Description
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In fiscal year 2018, we delivered more than $23 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, deploying the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
The Middle East and North Africa Department “MENA” is hiring a Country Officer to be responsible for overseeing, and monitoring performance of IFC’s program for Egypt, to build an environment attractive to private sector investment and that results in sustainable development impact. The Country Officer will also help the Country Manager develop IFC’s program in Libya and Yemen, acting as a focal point for colleagues actively engaged in opening these markets. The position will be based in Cairo.
Duties and Accountabilities
- Keep abreast of regulatory developments that impact general IFC’s activities and provide input on local economic and business trends to IFC investment decisions and strategies. Research untapped markets to identify current constraints to private sector investment as input to upstream market creation decisions.
- In collaboration with regional teams and strategists, (i) support the formulation and execution of country strategies (including CPFs, CENs) and diagnostics; (ii) support preparation of briefing materials relating to senior management visits and Annual, Spring meetings, and (iii) develop partnerships with WB staff working in assigned country in order to support World Bank Group objectives, especially in the context on implementing the cascade.
- Support business development efforts for investment projects, engage in project financial analysis with investment teams and support portfolio teams. Participate in missions, country review meetings and appraisal of projects. Liaise with IFC investment teams to monitor progress and performance of projects to solve potential problems. Work closely with IFC staff in the region in handling client relationships, identify, analyze and help address key country and sponsor reputation risks.
- Support the Country Manager in overseeing advisory projects including developing recommendations on approval/no-objection for selection memos, cooperation agreements, MOUs, Advisory Service Agreements, Integrity Due Diligence of IFC Advisory projects to deliver outcomes.
- Support the Country Manager to ensure IFC representation/involvement at key private sector, public sector, donor and World Bank events and meetings as appropriate, and ensure dissemination of information to relevant staff within the World Bank Group.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with Government officials and the private sector, and close relationships with key IFC partners and WBG counterparts in the country office to further IFC’s activities.
- Support the development of appropriate communications strategies and assist in developing presentations. Participate in targeted business events and conferences to develop business.
- Supervise, as needed, members of broader teams and provide mentoring. Ensure quality control of work products and efficient use of resources.
Selection Criteria
- Advanced degree in Business, Economics or related field
- Five to eight years of professional experience in banking, auditing, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment
- Experience in investment transaction, with shown success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments; Portfolio experience is a plus
- Demonstrated understanding of the assigned country including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework
- Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve
- Strong eye for business in identifying potential business partners; capacity to identify gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business
- Good analytical, financial analysis, financial modeling, ratio, credit, integrity assessment, and business skills to recognize viable straightforward projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs
- Sound business judgment and shown ability to structure a broad range of financial instruments (debt and equity)
- Proven client relationship skills. Track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively. Good at interacting directly and independently with the key counterparts (clients as well as financial, and technical partners)
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results
- Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in English and Arabic
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines
- Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility
The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
More Information
- Job City Cairo, Egypt
