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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

IFC’s Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) industry group covers sectors which cater to basic human needs such as food, shelter, jobs, health, and education. MAS Asia has identified decarbonization of food systems, from field to food retailer and sustainability linked financing as key opportunities for business development and climate impact reduction, working across investment and upstream/advisory units. IFC seeks an Operations Officer for the MAS Asia team to work on the development and implementation of projects which support IFC’s investment business and portfolio clients and provide development impact to IFC in the agricultural supply chain and agricultural emissions reduction space. The position will provide sound technical advice to MAS Asia team and IFC clients and liaise with other World Bank Group teams in the development and implementation of projects and programs which catalyze food and agribusiness companies to reduce their environmental footprint, improve the livelihoods of supply chain participants and operate more sustainably.

The ideal candidate profile will combine sector expertise and technical knowledge with strong advisory, consulting or investment experience.  The preference is for a specialist with experience with agricultural production and a proven track record of impact in this sector; equivalent experience and expertise in post-harvest, food processing and, or logistics, as well as climate financing, will be a plus.  S/he will appreciate the need for a “farming” orientation as well as an agribusiness orientation and be able to clearly convey ideas across and obtain buy-in from other units.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Operations Officer will develop and take ownership of ongoing MAS Upstream Advisory projects and develop new projects with new sponsors.  Her/His duties will include but are not limited to the following:

Business Development
•  Engage with the market to identify and assess agricultural production and food supply chains to develop projects that support sizeable investment and financing opportunities for IFC, including climate financing.
•  Conceptualize a business development approach to new IFC clients that complements the existing MAS investment business, and identify means of approach, necessary supporting documentation and strategies and tactics.
•  Collaborate with MAS investment team, global MAS agri advisory team to undertake active business development in identifying new investment/upstream advisory opportunities.
•  Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including the MAS Upstream/Advisory and Investment teams working on business and project development and World Bank teams performing country-level analytics and policy/regulatory research and analysis.
•  Actively participate within an active network of industry stakeholders to keep updated on developing market drivers and trends, including technology and policy developments.
•  Ensure familiarity with completed Country Deep Dives, Climate Change Development Reports (CCDRs) and other World Bank Group documents for use as a common starting point in firm-level discussions.

Project Management
•  Manage a portfolio of MAS Upstream/Advisory projects in agricultural and food supply chain development. Engage with clients, vendors, consultants on regular basis to manage the projects.
•  Develop Terms of Reference (TOR) for consultants, market studies and other advisory and analytical work and help manage consultant activities to produce high-quality project and client deliverables.
•  Support MAS Investment teams in deal appraisals and related project activities while working closely with Industry Specialists and other team members to promote advisory offering(s).
•  Develop relationships with private-sector clients and other external stakeholders and assist team members in managing and maintaining client and stakeholder relationships while growing the business.
•  Coordinate closely relevant MAS platforms such as the MAS Climate platform, Sustainable Crop Production platform, Sustainable Proteins platform, Food Safety platform and Smallholder Supply Chains platform.
•  Support Development Partnerships and project teams seeking funding from various donors providing climate finance funding.
•  Provide practical and actionable input to implementation plans including leading development of budgets, selection of technologies, definition of practices and assessment and training to ensure client capacity supports successful project outcomes.

Sharing Knowledge
•  Identify and evaluate game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can bring solutions to emerging markets and share appropriate insights within IFC.
•  Share project and country knowledge, project lessons learned, and best practices with wider WBG network and external clients and stakeholders to support IFC’s positioning as a thought leader.
•  Collaborate with stakeholders and form partnerships with staff across IFC and the World Bank Group, sponsors, clients and other external parties to enable delivery of projects.
•  Participate in internal and external conferences, workshops and other subject matter fora as an expert speaker.
•  Build IFC overall brand and visibility through development of thought leadership and knowledge materials 

Selection Criteria

•  At least ten years of direct industry experience, with industry-related P&L generation and, or management experience preferred. In-depth and relevant advisory experience with leading global and regional players will be an added advantage.
•  Working knowledge of a technical agriculture area, including knowledge of application of appropriate technologies and applicable policies and regulations in Asia.
•  Strong understanding of emerging themes within the agricultural climate change, resource efficiency, decarbonization, circular economy spaces and their relevance for agriculture and agribusiness.
•  Experience working directly with agricultural producers, manufacturing companies and/or food distributors or retailers to design and implement strategies and roadmaps or similar experience.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to draft clear and concise written documents for internal and external purposes.
•  Commitment to development and to the World Bank and IFC’s mission, strategy and values.
•  Experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects, programs and, or initiatives.
•  Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthetize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations.
•  Excellent people skills, openness to feedback and new idea, and ability to guide and motivate others.
•  Experience assessing potential investment and financing opportunities, planning client engagements, pre-feasibility and feasibility work and other project development activities preferred.
•  Evidence of results delivery and a highly practical approach that combines technical skills with the ability to influence and guide management to adopt change in the agricultural community is a requirement.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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