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.

The Tourism Retail and Property (TRP) division is looking to recruit an Extended Term Consultant with considerable practical experience in developed and emerging markets in the retail sector for the role as Senior Retail Sector Specialist, preferably to be based in Washington, D.C.

Since 1999, IFC has committed close to $4bn in 120 projects in about 37 countries in the retail space. The current retail investment portfolio comprises investments in both early-stage and mature companies in emerging markets in Food Retail, Apparel and Sports retail, FMCG Distribution, DIYs, Consumer Durables and Electronics and E- commerce. 

The Senior Retail Sector Specialist plays a key role in helping IFC to evaluate project investments plus advising on strategy, advancing thought leadership, supporting innovation and knowledge management. The successful candidate is expected to have rich strategic and operational experience, ideally in senior management positions in the retail sector, preferably in emerging markets, have sound business judgment, strong financial skills and be able to work in investment teams by providing expert opinions on the technical and operational aspects of investment proposals in retail investments throughout emerging markets. The selected candidate will work under the oversight of the Global Sector Manager. The position will have a global focus and will involve international travel.

Duties and Accountabilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
•  Participate in business origination activities, build client networks and maintain client relationships;
•  Appraise and assess the technical and commercial feasibility of potential projects and companies that are seeking an investment from IFC (including analysis of key areas, such as business model, market, management, and operations) and provide advice for project improvement;
•  Document the results of the appraisals and assessments in Industry Specialist Reports, which will be used as a basis for taking investment decisions by project teams and decision makers;
•  Participate in portfolio management of existing projects while providing value-addition to our clients by providing expert advice to clients on key aspects of their operations and performance;
•  Support the investment officers in developing comprehensive financial projections for all investment cases;
•  Support the development and implementation of IFC’s retail sector strategy both globally and regionally;
•  Contribute to the development and internal and external dissemination of information, knowledge and benchmarking relevant to the retail sector;
•  Produce and disseminate research and analytic materials and thought papers on topics related to the retail sector trends, industry practices and innovations, as applicable to IFC’s countries of operations;
•  Provide recommendations on which innovative practices IFC can adopt in providing finance and advice to the retail sector players;
•  Engage and work with colleagues from across the World Bank Group;
•  Extract lessons learned from IFC investment projects and develop best practices to apply on future projects;
•  Keep updated on and share as relevant with the team sectoral and industry news, trends and related developments;
•  Hire and supervise consultants where needed to support IFC’s work in the retail sector.

Selection Criteria

•  University degree preferably complemented with a graduate level education in a relevant area;
•  20+ years’ total experience, including experience managing a country operation for an international retailer, or a large regional player. Preference will be given to candidates that have managed at the COO or CEO level. In-depth knowledge of the retail food sector is a prerequisite, non-food retail knowledge is a plus.
•  Experience in and knowledge of emerging trends in the sector and new business models such as omnichannel retail, e-commerce, digitally native brands or other online models, with an understanding of digital marketing, customer acquisition will be a plus.
•  Ability to work across different geographies, cultures and organizations and on multiple projects simultaneously is required;
•  Significant international exposure, including experience of working in developing countries, will be a key advantage.
•  Extremely flexible to meet the demanding global travel requirements of the job;
•  Excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of another major business language is an advantage;
•  A strong sense of curiosity and the ability to work both in teams and independently would be strong attributes;
•  Position requires sound business judgment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of retail projects and make recommendations to guide investment decisions;
•  Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in detailed written reports (for example when assessing and appraising potential investment projects)

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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