeking to recruit a Principal Investment Officer who will serve as the Global Lead for Climate and Sustainability, IFC Infrastructure. The position will report to the Manager, Global Infrastructure, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives (CNGSI), with a dotted line to IFC’s Climate Business Department. The position is also supported by junior resources and complemented by climate anchors in each regional and sector team.

 

 Role & Responsibilities:

•  Provide leadership for developing Infrastructure’s climate and sustainability strategy, including developing new products and providing guidance to the INR Sustainable Finance Lead
•  Provide an Infrastructure-wide view of climate and sustainability business and key issues to management, staff and other departments as needed
•  Build a structure and system for proactive climate and sustainability business management (e.g., pipeline monitoring) and monitoring progress towards implementing Paris Alignment and other commitments
•  Business development: work with regional and sectoral climate and sustainability anchors to support climate- and sustainability- related business development initiatives
•  Raise climate and sustainability awareness and help equip Infrastructure staff with climate and sustainability knowledge (e.g., training, knowledge management, etc.)
•  Coordinate Infrastructure’s needs and views in working with other IFC departments, with an emphasis on identifying and removing roadblocks to achieving climate and sustainability goals
•  Serve as the key counterpart representing Infrastructure vis-à-vis climate anchors in various departments within IFC and with the World Bank
•  Cross-fertilize knowledge / best practices / business ideas within Infrastructure (across sectors and regions) and with other IFC industry departments
•  Engage and support complementary Infrastructure initiatives such as blended finance fundraising for climate and sustainable infrastructure 
•  Thought Leadership and Innovation: Identify new trends, opportunities and ideas that are emerging in the infrastructure climate space. Support the external dissemination of Infrastructure’s climate work
•  Communications skills, public speaking, and presentations: represent IFC Infrastructure at relevant industry and or climate events. Excellent communications skills, strong command of spoken and written English, and strong public speaking are a must.

 

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or relevant Master’ s qualification and at least 12-15 years of relevant experience with an investment bank, consulting firm, an international financial institution, or a development organization with a focus on infrastructure financing and/or climate finance
•  Knowledge of infrastructure and climate financing, as well as broader sustainability, energy transition and climate issues
•  Experience investing in core infrastructure sectors (power, transportation, utilities, mining, telecoms etc.)
•  Experience with change and innovation initiatives a plus; promoting change and innovation initiatives related to climate a strong plus
•  Excellent people interaction and management skills. Openness to feedback, new ideas and ability to guide direct reports and colleagues in finding solutions to problems 
•  Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build the business
•  Recognized as a team player and leader, ability to integrate, manage and resolve conflict, working in a complex matrix and gaining influence with or without using direct authority
•  Strong written and verbal communications skills
•  Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency, and fairness
•  Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials
•  Capacity to innovate and challenge the status quo and a proven track record in new idea generation
•  Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations
•  Proven ability to mentor junior investment and advisory staff

 

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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