Description
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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion 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.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double our volume of business by 2030 and triple the work we do in low-income countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected States (FCS). To do so, IFC will need to deploy its full range of financing, mobilization, advisory, convening, and thought leadership skills. This also calls for the need to generate our opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and opportunities for the private sector and to imagine, design, and implement investment projects. This strategy also relies on a closer WBG collaboration through the “Cascade” approach: working with clients, we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challenges—where such solutions are advisable and can be effective—and reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.
The Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) Industry is one of IFC’s key strategic priorities. The team delivers financial and technical support to clients in the power, transport, municipal & environmental infrastructure, and mining sectors, from IFC’s own Balance Sheet and through mobilization of other capital. The Department also seeks to maintain IFC, as part of the World Bank Group, at the cutting edge of helping member countries find solutions to new and emerging infrastructure and natural resource issues.
IFC is seeking a Senior Investment Officer for its core Infrastructure operations in South Asia. The position is based in Delhi or Mumbai. The Senior Investment Officer will be responsible for leading business development and transaction processing for INR in the region, in particular about Telecoms, Media & Technology (TMT) transactions.
Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Senior Investment Officer will include but are not limited to:
• Provide thought leadership on TMT sector trends and implications for IFC’s business in the sector to both grow and future-proof IFC’s business in the sector and be an integral part of driving sustainable growth of the business
• Drive IFC’s investments in the TMT and creative sectors in the region and across the capital structure (equity, mezzanine, or senior debt)
• Build a strong pipeline of potential investment opportunities
• Originate, execute, and supervise as needs arise viable investment transactions that maximize development impact as well as profitability
• Lead and/or provide guidance to teams on due diligence (financial, market, valuation, etc), risk/mitigation analysis, and structuring/ negotiations
• Analyze industry trends and prior transactions to develop new business and improve portfolio performance; disseminate knowledge across the industry group
• Develop and implement innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions
• Lead project teams, mentor and develop junior staff
• Develop and drive regional client relationships
• Coordinate closely with technical experts (engineers, environmental specialists, lawyers, etc) to add value to our client’s businesses, find pragmatic solutions, and achieve sustainable development impact
• Drive IFC’s work in sub-sectors and/or cross-cutting initiatives representing the sector group as needs arise including being the primary contact point with regional and functional departments
• Collaborate in developing strategies for various sub-sectors, countries, and cross-cutting initiatives
• Gather market intelligence and stay informed of TMT trends in various sub-sectors and countries
• Identify business models and opportunities for new approaches that can accelerate private sector participation and development impact
• Maintain relationships with clients and other stakeholders (government, development partners, WBG) to develop markets and investment opportunities
• Supervision and coaching of more junior staff as applicable
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree in a related field and at least 8 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years of experience in developing and/ or financing projects and operations in the TMT and creative sectors, particularly in emerging markets, and a solid understanding of sector trends and issues
• Related fields of education include business, finance, or economics or an area of expertise specific to a sector, subject matter, or industry specialty. Relevant experience could include a proven track record in business consulting or investment banking, or developer or operational experience in the sector or technical or professional field developing infrastructure projects
• Has a reputation for listening carefully to clients and stakeholders and asking targeted questions to understand their needs and determine the viability of a business opportunity
• Ability to build long-term engagement with clients and credibility by demonstrating knowledge of their business, sector, and culture; maintain an ongoing dialogue on their business needs, operations, and strategies as well as opportunities for strategically aligned business deals
• Ability to maintain client engagement during the portfolio stage to identify growth opportunities, address emerging problems, and focus on actions that promote sustainability and ensure that overall development impact objectives are met
• Ability to interact effectively with working-level WBG staff and participate in collaborative interventions or /projects that enable private sector investment by exercising sensitivity to differences in corporate cultures, priorities, and operating practices and /or requirements
• Public Sector: Ability to participate and constructively contribute in meetings with mid-level government officials on constraints to private sector investment in their countries and opportunities for private sector participation, public-private partnerships, and asset monetization
• Ability to develop a client engagement plan and implement it by maintaining ongoing relationships with senior-level clients, developing a deep knowledge of their business and priorities, anticipating their unexpressed needs, and helping them look beyond markets where they are currently active
• Ability to learn from and exercise influence in working-level relationships across WBG to: (i) develop a deeper understanding of how they work and their priorities and interests, (ii) advocate for IFC’s priorities, and (iii) identify opportunities to work together to open new markets for private sector investment
• Networks: Possesses an extensive internal and external network with key players in the sector, country, region, or specialization (e.g., legal, credit industry specialists), and an ability to leverage those networks to maintain expertise, identify and capitalize on business opportunities, bring deals to closure, and obtain approvals
• Preference for experience in working on projects in South Asia
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development
• Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility
Languages
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written skills
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.
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