Principal Investment Officer at World Bank Group

• IFC is seeking a Principal Investment Officer to provide coverage for IFC’s PE funds program in Africa, within IFC’s Disruptive Technologies and Funds Department (CDF). In addition to leading investment activities in PE funds across Africa, the role will include developing relevant corporate initiatives, partnerships, and engagement to enhance IFC’s strategic positioning in the region, and working closely with the World Bank Group on building relevant ecosystems.
• S/he will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Global Head, Private Equity Funds (CDFPE) and the Global Portfolio Manager, Private Equity Funds (CDFPE).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead business development, due diligence, negotiation, and transaction structuring of new business opportunities and liaise extensively with colleagues across the region and industry verticals;
• Establish, build, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in Africa’s PE funds including fund managers, commercial and impact investors, and development partners;
• Develop and make strategic PE funds investments and co-investments, based on rigorous market mapping, review of forward calendar, and due diligence of the funds selected for investment;
• Manage the portfolio of PE funds and co-investments in Africa; helping fund managers and investees leverage on the resources and expertise of IFC and the broader World Bank Group. Portfolio responsibilities would include representing IFC on LPACs of funds;
• Take responsibility for ongoing coverage and proactive follow-ups on compliance matters, valuations, development impact reporting, Environmental, Social and Governance and other ad-hoc operational needs for the Africa PE funds portfolio;
• S/he will also help drive value creation; including building strong relationships across IFC’s industry departments in Africa to help facilitate such value creation;
• Support the identification of and develop of upstream and market creation initiatives to foster relevant ecosystem building in alignment with country and sector strategies; and
• Represent CDF in internal and external events, support relevant corporate initiatives, partnerships and engagement on PE funds and related businesses to enhance IFC’s strategic positioning.

Selection Criteria

• At least 12-15 years of work experience of which at least 5-8 years of PE funds experience, ideally with emerging markets transaction experience;
• Deep understanding of the PE funds market and ability to link policy and advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver solutions at a regional level. Experience in lead negotiating and structuring private equity fund investments;
• Experience in portfolio management, including prior experience as an LPAC member;
• Genuine commitment to development and to the mission, strategy, and values of IFC and World Bank Group;
• Track record of engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development;
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthetize complex information and make actionable recommendations;
• Sensitivity for working in multicultural environment, commitment to diversity, and ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues / clients / partners across regions, sectors, and business lines;
• Ability to lead by example to build credibility and trust to encourage subordinates to excel and form high performance teams;
• Advanced degree required, MBA from leading international institutions preferred; and
• Strong communications skills. Written competency and spoken language fluency in English.