What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Officer - SME Finance Forum - req31736 position at IFC - International Finance Corporation?
Operations Officer - SME Finance Forum
Job #: req31736
Organization: IFC
Sector: Operations
Grade: GF
Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): Spanish, Portuguese
Closing Date: 2/21/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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 Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC. FIG, comprised of Banking and Capital Markets department and Non-Banking and Alternative Finance department, 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 services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.
The SME Finance Forum, which is part of the Non-Banking and Alternative Finance department, works to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses. The Forum operates a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SME finance. The Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion in 2012 and is managed by IFC.
The Forum requires an Operations Officer to support its administrative functions, handle the global SME finance annual gathering, manage one of the regional clusters, and manage 1-2 SME Finance Forum products.
Duties & Accountabilities
Working closely with other team members of the SME Finance Forum, and the head of SME Finance Forum, the Operations Officer is required to perform the following tasks:
Operations
Business Operations
As SME Finance Forum is expanding, there is an increased need to ensure the processes remain robust as well as compliant to IFC policies and procedures. In addition, there would be a need for keen business and operations management and this role would also act as a middle office for the SME Finance Forum. The list of activities is listed below:
Event Planning And Execution
Global SME Finance Forum is an annual gathering SME Finance Forum organizes which attracts 700-800 industry leaders in person and over 600-700 online. The forum requires a strong project management to ensure all the activities and stakeholders remain aligned. The areas of focus and activities are listed below:
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Growth of its member network in Latin America and the Caribbean is a key priority, especially after having concluded its last Global SME Finance Forum in Brazil in September 2024. Hence a key focus would be supporting the growth of the LAC and Caribbean member base and managing these relationships on an ongoing basis. The list of activities is listed below:
Innovation Hubs Coordination
SME Finance Forum manages different products aligned to member needs. Especially innovation hubs are a new addition where members and affiliates convene “solutions clinics” to address specific industry problems and seek solutions. The requirements are highlighted below:
The 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.
Job #: req31736
Organization: IFC
Sector: Operations
Grade: GF
Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): Spanish, Portuguese
Closing Date: 2/21/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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 Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC. FIG, comprised of Banking and Capital Markets department and Non-Banking and Alternative Finance department, 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 services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.
The SME Finance Forum, which is part of the Non-Banking and Alternative Finance department, works to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses. The Forum operates a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SME finance. The Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion in 2012 and is managed by IFC.
The Forum requires an Operations Officer to support its administrative functions, handle the global SME finance annual gathering, manage one of the regional clusters, and manage 1-2 SME Finance Forum products.
Duties & Accountabilities
Working closely with other team members of the SME Finance Forum, and the head of SME Finance Forum, the Operations Officer is required to perform the following tasks:
Operations
Business Operations
As SME Finance Forum is expanding, there is an increased need to ensure the processes remain robust as well as compliant to IFC policies and procedures. In addition, there would be a need for keen business and operations management and this role would also act as a middle office for the SME Finance Forum. The list of activities is listed below:
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures of the Forum.
- Track engagement and performance metrics for members, leads, and partners.
- Ensure dashboards are updated regularly and provide accurate, real-time data.
- Coordinate the preparation of operational reports for management.
- Liaise with key stakeholders, including internal controllers, finance, etc.
- Develop and implement operational processes to achieve the Forum's goals.
- Ensure alignment of SMEFF initiatives with IFC organizational objectives.
- Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of tactical projects.
- Support the undertaking of external strategic partners to refine SMEFF operations
- Support the Forum's budget, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources.
- Support financial reporting and compliance with financial regulations.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Event Planning And Execution
Global SME Finance Forum is an annual gathering SME Finance Forum organizes which attracts 700-800 industry leaders in person and over 600-700 online. The forum requires a strong project management to ensure all the activities and stakeholders remain aligned. The areas of focus and activities are listed below:
- Lead the planning and execution of operations for the SME Finance Forum's global annual event.
- Coordinate with internal teams, external vendors, and strategic content partners to ensure successful event delivery.
- Support innovation hubs in executing trainings in areas such as sustainability, Digital, Supply Chain Finance, Agri and women entrepreneurship, etc.
- Oversee logistics for events and some strategic sessions, including venue selection, and on-site coordination.
- Engage with participants before, during, and after events to ensure a positive experience.
- Post-event coordination on ensuring the requisite follow-ups are undertaken.
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Growth of its member network in Latin America and the Caribbean is a key priority, especially after having concluded its last Global SME Finance Forum in Brazil in September 2024. Hence a key focus would be supporting the growth of the LAC and Caribbean member base and managing these relationships on an ongoing basis. The list of activities is listed below:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders (members) in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with members, affiliates, and other key stakeholders in the region.
- Regional Business Plan Execution:
- Implement plans to get new members in coordination with the IFC colleagues. Carry out initiatives to enhance the forum's presence and impact in the LAC region.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership within the region.
Innovation Hubs Coordination
SME Finance Forum manages different products aligned to member needs. Especially innovation hubs are a new addition where members and affiliates convene “solutions clinics” to address specific industry problems and seek solutions. The requirements are highlighted below:
- Manage 1-2 innovation hubs in the SME Finance Forum in terms of coordinating activities, organising members and ecosystem, engaging IFC experts and relevant stakeholders and ensuring activities are carried out per schedule
- Ensure the innovation hub members database is kept up-to-date and the co-chairs engagement is created through structured mechanisms
- Maintain data on the attendance, performance, and engagement of the hub.
- As SME Finance forum evolves take on an additional 1 product in terms of execution of activities.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and synergizing with other product groups.
- Masters degree, specialization in Business Management and/or Economics would be preferred.
- At least 8-10 years of relevant experience, particularly in program and project management, reporting, and client/stakeholder management.
- Familiarity with SME finance/financial inclusion topics.
- Fluency in Spanish, English and conversational skills in Portuguese would be preferred.
- Proven project management experience. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously on complex projects.
- Ability to handle and manage large external events in terms of project governance and stakeholder management.
- Excellent organizational skills with close attention to detail and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments on schedule.
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Experience in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The 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.
