Description
Do you want to build a career that is full of meaning and
impact? The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank
Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private
sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide,
we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and
opportunities where they are needed most. Visit www.ifc.org
IFC’s Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS)
department covers sectors which cater to basic human needs such as food,
shelter, jobs, and health and education. They play a critical role in providing
goods and services to consumers, create jobs, contribute to government revenue,
and stimulate growth through SMEs.
The Regional Lead for Advisory Services in the Middle East
and Africa region, within the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services
Department is a member both of the regional MAS team (which includes investment
and advisory services) as well as of the global MAS advisory leadership team.
The Regional Lead reports to the Regional Industry Director with the second
line to the MAS Global Advisory Manager. S/he serves as the primary advisory
counterpart to the regional MAS investment, upstream and portfolio team, while
coordinating with global MAS Advisory platforms (i.e. food safety, smallholder
supply chains, animal protein, climate, productivity, etc.). S/he is also
expected to develop close working relationships with key IFC counterparts in
the region, such as the Regional Head of Operations, Country Managers,
Environmental & Social specialists, Gender specialists and Development
Partner Relations. S/he will focus on regional business development and
oversee/support the delivery of advisory to clients in the region leveraging
technical expertise from the rest of the global MAS advisory team and other
units as required, including the World Bank.
The Regional Lead for Advisory will also serve as the focal
point to facilitate advisory-related corporate communication, client-donor
relationship, and internal coordination. This is particularly important with
respect to country strategies, coordinating fundraising initiatives and any
other regional management issues.
Responsibilities
- Oversee regional business development for MAS advisory in the
Middle East and Africa region through a “one team” approach with the
relevant MAS new business, portfolio, and upstream teams. Jointly
prioritize clients, countries and sectors with a view to where advisory
can play a role either ex-ante to help business development or to de-risk
portfolio. Join MAS client pitches and appraisals as appropriate.
Participate in regional investment CRMs and portfolio reviews to identify
opportunities for advisory services to add value to clients.
- Lead individual client engagements in own area of expertise.
Leverage MAS advisory sector anchors and platform leads as needed to
ensure technical and sector expertise is made available to clients in the
regions.
- Engage with relevant parts of the IFC and the World Bank, including
Financial Institutions Group, Infrastructure, CES and other Global
Practices as needed to design comprehensive solutions for clients and
achieve impact at scale.
- Provide quality control over the design of engagements and their
implementation. Negotiate pricing and client contributions with support of
relevant IFC relationship managers.
- Manage the work program of the regionally based MAS advisory team,
in some cases jointly with the MAS advisory sector anchors and platform
leads. Coach and mentor junior team members and build team cohesiveness to
deliver value to clients.
- Serve as the focal point to facilitate advisory-related corporate
communication, client-donor relationship, and internal coordination with
respect to country strategies, coordinating fundraising initiatives and
any other regional management issues.
- Work closely with the MAS global advisory team and the regional
Development Partner Relations team to ensure funding needs for Advisory
programs in the region are addressed.
- Have delegated financial authority for MAS advisory in the region.
- Ensure quality control over MAS Advisory CNs, IPs, PSRs and PCRs
for regional projects, as well as advisory inputs in MAS investment CRMs,
IRMs, and Board Papers. Also ensure that MAS input into donor reporting
for regional programs is of high quality.
- Contribute substantively to the knowledge management and thought
leadership agenda of the MAS department in own area of expertise.
- Serve as a member of the MAS advisory global leadership team,
contributing to initiatives in other regions or globally as required to
meet client needs.
Qualifications
- Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and
values;
- A Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in
finance or business;
- A minimum of 14 years of private sector operational experience in
manufacturing, agribusiness, services or related industry across diverse
geographies;
- Proven track record in nurturing client relationships and resolving
challenging issues;
- Demonstrated ability to understand what makes businesses succeed,
develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build the
business;
- Recognized as a team player, collaborator, leader and strategic
thinker;
- Proven track record of managing, motivating and mentoring staff
across different locations;
- Strong written and verbal communications skills in English; French
preferred;
- Ability to represent IFC externally and to develop and manage
relationships with government, media, donors, and other stakeholders;
- Sound business judgment, demonstrated ability to deliver results
under stressful timetables and environment.
How to Apply
Apply for Principal Operations Officer Job here