Regional Chief Risk Officer – Global Industries and Risk Architecture – GI  

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 successful candidate will join IFC’s Investment and Credit Risk Department (CIR), which is part of the Risk and Financial Sustainability Vice-presidency. CIR is responsible for providing an independent risk-reward assessment for all new investment transactions and material portfolio events and clearing such transactions at various stages of the investment cycle.

The CIR Chief Credit Officers are specialized and experienced risk professionals who are part of the independent risk oversight system. They are responsible for reviewing and approving investment proposals and material portfolio actions submitted by the IFC’s Investment and portfolio teams. In addition, working with investment teams on identifying and mitigating credit and equity risk, they ensure that the investment transactions meet IFC’s minimum investment standards as required by any applicable policies, procedures, or guidelines, as well as the risk appetite established by senior management.

The Credit Officers also play an essential role in maintaining an investment culture within IFC by disseminating credit and equity expertise and best practices through various knowledge management activities.

IFC is seeking a Regional Chief Risk Officer (RCRO) – Global Industries and Risk Architecture to join its Investment and Credit Risk Department. This professional will oversee debt projects covered by the Global Industries Vice Presidency and will be involved in new products and initiatives that IFC is considering and related policies. 

Candidates will also be expected to have a demonstrated track record of executing transactions and substantial knowledge and expertise in structured finance products methodology, analytics, and market practices.

This role requires a thorough understanding of a diverse range of products, transaction structuring, sector dynamics, best market practices, financial modeling, valuation, synthesis capacity, and application of these understandings to identify business opportunities and potential risks in existing and new transactions.

The Regional Chief Risk OfficerGlobal Industries and Risk Architecture will be based in Washington, D.C., and report to the Director of Investment and Credit Risk.

Duties and Accountabilities: 

•  With responsibility for Global products and platforms, including Structured Finance, capital markets, and hybrid capital. 

•  Lead the drive to enhance risk analytics and infrastructure to ensure that IFC’s risk platforms are in line with best practices.  

•  Develop, design, and update debt risk policies and procedures, in close coordination with the RCROs and policies and procedures group within IFC. 

•  Oversee the Knowledge and Learning team, deliver on existing training courses, design new ones, and identify new and innovative programs to address emerging needs. 

•  Work closely with the CIR Director on corporate initiatives, coordinating with CRM and Accounting on cross-departmental issues, and be a member of the CIR leadership team. 

•  Supervise the Small Project Delegation Framework

•  Assure IFC’s risk appetite is clearly understood, that a proper risk-reward balance is achieved in transactions, and the quality of IFC’s portfolio is maintained.

•  Provide an objective and independent risk assessment in approving and monitoring global transactions while meeting the Standard Level Agreements included in the “Credit Client Service Framework.”

•  As a “second pair of eyes” to investment teams, s/he will be available at all stages of IFC’s investment process (from early reviews to post-disbursement) to discuss potential issues with teams.

•  Be a recognized thought leader and provide expert input to and identify vulnerabilities associated with all approved transactions and new products.

•  Demonstrate leadership qualities managing technical staff and mentoring junior staff. 

•  Work in close coordination with the IT team on all IT-related impacts and changes.

Selection Criteria

Experience and Education:

•  Master’s degree in finance, mathematics, or other related fields.

•  At least 20 years of experience working for a major international financial institution and involved in decision-making roles, including at least 10 years in risk management. 

•  Substantial knowledge and expertise in structured finance products methodology, analytics, and market practices. Transactional experience is strongly preferred.

•  Experience with financial institutions’ policy frameworks.

•  International experience.

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills and fluency in English.

Skills:

•  Strong track record covering all debt and structured finance products and thorough understanding of deal structuring and documentation. Superior business judgment and independent thinking.

•  Superior technical skills to support thought leadership with the capital markets and structured finance teams. 

•  Good “deal sense” based on demonstrated strong analytical skills and sound business judgment.

•  Strong leadership skills to manage highly technical individuals. Excellent people management skills and openness to feedback, and new ideas. Ability to build strong relationships across boundaries.

•  Ability to work collaboratively across the organization with superior influencing and interpersonal skills, demonstrating the capacity to deliver results under stressful timetables and environments. Taking and standing by difficult decisions while communicating them in a way that creates understanding and buy-in from all stakeholders.

•  Excellent ability to seek innovative and constructive solutions to support IFC in achieving its financial and development goals.

•  Sound understanding of global and regional macroeconomic and geopolitical trends. 

•  Understanding of the markets being covered and developing relationships with counterparts in other organizations. 

•  Self-starter requiring minimal supervision. Highest standards of integrity. Strong independence of thought and ability to express candid opinions.

•  Proven ability to work effectively under a complex matrix organization and multicultural environment.

•  Effective communicator. Ability to synthesize complex information.

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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