Career Opportunities at World Bank Group

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, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

IFC’s Vice Presidency for Economics & Private Sector Development is a hub for IFC thought leadership on private sector development, in collaboration with economists throughout the World Bank Group, and helps guide IFC operations towards development outcomes.

The Country Economics and Engagement Department (part of the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency), is hiring 8 Economists to be based in the field in each Region, working closely with and supporting the IFC Regional Director. The Economists will report to the Regional Strategy Manager in CCE and liaise with the Strategy team based in Washington DC. The positions will be based in Bogota, Dubai, Hong Kong and New Delhi. The Country Economics and Engagement Department has three principal functions:

• Diagnostics and strategy: undertake country private sector diagnostics in collaboration with IFC Operations and partners in the World Bank Group, which will feed into IFC Country Strategies and inform the WBG Strategic Country Diagnostic (SCD) and the Country Partnership Framework (CPF); 
• Support to operations: Support regional operations by reviewing the economic, development and strategic impact of IFC operations, as well as contributing to the economic analysis of project documents, board papers, regional/country briefs, etc.; and
• Analytics: Conduct in-depth analytics on specific themes relevant to private sector development at the country or regional level.

This position will be based in Vienna/ Dubai/ Nairobi/ New Delhi/ Dakar/ Colombia/ Johannesburg/ Hong Kong.

Responsibilities

Main duties of the economist include the following:

• Work closely with the Regional Director and provide the economic support to IFC’s activities as needed. A key skill for this role is to help “translate” the macroeconomic context/assessment into the regional/country operational strategy
• Act as a local focal point for the Regional Director, working closely with operational staff and liaising with the Regional Strategy Team and the Regional Strategy Manager in CCE to ensure adequate support to Operations on the economic front, at the project level and strategy level
• Support the strategy work for major countries and several countries within a region, and work closely with country/industry managers, teams, and stakeholders in developing IFC country and/or industry strategies in the Region.
• Contribute to preparation of briefs, reports and presentations to various stakeholders, including senior management and the Board, as well as external stakeholders
• Provide economic advice on investment and advisory projects, including due diligence. Draft relevant sections of Board papers for investment project approval (macro-economy and country context)

Other duties

• Support Country Private Sector Diagnostics and subsequent preparation of IFC Country Strategies
• Together with Regional management prepare IFC input to WBG Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Partnership Frameworks, progress reports and other joint initiatives
• Advise IFC senior management on Board-related matters, based on established links and understanding of Board priorities and identify issues that are highly relevant to expressed interests and concerns of the Board
• Provide in-depth input to global and/or regional policy initiatives
• Undertake analytical work on strategic topics that inform country strategies

Qualifications

• A graduate degree in economics, public policy or other relevant graduate degree from a reputable university
• At least 5 years of experience demonstrating analytical skills in economics and private sector development work in a country/regional context
• Experience in and strong knowledge of the economic context and challenges of countries
• Familiarity with IFC’s or similar Development Finance Institutions’ areas of focus and relevant experience in country/regional context
• Knowledge of IFC operational and portfolio work and a good understanding of investment projects is desirable
• Excellent understanding of financial and economic concepts and data
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with high level stakeholders in English. Fluency in Arabic/French/Spanish//Chinese a strong plus

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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, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visitwww.ifc.org

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is a global investor and advisor committed to promoting projects in its developing member countries that are economically beneficial, financially and commercially sound, and environmentally and socially sustainable. IFC finances private sector investments, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, helps clients improve social and environmental sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses in the developing world.

The Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Department is recruiting an Investment Analyst to be based in Dakar, Johannesburg or Nairobi. . The Investment Analyst will focus on Agribusiness & Forestry sector and will report to the Agribusiness Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Responsibilities

• Work across industries and regions with colleagues on all levels to help identify and execute agribusiness investment transactions in the Sub-Saharan Africa region;
• Participate in all aspects of IFC’s investment processing cycle from project development to disbursement;
• Utilize research tools effectively to conduct in-depth benchmarking analysis by sectors, companies and geographies;
• Analyze financial statements and prepare financial models;
• Prepare project-related documents (e.g. investment committee presentation) for internal and external audiences;
• Prepare notes/reports on relevant investment themes, events and breaking news;
• Analyze development impact and ensure IFC could deliver their mission;
• Establish and maintain relationships with existing clients to ensure responsive client service and proactive new business development;
• Undertake portfolio supervision work including periodic reviews of projects.

