Principal Investment Officer

DescriptionIFC — 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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, please visit www.ifc.org.

The Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Africa Department is recruiting a Principal Investment Officer, New Business, Manufacturing & Services (M&S) to join the M&S team, who will be responsible for sourcing, pre-structuring and executing investment transactions in the M&S sectors. The Principal Investment Officer will cover our activities in West, Central, North and Horn of Africa with emphasis on Consumer Services i.e. investments in the tourism, property (commercial and residential), retail, health and education sectors.

This is a senior role that requires strong origination track record, demonstrated technical deal structuring and portfolio management skills (including restructurings) as well as leadership, resource and change management, and relationship management skills. The candidate should also have strong prior experience in a lead role in developing leads, structuring, negotiating and closing innovative and complex investments in consumer services sectors. The position is based in Washington DC but will require frequent travel to Africa. The Principal Investment Officer will report to the Regional Industry Manager, Consumer Services for West, Central, North Africa, and Horn of Africa.

Role & Responsibilities

The Principal Investment Officer will work closely with colleagues in the country offices, and in Washington DC, on sector strategies, business development, transaction execution, portfolio supervision, and client relationship management. The responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead business development and processing with emphasis on origination and execution of strategic and or complex transactions by deepening the strategic approach across the different sub sectors and in alignment with the overall strategies in Africa and relevant countries under coverage in close collaboration with the team and across relevant WBG units.
• Work closely with the sector leads and investment officer to jointly develop a strong business pipeline and collaborate with or coach more junior colleagues in deal execution.
• Assess the attractiveness of specific investment opportunities with a strong focus on credit quality and development impact and make recommendations to IFC’s management toward building an overall strong M&S portfolio. Lead periodic knowledge management sessions to develop team capacity in assessing opportunities.
• Proactively identify potential investment partners and opportunities based on industry experience, reputation, market potential, financial capability, and strategic fit.
• Support the team in developing strong relationships with key counterparts in the private and public sector as well as development partners and manage key strategic client relationships.
• Execute loan, equity, and mezzanine financings including processing mandates, conducting due diligence, structuring deals, negotiating terms and documentation, arranging syndications, and processing internal approvals. Main focus will be leading strategic or complex transactions and supporting the teams on execution of transactions.
• Work closely with IFC’s specialists to manage environmental, social, technical, legal, insurance, corporate governance, and other risks in projects and champion IFC’s sustainability offerings to clients.
• Monitor clients’ compliance with the terms of investment agreements, prepare timely supervision reports, identify early warning signs, and, when necessary, formulate/implement strategies for workouts, restructurings or rescheduling.
• Provide high quality client service throughout the project cycle from transaction sourcing and processing to supervision.
• Coach, mentor and supervise the work of more junior colleagues in the different relevant offices of the coverage.
  
  

Selection Criteria

• MBA, master’s degree in finance or equivalent;
• At least 15 years of relevant work experience with a major commercial or investment bank, international financial institution or private equity firm with significant emerging markets presence;
• Experience leading teams and as lead in investment transactions, with proven success in developing client relationships as well as leading sourcing, managing complex negotiations and structuring and closing quality investments and strong knowledge.
• Prior experience in the tourism, retail, property, health and education sectors is a plus;
• Knowledge of and experience in emerging markets and multi-country experience closing investments is a plus;
• Strong business judgment in identifying potential business partners;
• Strong technical skills including financial and other analysis and credit and risk mitigation skills; sound business judgment and demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (debt, mezzanine and equity) and close on transactions;
• Client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively;
• Prior experience interacting directly and independently with the senior C suite and senior management of clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials;
• Strong people management, interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries and to build networks across the region, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results; Prior experience with multicultural teams is a plus.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills;
• Proven ability to work independently and deliver promptly and efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Fluency in other relevant languages is a plus.
  
  

World Bank Group Core CompetenciesThe 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.