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. 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.
IFC is recruiting a Senior Investment Officer to be based in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) team in Africa. The selected candidate will provide expertise in the Services sectors (including tourism, retail, property, health, and education) to the IFC MAS regional industry teams in Africa. This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and executing transactions and in portfolio management. The Senior Investment Officer will also have a significant role in setting strategies to grow IFC’s Africa Services business, as well as day-to-day responsibilities leading transactions, and portfolio management.
She/he will report to IFC Regional Industry Manager, Services, for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The Senior Investment Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Africa region and in Washington, DC, on business development, transaction execution, portfolio supervision, and client relationship management in manufacturing and services.
The responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities through proactive origination/business development and developing and employing sector/country knowledge.
• As team leader and sector investment specialist, evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, as necessary.
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
• Lead term sheet negotiation/legal documentation process; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
• Provide high quality client service throughout the project cycle from transaction sourcing and processing to supervision.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional clients, businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Assist in the formulation, monitoring and updating of IFC’s strategy in the Services sectors in Africa region, working with IFC’s industry and regional departments and in close coordination with the World Bank.
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, governance, and technical assistance colleagues in order to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Support in providing thought leadership within the team, specifically on the Services sectors- tourism, retail, property, health, and education.
Selection Criteria
• MBA, Master’s degree in Finance or equivalent;
• At least 12+ years of work experience for a major commercial or investment bank with significant emerging markets presence, an international financial institution or a private equity firm;
• Experience in investment transaction, with proven success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments;
• Expertise in consumer services sectors i.e. tourism, retail, commercial and residential property, health and education sectors
• Knowledge of and experience in emerging markets a plus (particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa);
• Strong business judgment in identifying potential business partners;
• Strong financial and credit skills; sound business judgment and demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (debt and equity);
• Client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively;
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials;
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries and to build networks across the region, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results;
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills;
• Proven ability to work independently and deliver promptly and efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, fluency in other languages a plus.
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.