Open Vacancies at World Bank Group

Responsibilities include the following: 

• Support the screening of prospective projects in the Africa region with respect to biodiversity risks.
• Support project E&S specialists in gathering and analyzing available information, such as client’s project documentation, to identify gaps against PS6 as relevant to the sector (infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, services, etc.).  
• Provide biodiversity-related support to the project lead E&S specialists covering due diligence and supervision of projects.
• Support in the identification of mitigation measures for biodiversity-specific risks and impacts in alignment with the mitigation hierarchy and develop measures to monitor implementation through plans and programs.
• Produce high-quality work products that clearly and logically frame biodiversity risk assessment in the context of PS6 and outline practical and regionally relevant approaches to mitigation.
• For the agribusiness sector, support the mapping of biodiversity-related supply chain risk and assist in the development of approaches to promote more sustainable practices.
• Identify opportunities for value add in project structure, by supporting IFC’s E&S specialists and investment staff to provide clients with guidance in integrating biodiversity into E&S Management Systems to comply with PS6.
• Provide capacity-building, training and other support to both private sector as well as government clients to better understand the value of biodiversity/nature and mitigate and manage related risk and impacts.
• Oversee, coordinate and manage biodiversity consultants working in the Africa region, including contractual and technical management. 
• Work with CEG Regional Team Lead to track portfolio-wide risks with respect to biodiversity aspects across Africa in coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead.
• Take part in monthly meetings led by the Global Biodiversity Lead and with the core biodiversity team to ensure consistency in global practice and share lessons learned.
• In coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead, provide input into IFC-wide initiatives such as biodiversity and nature finance and tracking, nature-related disclosures and targets. 
• Lead/contribute to the design and delivery of biodiversity and nature related learning programs both internally and externally.
• In coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead, contribute and provide advice and inputs to the relevant IFC’s policies and procedures.
• In coordination with the Global Biodiversity Lead, represent IFC at biodiversity-related conferences, technical meetings, industry events and environmental fora. Provide organizational and coordination support in the convening of departmental and external knowledge sharing forums and contribute to the development of content materials.

Selection Criteria

• Graduate/Advanced degree in relevant discipline (e.g., biological or ecological sciences, such as conservation biology, ecology & evolution, wildlife management or similar).
• At least 10 year’s work experience in private sector biodiversity management with experience in emerging markets. 
• Deep knowledge in the biodiversity and ecology of African ecosystems, flora and fauna. 
• Significant working experience in the application of IFC’s PS6 and Guidance Note (GN) 6, preferably on IFC-financed projects; other DFI-financed projects may also be acceptable.
• Knowledge of other aspects of IFC’s Sustainability Framework including PS 1-5, 7 and 8, related Guidance Notes and EHS Guidelines (www.ifc.org/ehsguidelines) is a plus.
• Experience in the hydropower sector and agribusiness sectors would be advantageous.
• Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of other, widely-spoken languages a plus.
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills. Good inter-personal and cross-cultural skills.
• A skilled communicator able to communicate effectively, concisely with persuasion in English.
• Willing and able to work effectively within a large, complex organization.
• Willing and able to travel frequently, sometimes to remote field locations with limited amenities.
• A strategic, practical-minded individual that seeks fit-for-purposes approaches and a willingness to build skills in negotiation.
• A skilled multi-tasker with willingness to take on any level of task. Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize, deal with frequent unexpected changes, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. 
• A 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 across boundaries.
• Familiarity with IFC/World Bank operations, procedures, and culture will be advantageous.

go to method of application »

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Associate Trade Officer is expected to: 

• Under the supervision of the Regional Lead, originate and execute trade finance transactions with Issuing Banks under IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) by connecting with regional and global GTFP Confirming Banks;
• Monitor trade lines and ensure that transactions are consistent with all corporate guidelines, including the trade operational guidelines;
• Monitor and execute daily trade finance transactions in the region, facilitate timely processing of amendments and cancellations by working closely with the GTFP Operations team;
• Maintain contacts with GTFP Issuing Banks and stay abreast of market development to manage risks in the portfolio;
• Track program activities by using IFC’s corporate systems and prepare reports as needed; 
• Monitor GTFP billing follow up with clients on timely payments as well as and any Trade Survey quest;
• Work together with FIG regional colleagues and contribute to FIG supervision efforts;
• Participate in the development and processing of new business leads (under Regional Lead supervision) that includes supply chain finance facilities with regional clients, commodity financing, and the portfolio-based Global Trade Liquidity Program (GTLP), and
• Support all other tasks requested by the Regional Lead for existing or pipeline of the trade finance programs.

