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.
IFC’s investment business includes its Financial Institutions Group (FIG). The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through its global network.
Climate Business is a strategic priority of the WBG, with a target to increase its climate business to 45% of total financing commitments by 2025. FIG Sustainable Finance team is looking for an Investment Officer to develop and execute new climate finance investment transactions globally, for a term of three years, based in Washington DC.
Duties and Accountabilities
The candidate is required to know and effectively use fundamental business concepts and practices and to provide analytical, research and other professional support to the program, with a particular focus on climate and sustainable finance. The work program is varied covering both investment and advisory services, primarily focused on FIG climate activities.
• Lead the origination and execution of global climate finance investment projects (loans, bonds, credit funds) as appropriate, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, overseeing the technical as well as strategic aspects of the project.
• Use financial competencies and personal influencing skills to overcome impasses and lead negotiations to a successful outcome.
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for straightforward transactions and more complex private credit funds/structured finance transactions, as required.
• Develop global themed climate finance capital market investment opportunities in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work independently and with senior staff and management to develop a strong pipeline of good quality climate finance investment opportunities by identifying market gaps and opportunities in various themes and markets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with banking clients, asset managers, private credit funds and multilateral partners to develop specific investment opportunities in climate finance globally.
• Support FIG’s global climate finance strategy development and implementation and co-lead one of the thematic areas in FIG Climate Finance.
• Coordinate closely with credit, legal, treasury, E&S, climate business department (CBD) and other internal support units to find solutions to the specific investment or client challenges to enable climate finance transactions and identify ways to strengthen development impact and financial sustainability of projects.
• Mentor more junior staff on all aspects of IO work.
Selection Criteria
• MBA or other equivalent masters degree in finance.
• 7+ years of experience in emerging markets finance, preferably with exposure to the local banking and capital markets sectors as well as private credit funds/structured finance.
• Proven track-record of sourcing, structuring, negotiating and closing investments in private credit funds, securitization and other financial institutions focused transactions.
• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure and execute capital markets transactions, experience with climate finance investments is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial markets, impact investments, sustainable finance and understanding of local/regional markets of IFC’s operations. Experience in EM investments a strong plus.
• Business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on client’s needs effectively while achieving optimal outcome for IFC.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with C-level management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners, as well as other stakeholders.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills and ability to present ideas clearly and confidently. Fluency in English is required, other languages a plus.
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to oversee/mentor and provide quality control feedback on work of more junior staff.
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.