Resident Representative – 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. For more information, please visit www.ifc.org.

 

The IFC is recruiting a Resident Representative for Rwanda and Uganda based in Kigali. The position reports to the Country Manager, Tanzania Cluster, based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. 

The Resident Representative will play a critical role in developing and operationalizing IFC’s strategy in Rwanda and Uganda, in close collaboration with stakeholders across the WBG. The Resident Representative will conduct business development efforts, provide strategic oversight of IFC Investment, Upstream and Advisory programs, and administratively oversee the Kigali and Kampala offices. The Resident Representative will also cultivate strong relationships with high-level government representatives, private sector actors, multilateral partners and civil society organizations.

 

Duties and Accountabilities (Rwanda and Uganda)

Country Operations 

•  Oversee IFC’s Investment, Upstream, and Advisory activities in Rwanda and Uganda, working closely with IFC industry sectors and technical teams.

•  Ensure effective management and coordination of IFC’s operations in each country.

•  Ensure high-quality standards and thoroughness in project design and implementation.

•  Evaluate and provide advice and guidance to teams on structuring and negotiating highly complex transactions.

•  Jointly with the Country Manager, share accountability for the quality and performance of the country portfolio, focusing on client satisfaction, productivity, development impact, and people metrics.

Strategy 

•  Provide strategic direction and guidance for Investment, Upstream, and Advisory activities.

•  In conjunction with the Country Manager and in collaboration with the World Bank, develop and implement strategies for IFC’s Investment, Upstream and Advisory activities, focusing on the critical areas as per the regional and country strategies. 

•  Recommend and promote upstream market creation approaches and interventions and discuss needed market and regulatory reforms. 

 

Stakeholder Engagement and Management

•  Cultivate relationships and strategically engage with key partners, including the governments of Rwanda and Uganda (at ministerial and working levels) and their agencies, private sector entities, industry organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, World Bank, MIGA, and civil society organizations.

•  Coordinate the development of client engagement strategies to enhance partnerships and collaboration. 

•  Respond to queries from HQ, regional management, and staff.

 

Reputational Risk Management

•  Identify, analyze, monitor, and address reputational risks associated with IFC’s activities.

•  Conduct thorough assessments of country and sponsor-related risks.

•  Take proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect IFC’s reputation.

 

Business Development and Representation

•  Lead business development efforts to generate a strong pipeline of investment opportunities, working closely with relevant IFC and World Bank colleagues.

•  Advisory services project identification and design and collaborate with partners to deliver effective advisory services.

•  Represent IFC and support the Country Manager and IFC management to represent IFC in key private and public sector, donor, World Bank or other DFI-led events and meetings as appropriate.

•  Participate in targeted business events and conferences to support IFC’s activities.

Business Environment

•  Monitor macroeconomic developments that may impact IFC’s activities.

•  Provide regular inputs to Country and Regional Industry management teams.

•  Stay informed about economic trends and developments in Rwanda and Uganda, as well as industry trends and developments.

•  Communicate key developments in Rwanda and Uganda to relevant corporate stakeholders in coordination with the Country Manager.

 

Knowledge Management and Capacity-Building

•  Disseminate best practices and lessons learned.

•  Manage learning and knowledge flows within IFC.

•  Share IFC’s products and solutions with stakeholders.

 

Office Administration

•  Oversee day-to-day running of IFC’s Kigali and Kampala offices, including being responsible for office budget, facilities, security, and logistics. 

•  Lead and supervise the Rwanda and Uganda Country Teams.

•  Ensure quality control of work products and efficient use of resources.

•  Provide mentorship, coaching, and on-the-job learning opportunities to staff.

•  Support visiting teams and missions from IFC and other stakeholders.

 

Selection Criteria

•  Masters degree in Business, Economics, or a related field.

•  More than 15 years of experience in banking, consulting, and relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services, mainly related to private sector development and/or business environment. Experience in development-related investment and/or advisory work will be a positive factor.

•  Experience in investment transactions, successfully developing client relationships and sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and closing quality investments. Portfolio management experience is a plus.

•  Demonstrated strong country knowledge, including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework. 

•  Strong eye for identifying potential investment and advisory opportunities, capacity to identify and help address gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business.

•  Good business analytical, financial analysis, credit, and integrity assessment skills to recognize viable projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs.

•  Proven track record of developing and maintaining senior-level public and private sector client relationship skills. Ability to focus on client needs effectively and operate independently with senior counterparts in a credible manner.

•  Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, and build networks across IFC, including mentoring and coaching others to achieve results.

•  Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English. Working knowledge of French is a plus.

•  Proven track record of excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills. Ability to deliver with tight deadlines.

•  Ability to plan and manage staff to achieve high-quality results and encourage innovation in an open team-based environment, inspiring trust and influencing and resolving differences across organizational boundaries.

•  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.

 

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