Selection Criteria

• MBA, Master’s degree in Finance or equivalent.
• At least of 7 years’ experience in trade finance with an international commercial bank or other financial institution;
• Extensive knowledge of commercial banking products and services, experience in correspondent banking relationships and international trade products;
• Knowledge of corporate trade finance and supply chain finance related products;
• Strong financial and credit skills along with analytical ability;
• Strong teamwork and organizational skills; 
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds;
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English and French.

go to method of application »

Duties and Accountabilities 

New Business 

• Sharpen the strategy for IFC’s Manufacturing and Chemicals (including chemicals, fertilizers, construction materials, machinery, light manufacturing sectors) in the Region, in partnership with the regional and industry management and relevant World Bank Group colleagues, including key business goals for the program, with a focus on high impact projects and in line with IFC country strategies.  
• Execute and manage a pipeline of investments in the Manufacturing & Chemicals sectors across the Region.
• Lead business development/origination efforts in the Region, together with the regional/country teams, and global teams. 
• Assume the transaction manager role and provide credit and investment guidance to teams as well as quality control on teams’ output.
• Build and maintain high level relationships with clients in the Region, understand sector trends, lead multidisciplinary teams to turn leads into deals that effectively balance IFC’s additionality, financial risks and rewards, sustainable development impact and opportunity for innovation and scalability.
• Actively manage profitability for the business in the Region, with strong revenue and net income generation for long-term financial sustainability.
• Work closely to coordinate, leverage and support the Upstream and Advisory services in implementation of strategy for MAS Africa.
• Work with teams in the Financial Institutions Group and Infrastructure Departments to explore areas of joint ventures to expand the IFC’s business in the Region.
• Foster relationships with World Bank Group counterparts to identify collaboration opportunities and to enhance business and development impact delivery at the country and regional levels.
• Develop IFC’s brand locally, building on IFC’s global brand and the WBG/IFC’s overall communications strategies.

Portfolio Management 

• Ensure portfolio experience and perspective is fed into strategy development and business decision making, through sharing of lessons learned from the portfolio, producing benchmarking analytics, etc.
• Manage the health, the profitability, and development impact of the portfolio, and actively seek ways to optimize usage of economic capital and profitability performance, through sales, risk sharing or mobilization.
• Proactive monitor and manage E&S risks.
• Serve the clients to originate repeat investment transactions.
• Monitor the overall risk of the debt portfolio, ensure reviews for all active projects are completed on time and to the highest quality standard, and make recommendations on appropriate level of specific loan loss reserves.
• Actively manage the entire equity portfolio, both core and non-core, ensure equity management plans are developed and adhered to for all assets, including proposing and filling board seats with qualified candidates for strategic assets.
• Regularly review valuations, write-downs, exit strategies of the equity book, and develop a plan to sell less strategic assets to free up resources.
• Ensure the timeliness and quality delivery of regular waivers and amendments as well as complex portfolio actions such as rescheduling/restructuring, rights issues, equity sales, loan conversion, etc.
• Provide early warning for assets at risk and actively communicate with relevant colleagues regarding both debt and equity watch lists, ensuring close coordination on rescheduling and restructuring situations.
• Supervise compliance with IFC financial, environmental, legal, and other requirements.

Managerial Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage the unit and ensure the team is high-performing, well-motivated and committed to the advancement of IFC’s strategic goals.
• Mentor and develop staff and promote opportunities for continued learning. 
• Be part of, and actively contribute to, the regional leadership team and the global sector teams. 
• Work with regional leadership to ensure that exposure and contribution to varied operations are included in staff objectives at all levels across the department.
• Staff projects with the appropriate resources to deploy the most appropriate technical expertise and provide exceptional client service, while keeping in mind career and training development needs of staff and efficiency objectives.
• Manage, oversee, and optimize IFC’s internal and external funding mix and budget to efficiently deliver operations in the region and industry, including through engagement in budgetary discussions and processes with regional, global and partnership teams.
• Provide the full range of administrative and HR management oversight.

Selection Criteria

• In addition to the WBG managerial selection criteria, the following qualifications are sought: 
• Unquestionable integrity, commitment to development, alignment with the WBG core values, and strong work ethic.  
• MBA or equivalent professional qualification and minimum of 12-15 years of relevant work experience (at least 2 of which must have been in a managerial or leading capacity).
• Strong sense of service to clients and demonstrated business development aptitude. Proven success in developing client relationships and executing quality investments.
• Familiarity with the Manufacturing and Chemical industries.
• Experience sourcing and structuring complex investment transactions in the MAS sectors with a proven track record and proven success in developing client relationships and processing quality investments.
• Awareness of environmental and social sustainability issues usually associated with projects in MAS;
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, challenge the status quo and make sound decisions to build IFC business.
• Sound knowledge of portfolio / asset management, and experience in portfolio supervision of loans, equities and guarantees.
• Ability to work in the matrix/muti-stakeholder environment. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, as well as cultivate an active network of relationships inside and outside the organization and to represent IFC publicly as needed.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, proven ability to work effectively as a team leader, build high performing teams and manage and recruit talent.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong teamwork and communications in a highly diverse, virtual environment.
• Ability to collaborate closely with other parts of the World Bank Group and other DFIs and financing institutions and banks.
• Delivering high quality work within tight deadlines and meeting team objectives.  Ability to manage competing and sometimes unanticipated priorities, and tight deadlines.
• World Bank Group managerial selection criteria include courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.