Associate Corporate Governance Officer, Africa Region at World Bank Group

Duties and Accountabilities

The Associate CG Officer will undertake and support a wide range of CG activities, primarily as follows:

Firm-Level diligence. Support CG activities and investment teams in IFC’s investment processes by:

• Assessing CG risks and opportunities in transactions as part of IFC’s investment due diligence (including through document  review and client interviews)
• Helping IFC investment teams analyze data to form a considered view on CG practices
• Identifying gaps and making recommendations to address such gaps and to enhance the CG practices of IFC clients
• Preparing reports and presenting findings in respect of client CG.

Firm-Level Implementation. Assist clients to implement sound CG changes, for example, by:

• Providing input on draft CG policies and procedures
• Drafting and reviewing CG templates, products, and tools
• Organizing CG training for clients.

Portfolio Monitoring. Assist with a structured IFC portfolio monitoring process by:

• Monitoring CG actions implemented by clients, including through portfolio tracking databases
• Identifying and monitoring high-risk issues
• Preparing portfolio reports
• Assisting follow-up with clients and investment teams.

Knowledge Management. Research and develop knowledge insights, products and tools produced globally and within Africa by:

1. Supporting or conducting research on CG-related themes
2. Assisting in the development of CG tools and resources 
3. Liaising with the global ESG knowledge management team to ensure the regional team has the most up-to-date information on CG knowledge products and tools.

• Conduct various market-level training and advocacy events such as training workshops, conferences, roundtables, and other awareness-raising events, both within IFC and externally.
• Perform other technical, research and administrative duties in support of CG-related activities, as needed and as may be notified by the Lead CG Officer for Africa.

Selection Criteria

• Candidates should be mid-career professionals with relevant experience in fields related to CG (for example, accounting and audit, legal, securities and stock market development, institutional investment, management consulting or technical assistance). 

Specifically, candidates should meet the following criteria:  

• Graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Law, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Audit, or another related discipline).
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience in CG or closely related field (ideally in the context of private sector investment).
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are a requirement.
• Working level proficiency in French, while not a requirement, will be highly advantageous.
• Technical knowledge of, and practical experience in the application of, CG principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of IFC’s CG Methodology and associated tools (www.ifc.org/corporategovernance) will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of ESG principles, practices and developments.
• Experience in project management and/or portfolio monitoring.
• Familiarity with the investment process and investment due diligence will be considered an asset.
• Ability to travel regularly to and work effectively in IFC client countries, especially in Africa.
• Ability to engage professionally with various stakeholders (internal and external), effective influencing skills and diplomacy.
• Self-starter with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, deal with frequent unexpected changes, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. 
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, work effectively in and influence a team, and network effectively.