Senior Operations Officer-Regional Infrastructure Sustainability Lead – 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 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 offers long-term financing and industry-leading expertise to develop infrastructure projects that provide essential services including electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water, and sanitation in partnership with the private sector. As part of the World Bank Group, IFC works with governments and development partners to create a business environment that attracts private capital to infrastructure sectors. In FY22, our new long-term investments in infrastructure totaled about $3 billion, including $1.4 billion mobilized from other investors.

The SIA team works with companies and other stakeholders to build and strengthen climate and social inclusion capabilities, which in turn strengthens their environmental, social, and governance performance and IFC’s development impact.

IFC’s Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory (SIA) group is seeking a highly motivated Senior Operations Officer, with strong social performance and environmental private sector experience, international development background, as well as project management, business development, and communications skills to lead the work in Latin America and help deliver SIA’s global work program.

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Operations Officer will report to the SIA Global Manager in Washington DC and will lead the LAC regional team involved in the delivery of innovative solutions that can contribute to improving the environmental and social sustainability and development impact of IFC’s investments in Infrastructure sectors.

Specific responsibilities of the Regional Lead will include:

Client delivery
•  Lead the LAC team’s business development efforts and respond timely to investment team’s requests.
•  Work closely with Infra regional managers on identifying client engagement opportunities (pre-investment and investment).
•  Identify advisory opportunities and build a pipeline of advisory engagements supporting clients.
•  Guide/oversee the preparation of proposals for clients, including a clear business case and value proposition.
•  Design and/or provide guidance and support to the team for the design of advisory projects or brief engagements.
•  Approve project related contracts, travel, and payments, ensuring compliance with regulations in a timely manner.
•  Oversee and provide support, guidance, and quality control to the SIA advisory programs in the region ensuring timely delivery and compliance with project governance throughout the project cycle.
•  Support sustainability linked finance efforts as appropriate.

Regional thought leadership
•  Contribute with original and solid thought leadership in sustainability, developing and refining new and innovative advisory products and services to be offered to clients.
•  Contribute to strategy development and discussions lead by SIA Manager and/or regional managers providing the region’s perspective and priorities (industry/country).
•  Play a key role in the identification of new market trends and opportunities and shape corresponding solutions for clients.  
•  Develop and effectively articulate the business case for sustainability initiatives in different infrastructure sectors.
•  Coordinate engagement at regional level and promote SIA activities with relevant teams
•  Lead the regional Country Driven Budgeting (CDB) process in coordination with SIA Manager and the Regional Upstream/Advisory INR Manager.
•  Seek and tap regional funding for specific initiatives in the region, coordinate donor funding efforts with the Partnership Team and support obtaining client contributions for SIA projects when appropriate.

Managing resources
•  Manage the SIA regional team providing members with relevant guidance and support while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, trust, and high-quality outputs.
•  Regularly provide formal and informal performance feedback to team members.
•  Mentor staff in the region encouraging/supporting their professional growth and providing career advice and in a way that empowers them to grow professionally.
•  Determine regional budget needs for LAC umbrella program and new initiatives.
•  Oversee the execution of the SIA regional budget as well as the appropriate use of individual project budgets in the region.
•  Lead/oversee timely donor reporting. 

Communications & partnerships
•  Lead/contribute to Knowledge Management (KM)
•  Systematize successful experiences that have the potential to be scalable.
•  Contribute to the ideation and production of knowledge pieces.
•  Participate in industry workshops, roundtables and conferences sharing IFC’s experience with clients and relevant stakeholders.
•  Identify and engage key clients in the region, developing strong working relationships and making IFC’s advisory value add evident.
•  Develop strategic relations and partnership with relevant regional actors for SIA work in the region.

 

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in business, finance, public policy, economics or engineering or an area of expertise specific to environmental or social sustainability.
•  At least twelve years of relevant private sector experience in finance, advisory, or business consulting services with a focus on sustainability (climate & inclusion). 
•  Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing advisory projects using innovative approaches, including demonstrated ability to uphold operational procedures.
•  Experience in international development and private sector financing, including Sustainable Finance desired.
•  Proven ability to manage and develop local and international staff and individual consultants, 
•  Strong client engagement skills, building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including a range of private and public sector partners.
•  Experience in infrastructure and natural resource sectors (transport, energy, mining, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, cities, water, or waste) is needed. 
•  Solid understanding of the ESG and sustainability indicators/targets/reporting, as well as monitoring and evaluation techniques.
•  High level of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work project requirements. 
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English, ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders. 
•  Experience in facilitation, capacity building and training is a strong plus.
•  General understanding of IFC operations and investment and advisory products and services as well as knowledge of IFC ES&G standards, and how they relate to client engagement, is an advantage.
•  Working fluency in English and Spanish. Portuguese is 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.

 

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