Qualifications

• A bachelor degree or equivalent professional qualification/ experience;
• Prior professional experience (at least 2 years) in corporate or project financing, including investment banking, commercial banking, private equity, equity research or business consulting;
• Excellent Excel, PowerPoint and Word skills to build succinct and convincing analyses and presentations;
• Strong research and quantitative skills, with preference for a background in financial analysis and modeling;
• Strong client service orientation with openness to feedback and new ideas;
• Exceptional attention to detail;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English.  Fluency in other languages (e.g. French, Arabic) is a plus;
• Team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to develop effective relationships within and outside IFC;
• Ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, cope with shifting priorities at short notice, and still deliver top quality work while meeting tight deadlines;
• Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success;
• Experience in emerging market is preferred (experience in Sub-Saharan Africa will be a plus);
• Passion in economic development; and
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively in a multicultural setting.

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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, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visitwww.ifc.org

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new strategy to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This new strategy aims at creating our own opportunities for private investments in riskier markets by proactively working in these countries to create, deepen, and expand the markets themselves. Delivering on this strategy requires a different approach to delivering integrated and scalable solutions that create new markets through upstream engagements and the implementation of the Cascade, in very close collaboration with World Bank colleagues at the country and sector level. Ultimately, it is about creating a new pipeline of bankable operations/ projects.

The Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) Industry is one of IFC’s key strategic priorities. The team delivers financial and technical support to clients in the power, transport, telecoms, municipal & environmental infrastructure, oil and gas, and mining sectors, from IFC’s own Balance Sheet and through mobilization of other capital. The Department also seeks to maintain IFC, as part of the World Bank Group, at the cutting-edge of helping member countries find solutions to new and emerging infrastructure and natural resource issues.

IFC is seeking to recruit Investment Analyst(s) to work closely with other investment staff to support the development, execution and monitoring of investments for its INR Industry Group in the Africa region. This group is responsible for sourcing and executing investment transactions in power, transport, and utilities. Products range from debt (corporate or project finance) to mezzanine and equity.

In addition to traditional investment activities, Investment Analysts will also be involved in transactions undertaken by IFC InfraVentures, an equity fund established by IFC to provide risk capital and expertise for the early stage development of infrastructure projects. IFC is today a leader in this area and seeks to substantially expand its activities in the region in these sectors. The position provides an opportunity to obtain company, project and sector experience in a specialized, growing and high impact area.  Some travel in the region will be required.

The selected candidate(s) will be based in Johannesburg (South Africa) or Nairobi (Kenya).

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Investment Analyst include but are not limited to:

• Analyze financial statements and prepare financial models;
• Conduct industry, market and company research;
• Prepare project-related documents for internal and external audiences;
• Participate in all aspects of IFC’s project processing cycle from project development to disbursement;
• Participate to the execution of IFC’s project development investments with a strong focus on achieving bankable projects;
• Coordinate closely with environmental and social colleagues to ensure the maintenance of high environmental and social standards in IFC’s investment;
• Participate in investment negotiations;
• Supervise investments in portfolio companies; and
• Collaborate efficiently with a range of industry and regional IFC colleagues.

Qualifications

• At least Bachelor’s or equivalent university degree;
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in project and credit analysis with a major financial institution, consulting company or large corporation a plus, although candidates with limited prior experience will also be considered;
• Strong financial, analytical and modeling skills;
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds;
• Interest in the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy and values;
• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of Portuguese or Amharic a plus; and
• Local knowledge and experience in African markets.

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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, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking Investment Analysts to support investment teams to develop new business, execute transactions and actively manage portfolio projects in any of the following industry areas: Financial Institutions; Infrastructure and Natural Resources; Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services; and Telecommunications and Venture Capital.

