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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises.
IFC’s Private Equity (PE) Funds group plays an integral role in this mission. IFC is the largest investor in emerging market PE funds in the world, with over US$7 billion committed across a portfolio of more than 330 funds. IFC’s PE funds strategy focuses on supporting: (i) growth equity funds, (ii) venture capital funds, (iii) small business funds in low income countries, and selectively (iv) sector funds. In turn, these PE funds combine capital and expertise to enable investee companies to achieve the operational efficiency and governance standards required to realize their high-growth potential. IFC is seeking a PE Funds Investment Officer to be based at IFC’s Dakar (Senegal), or Abidjan, (Cote d’Ivoire) office. You will work across Africa and other regions as required. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to assess PE fund managers in Africa to determine if they meet IFC’s investment criteria for financial returns, development impact, and environmental and social responsibility, and to conduct portfolio monitoring work for IFC’s existing funds portfolio. In addition, you will be expected to work periodically on corporate assignments.

Duties and Accountabilities

This is a dynamic role that requires a high-level of interest in private equity, international business, emerging markets, and development impact. Responsibilities of an Investment Officer are divided among new business, portfolio management and corporate strategy. These include:

Undertake due diligence of potential PE fund investments in Africa; participate in the structuring, negotiating and execution of investments;
Coordinate with internal IFC stakeholders, including: Legal; Risk; Environment, Social & Governance; Impact Assessment; and Macroeconomics teams – to analyze proposed investments, ensure compliance with IFC standards and determine whether to recommend an investment for IFC;
Prepare investment review materials and presentations, and make recommendations to IFC management and investment decision making bodies on proposed investments to obtain investment approval;
Negotiate terms and legal documentation for fund investments;
Review existing fund investments and investee companies and prepare portfolio supervision reports, including relevant performance analyses and strategy and manager assessments;
Track and monitor compliance matters for fund investments and propose courses of action in the event of non-compliance;
Analyze macroeconomic data, corporate financial data and other industry information to identify and monitor issues that may affect IFC’s investments and recommend actions where necessary;
Develop an understanding of the target countries in Africa, provide market intelligence, and develop strong business networks;
Conduct market studies and help develop a pipeline of potential fund investments across IFC initiatives; perform research to determine the level of activity and attractiveness of fund opportunities, define future trends, and identify best of breed managers;
Communicate IFC’s strategy for funds and its rationale for engaging in specific transactions
Selection Criteria

MBA preferred; additional qualification (e.g. CFA) beneficial;
Minimum of 5-6 years relevant work experience, preferably in a private equity firm or as a fund investor;
Knowledge of the PE market in Africa and emerging markets;
High professional integrity and sound business judgment and insight in identifying potential fund investments and fund manager partners;
Ability to think independently, analyze problems, identify solutions, and work effectively on simultaneous projects under time pressure;
High degree of initiative, flexibility, reliability, discretion and willingness to learn;
Highly motivated and energetic, outstanding interpersonal skills, with a collegial and sharing work style;
Comfortable working in a matrix organizational structure; ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; ability to work with people at all levels and demonstrate responsiveness and ability to work as part of a team;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French;
Ability and willingness to travel.