IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is a premier global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Operating in over 100 countries worldwide, IFC utilizes its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In FY2022, IFC committed a record-breaking $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries. IFC’s investment in emerging markets aims to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies tackle the impacts of global compounding crises.
In a bid to drive more investment activity, IFC has launched an ambitious new growth strategy called IFC 3.0. This strategy seeks to generate unique opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets. It also requires a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in their member countries. Addressing these bottlenecks involves engaging the World Bank Group on policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level.
IFC’s Infrastructure Department is currently seeking to hire an Investment Officer to join their infrastructure investment team. The team primarily covers the MCT Region (Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), and the selected candidate will be based in either Karachi or Amman. The investment officer will work across the business cycle, with a focus on business development, processing and managing IFC’s investments throughout the life of IFC’s investments.
The role and responsibilities of the position include developing and implementing an integrated investment and advisory/upstream strategy that will enhance IFC’s engagement on priority sectors such as infrastructure, agribusiness, and manufacturing. The investment officer will also help to develop a strong pipeline of investment and advisory opportunities, contribute to drafting strategies with a focus on real sectors, and proactively engage with clients to optimize risk-return profile and development impact of IFC’s investments. Additionally, the officer will keep abreast of macro-economic developments, provide business intelligence to investment teams, and help develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
To be eligible for the position, candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or another relevant field. They must also have at least eight years of relevant experience in infrastructure project investment and financing activities. Prior working experience in Pakistan and IFC/World Bank operational countries in the MCT Region is also required. Furthermore, candidates must possess the ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners, and senior government officials.
IFC’s Investment Officer role requires a genuine commitment to development and the World Bank Group’s mission, strategy, and values. The candidate must also have a strong understanding of infrastructure sectors, such as power, transportation, utilities, natural resources, telecoms, and technology, and the ability to challenge the status quo. Additionally, candidates must have a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments in real sectors.
In summary, IFC’s focus on private sector development in emerging markets has made it a leader in its field. With its new growth strategy, IFC 3.0, the institution is set to generate even more opportunities in developing countries. The position of IFC’s Investment Officer offers a unique opportunity for qualified candidates to be a part of this effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity through private sector investment.