Upstream and Advisory Operations Officer – Climate Finance – GF

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.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected Situations (FCS). This strategy calls for generating our own opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. It requires taking a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in our member countries and addressing these bottlenecks through World Bank Group engagement on policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level. It also requires capacity to leverage WBG programs and projects to develop our own proactive sector interventions and to imagine and design projects even in the absence of reforms.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.
The FIG LAC Upstream (US) and Advisory (AS) Unit seeks to create opportunities for new private sector led investments in the region by developing a pipeline of investment-ready opportunities made possible using distinct tools and interventions, including investment structuring, and advisory. The objective of the unit will be to enhance the next generation of FIG investments across priority sectors in the region that promote net zero/decarbonization national strategies.
The FIG Upstream/Advisory Unit seeks to create opportunities for new private sector led investments in the region by developing a pipeline of investment-ready opportunities made possible using distinct tools and interventions, including investment structuring, advisory and policy reform. The objective of the unit will be to enhance the next generation of FIG investments across priority sectors in the region.

IFC is seeking an Upstream and Advisory Operations Officer for its Financial Institutions Group in Ukraine to be based in Kiev, Ukraine.

Duties and Accountabilities

In achieving its climate finance objectives FIG is recruiting for an Operations Officer (OO) to support FIG Upstream Advisory Services in Ukraine to scale up its climate finance consulting projects with financial intermediaries. Specially, the OO will support the FIG US/AS team to partner with relevant financial intermediaries to: (i) Develop FIG’s expanding business operations; and (ii) support in the delivery of advisory and upstream projects.
The OO will work with the FIG team to identify new climate upstream and advisory business opportunities that are in line with IFC’s objectives and implement these projects. This includes.
• Ensure the design and implementation of new FIG US/AS high-quality project pipeline, in collaboration with the FIG investment team to ensure strong alignment with the FIG investment WBG and IFC regional and country strategies and IFC ESG standards.
• Identify game-changing regulatory reform, business models and trends that can present opportunities for new climate related capital market structures and asset classes, including business models leveraging digital innovation.
• Work closely with investment colleagues to develop and manage client relationships and foster cross departmental collaboration to meet client-specific requirements.
• Engage with the IBRD to identify and contribute to sector and regulatory reforms that support opportunities for FIG related investments.
• Disseminate and absorb knowledge and experience across the regional industry department and global teams to support adoption of new approaches and best practices.
• Engage with officials within World Bank, governments, other development organizations, and the private sector to identify joint and IFC US/AS and investment opportunities.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in business, Finance, Economics, or related fields is preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience of client facing management consulting to financial institutions or banking in emerging markets; with proven track record in the field of climate finance or financial inclusion.
• Deep understanding of the financial industry and ability to link policy reforms, industry standards, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver climate or financial inclusion solutions in Ukraine.
• Experience in helping companies/clients to develop new products/concepts/business models; piloting, measuring success and learning lessons from them for future roll-out plans.
• Solid understanding of the trends in financial services considering different players.
• Strong project management, sales and external client relationship management skills, including the ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships and ensure timely and appropriate follow-up.
• Highly motivated, energetic, team player with excellent interpersonal skills and client service skills with the ability to multi-task, deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, and credibly represent IFC with clients and
stakeholders, including at the senior executive level.
• Sound business judgment and problem solving, negotiation and commercial skills.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the management of potential clients and of financial and technical partners.
• Solid people management and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond to situations of high demand and pressure in a timely manner.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development.

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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.

“Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the “Apply” button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization’s application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.”