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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023 IFC committed a record $43.7 billion — in own-account investments and mobilization from third parties — to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the 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 both investment and advisory/upstream services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.  

The FIG Advisory/Upstream Unit seeks to create opportunities for new private sector led investments in the region by developing a pipeline of investment-ready opportunities made possible using distinct tools and interventions, including investment structuring, advisory and policy reform. The objective of the unit will be to enhance the next generation of FIG investments across priority sectors in the region. 

IFC is seeking an Advisory/Upstream ETC for its Financial Institutions Group in Europe to enable FIG investment opportunities in the Europe region with a particular focus on defining new capital markets structures and asset classes as it relates to the financial sector, focused on thematic assets (green, blue, biodiversity, gender, etc). This specifically involves 1) incubating high impact projects and initiatives that require upstream project development to reach the point of investment and 2) getting potential clients ready for IFC investment through client preparation and development.

 Role & Responsibilities

The role and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:
•  Identify and assess Upstream opportunities based on client/market needs, country and sector strategies and market creation potential with a focus on the development of capital markets and the issuance of thematic bonds.
•  Develop feasibility studies and implementation plans for Upstream projects that lead to IFC investments.
•  Work closely with investment colleagues to develop and manage client relationships and foster cross departmental collaboration to meet client-specific requirements.
•  Spot game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can present opportunities for new capital market structures and asset classes, including based on digital innovation related to for example embedded finance solutions.
•  Engage with the World Bank to identify and contribute to sector and regulatory reforms that support opportunities for private investment and capital markets development.
•  Disseminate and absorb knowledge and experience across the regional industry department and global teams to support adoption of new approaches and best practices.
•  Mentor and support junior staff working on Upstream activities.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, International Relations, or related discipline, and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. 
•  Deep understanding of the financial industry and ability to link policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver solutions at a country level. 
•  Experience in capital markets and structured finance
•  Track record of engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
•  Demonstrated capacity for innovating and challenging the status quo to develop business opportunities, particularly in capital markets.
•  Demonstrated capacity for collaborating across organizational boundaries to shift organizational behavior and generate buy-in.
•  Strong “deal sense” and understanding of bankability criteria.
•  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 ideas, and ability to guide, and motivate others.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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. 

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.