Description
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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
The Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services (MAS) Industry Group plays an important role in supporting IFC’s strategic priorities, covering investments in the manufacturing, agribusiness and services (i.e. health and education plus tourism, retail and property) sectors. MAS sectors play a critical role in providing goods and services to consumers; addressing core needs, creating jobs, contributing to government revenue and stimulating growth. In IFC’s client countries, these sectors can account for as much as 80% of overall economic activity in a given country.
IFC’s MAS group covering Europe and Romania and/or Poland (ECA) is seeking to recruit a Senior Investment Officer (SIO) to work in IFC’s Bucharest office. The position will call primarily (75%) for leading investment activities - especially in business development (BD)/origination - in MAS sectors, primarily in Romania and Poland.Investment activities will also include execution and portfolio work on investment transactions.Secondarily (25%), the SIO will lead initiatives related to MAS ECA’s Upstream work, which entails developing proactive sector interventions and to imagine and design Upstream initiatives aimed at identifying investment opportunities and developing projects leading to creating a robust pipeline for IFC investments.
The candidate will have a proven track record as a project leader of multidisciplinary teams and professionals who have expertise in the regions and/or MAS sectors (i.e. industry specialists, investment officers and analysts, lawyers, insurance, corporate governance and environmental and social specialists).Experience with various sponsors/investors/clients, as well as varying investment products (senior secured loans, to mezzanine and/or straight equity) will be important.A project management type of background will be a plus.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Play senior, client leadership role for MAS ECA team in Romania and/or Poland with foreseen regional corporate/client responsibilities for business development in all MAS sectors;
- Establish important sponsor and other stakeholder relationships in Romania and Poland;
- Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities for Romania and Poland by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge;
- Supervise a commensurate number of MAS investment projects in the ECA region
- Work closely with the Romania and/or Poland country manager and officers- joint work to include developing client, sector and/or regional strategies and support related promotion work, including targeting potential investments and policy advisory work;
- Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, etc.,
- Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions bearing in mind immediate investment opportunities for IFCs mainstream investments as well as longer term upstream initiatives which will lead to mainstream investments.
- Execute IFC s project development investments and/or upstream projects with a strong focus on achieving bankable projects;
- Lead negotiation/documentation teams; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions;
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities;
- Lead and manage project teams, mentor and develop junior staff, in particular analysts/junior staff in the Bucharest office;
- Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to play a leadership role in areas such as formulating business strategy, developing new financial products, providing guidance to multiple teams on transaction enhancement and setting standards for quality control
Selection Criteria
- MBA or equivalent qualification;
- At least 8-12 years of experience in finance with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments in infrastructure sectors;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English backed by examples and references; Fluency in Romanian or Polish necessary; Fluency in other regional languages will also be given special consideration
- Strong credit skills backed by references;
- Strong business development and client relationship skills, demonstrated by track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively;
- Willingness to travel extensively
- Financial skills demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity);
- Strong record of portfolio management of complex projects
- Knowledge of overall MAS industry sector trends, experience in MAS, emerging markets will be plusses;
- Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners;
- Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials;
- Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds;
- Proven ability to mentor junior investment staff;
- Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards; and
- Genuine commitment to sustainable development.
- Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
