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.

Infrastructure is one of IFC’s strategic priorities. IFC’s Infrastructure department supports the World Bank Group’s aim of improving access to efficient, reliable, and affordable infrastructure for the poor in emerging markets.  The team is responsible for originating and managing IFC’s investment activities in the following sectors: Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission, Mining, Transport & logistics, Telecommunications, Water, Waste, Privatized Public Services, and other Subnational/Cities financing. IFC’s focus in the sector is on: (i) increasing access to basic infrastructure services; (ii) supporting local companies while improving transparency and corporate governance; (iii) exploring new equity and debt investment opportunities and catalyzing foreign direct investments, including co-investments and mobilizing syndicated and parallel loans; (iv) introducing and developing new financial products including through Public-Private Partnerships; and (v) building long-term partnerships with strong global and regional players.

The Latin America and the Caribbean Infrastructure Unit, an open and dynamic unit involved in the origination, structuring, and supervision of IFC’s infrastructure investments in the region, is seeking a Senior Investment Officer to join our team specifically covering equity investments in the region. The selected candidate will provide leadership and expertise to IFC’s equity & mezzanine business. This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in structuring, negotiating, and executing equity & mezzanine transactions, asset management, leadership, and interpersonal skills. The Senior Investment Officer will also have a significant role in setting equity strategies, day-to-day business operations, business growth, and portfolio management.

The Senior Investment Officer will report to the Industry Manager in the respective region and will be based in one of the following IFC offices: Sao Paulo, Brazil, Mexico City, or Bogota, Colombia.

ROLES AND RESPONSABILITIES:

The candidate is required to know and effectively use fundamental business concepts and practices and to provide analytical, research and other professional support to Investment Officers. The work program is varied and may be somewhat complex requiring evaluation, original thinking and various written outputs. The role and responsibilities of the Senior Investment Officer will include, but will not be limited to:

New Business:

•  Responsible for coordinating and providing substantive input to the development of equity strategies and investment themes to target and grow IFC’s equity & mezzanine business based on its current equity portfolio, trends in countries and sectors, and IFC strategies (corporate, industry, and country), under the overall direction of the Industry Manager.
•  Participate in and lead equity & mezzanine business development activities in the region in line with investment themes.
•  Lead and/or provide expertise and guidance to teams executing equity and mezzanine investments.
•  Reinforce quality standards and set profitability targets for transactions and overall portfolio.

Asset Management:

•  Take leadership and responsibility for high-value/complex equity investments, in particular exit strategy formulation in the region, working closely with deal teams and regional leadership.
•  Ensure IFC delivers value creation at investee companies.
•  Provide expertise and guidance to teams managing smaller equity investments in the regional equity portfolio.
•  Support deal teams and management to devise and execute equity sales, ensuring consistency with portfolio strategy.
•  Work with deal teams and management to identify, appoint and support IFC’s nominee directors to the boards of IFC investee companies.

Leadership and Knowledge Sharing:

•  Engage in mentoring and coaching of junior staff, provide on-the-job learning opportunities, and ensure efficient and effective use of resources.
•  Ensure quality control of work products.
•  Support a comprehensive program for increasing the knowledge and learning of equity & mezzanine investments execution and asset management.
•  Disseminate equity culture and lessons learned throughout CELVPU.

Selection Criteria

•  Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.
•  A Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business and 10+ years of relevant work experience;
•  Strong written and verbal communications skills; Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in either Spanish or Portuguese is also essential while fluency in both is highly desirable.
•  Significant experience in sourcing, negotiating and executing equity & mezzanine transactions in the region. Experience in infrastructure is desirable.
•  Strong network of contacts among companies in the infrastructure sector as well as in private equity and institutional investors.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills and openness to feedback;
•  Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build the business.
•  Recognized as a team player, strategic thinker, proactive, and thought leader. Facility to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries.
•  Ability to collaborate closely with the World Bank and other development finance institutions, commercial financial institutions, and institutional investors.
•  Ability to develop and manage relationships with C-Suite, board, and shareholders of investee companies, and ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, and other stakeholders.
•  Ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines and to meet team objectives.
•  Sound business judgment demonstrated ability to deliver results under stressful timelines and environment.
•  Strong “deal sense” based on a demonstrated track record in executing, managing, and exiting equity & mezzanine investments.
•  Willingness and ability to travel and work across time zones.

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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.