Senior Country 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.

IFC’s strategy in East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) aims to substantially increase cross-border
investments, including Korean outward investments in cooperation with Korean government agencies, Korean banks and funds, and Korean companies investing overseas. Investment from Korea into developing and transition economies is increasing significantly. In an effort to identify project opportunities for IFC as related to foreign investment flows from Korea, IFC is currently seeking a Senior Country Officer to be based in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Roles & Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the WBG Country Manager, the Senior Country Officer will be responsible for IFC’s engagement with Korea and for managing IFC’s presence in Korea. The Senior Country Officer will lead origination of new business opportunities for IFC Korea with a focus on outbound investment by Korean corporate. This will include but not be limited to:
•  Identifying investment business opportunities in all sectors IFC invests in, with a focus on manufacturing, agribusiness, health, and education; other sectors likely to have business opportunities include financial institutions, infrastructure and natural resources;
• Developing a good understanding of the sectors and region and in-depth relationships with key sector players;
• Cultivating and maintaining high level relationships with key partners in Korea, including government agencies, industry organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, donors and other partners as needed;
• Dealing with counterparts in sponsor companies, industry groups and other organizations on a wide range of transactions to enhance operations and effectiveness;
• Organizing and attending events and making presentations about IFC at relevant meetings and conferences to promote IFC in Korea;
• Screening and evaluating the attractiveness of specific transaction proposals and making
recommendations on investments therein;
• Executing IFC’s investments with a strong focus on credit and asset quality;
• Participating in all Korean sponsor related Concept Review Meetings (CRMs), Corporate Operations Committee (COC) meetings and Investment Review Meetings (IRMs);
• Leading on performing sponsor checks on Korean sponsors for IFC clients;
• Arranging and managing visiting missions.
• Establishing contact between clients and relevant IFC staff in relevant industry departments and country offices.

The Senior Country Officer will be responsible for the management and development of IFC’s close relationships with key government agencies to include:
• Ministry of Economy and Finance
• Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
• KEXIM, K-Sure, KDB and other government financial institutions

The Senior Country Officer will work with other parts of the World Bank Group to ensure and coordinate World Bank Group engagement in Korea.

The Senior Country Officer will manage IFC staff assigned to the office, evaluating their performance and helping them plan their career development and maintain the office and its operation in support of IFC’s good reputation in Korea.

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or equivalent qualification;
•  Minimum ten years of relevant professional experience in investment services
•  Knowledge of FDI and cross-border investment as well as Korean outward investments, with strong local industry and government network (vice-ministerial level);
•  Proven business development and client relationship skill and ability to interact directly with senior management (chairman / CEO) of clients and potential clients;
•  Strong financial and credit skills, demonstrated by the ability to assess and structure complex debt and equity investment transactions;
•  Knowledge of IFC and its investment products is desirable;
•  Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills and ability to lead diverse teams and deliver high quality products;
•  Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills;
•  Fluency in spoken and written English; and fluency in Korean is preferred;
•  Working experience in Korea and understanding of business culture is preferred;
•  Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the region and different parts of the world.

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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