Positions will be located in IFC Headquarters (Washington, DC), Asia (e.g. Beijing, Singapore, Delhi, Karachi, or Mumbai); Europe and Central Asia (e.g. Istanbul or Vienna), Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Cairo or Dubai), Africa (e.g. Dakar, Nairobi, or Johannesburg), and Latin American and the Caribbean (e.g. Mexico City, São Paulo, or Bogota).

Responsibilities

• Creating financial models
• Analyzing historical and projected financial statements
• Conducting industry and market research
• Reviewing company information
• Preparing documentation for IFC internal processes
• Participating in investment negotiations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree
• Ability to develop complex financial models
• Keen interest in development finance and multicultural environments
• Up to 3 years work experience in a financial institution, particularly in investment projects
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills including corporate/project finance
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• Fluency in English required, proficiency in additional languages is preferred

go to method of application »

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, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visitwww.ifc.org

IFC’s Vice Presidency for Economics & Private Sector Development is a hub for IFC thought leadership on private sector development, in collaboration with economists throughout the World Bank Group, and helps guide IFC operations towards development outcomes.

The Country Economics and Engagement Department (part of the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency), is hiring 8 Senior Economists to be based in the field, working closely with and supporting the IFC Regional Director. The Senior Economists will report to the Regional Strategy Manager in CCE and liaise with the Strategy team based in Washington DC. The positions will be based in Dakar, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Vienna. The Country Economics and Engagement Department has three principal functions: 1) Diagnostics and strategy: undertake country private sector diagnostics in collaboration with IFC Operations and partners in the World Bank Group, which will feed into IFC Country Strategies and inform the WBG Strategic Country Diagnostic (SCD) and the Country Partnership Framework (CPF); 2) Support to operations: Support regional operations by reviewing the economic, development and strategic impact of IFC operations, as well as contributing to the economic analysis of project documents, board papers, regional/country briefs, etc.; and 3) Analytics: Conduct in-depth analytics on specific themes relevant to private sector development at the country or regional level.

This position will be based in Vienna/ Dubai/ Nairobi/ New Delhi/ Dakar/ Colombia/ Johannesburg/ Hong Kong.

Responsibilities

Main duties of the Senior Economist include the following:

• Work closely with the Regional Director and provide the economic support to IFC’s activities as needed. A key skill for this role is to help “translate” the macroeconomic context/assessment into the regional/country operational strategy
• Act as a local focal point for the Regional Director, working closely with operational staff and liaising with the Regional Strategy Team and the Regional Strategy Manager in CCE to ensure adequate support to Operations on the economic front, at the project level and strategy level
• Lead the strategy work for major countries and several countries within a region, and work closely with country/industry managers, teams, and stakeholders in developing IFC country and/or industry strategies in the Region
• Contribute to preparation of briefs, reports and presentations to various stakeholders, including senior management and the Board, as well as external stakeholders
• Provide economic advice on investment and advisory projects, including due diligence. Draft relevant sections of Board papers for investment project approval (macro-economy and country context)

Other duties

• Co-Lead Country Private Sector Diagnostics and subsequent preparation of IFC Country Strategies
• Together with Regional management prepare IFC input to WBG Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Partnership Frameworks, progress reports and other joint initiatives
• Advise IFC senior management on Board-related matters, based on established links and understanding of Board priorities and identify issues that are highly relevant to expressed interests and concerns of the Board
• Provide in-depth input to global and/or regional policy initiatives
• Undertake analytical work on strategic topics that inform country strategies

Selection Criteria

• A graduate degree in economics, public policy or other relevant graduate degree from a reputable university
• At least 8 years of experience demonstrating analytical skills in economics and private sector development work in a country/regional context
• Experience in and strong knowledge of the economic context and challenges of countries
• Familiarity with IFC’s or similar Development Finance Institutions’ areas of focus and relevant experience in country/regional context
• Knowledge of IFC operational and portfolio work and a good understanding of investment projects is desirable
• Excellent understanding of financial and economic concepts and data
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with high level stakeholders in English. Fluency in French/Spanish a strong plus