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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on: i) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; ii) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; iii) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and iv) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.
To support this approach, IFC is seeking an Upstream & Advisory Investment Officer to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office in Dakar, Senegal. The Upstream & Advisory Investment Officer will be responsible for sourcing and executing investment transactions in the agribusiness sector, enhancing investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions in the sector across the West and Central Africa region.
In this role, the Upstream & Advisory Investment Officer will work closely with Country, Regional, Investment, Upstream & Advisory teams across the institution to support IFC’s strategic and business objectives. This position will report to the Upstream & Advisory Agribusiness Hub Lead for West and Central Africa.


Duties and Accountabilities:
The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
• Support the identification and assessment of Upstream & Advisory and Investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Conduct market mapping, comparator sector analysis, and company financial projections/models. Analyze historical and projected financial statements of companies within the sector to support informed decision making.
• Support in various aspects of business development including writing concept notes, preparing budgets, brief presentations or other materials as requested.
• Assist with overall portfolio management, planning and monitoring of results and deliverables to ensure timely and quality delivery of the work program. Be on top of IFC systems and processes.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of IFC’s MAS product offering and be able to effectively communicate it to others as needed.
• Work closely with the IFC Investment Services team across countries in the West and Central Africa region to contribute to the development of early-stage project collaborations and co-developments; feasibility studies; and/or pilot projects that lead to investment opportunities in the agribusiness sector.
• Assist in designing and implementing scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across different African markets.
• Interact effectively with an extensive network of contacts (both internal and external) and respond effectively to inquiries and to diverse situations that require tact and pragmatic problem-solving skills. Liaise when needed with partners, clients, and service providers to ensure continuity of business operations.
• Identify trends, technologies, and business models; and develop innovative solutions to meet client and market needs.
• Lead client projects end to end by a) regularly monitoring the project’s financial situation b) efficient procurement of consultant services and c) providing monitoring and reporting information to ensure the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project objectives.
• Prepare project supervision and donor reports, including the required back-up data which confirms the reported results and achievements.
• Serving as an integral part of the MAS Upstream & Advisory team and support its Manager and Hub Leads as needed in providing advice; implementation support; and assistance with project implementation management.
• Develop strong relations with internal clients, other World Bank Group units, and development partners on operational matters.


Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics or another relevant field.
• 10 years of relevant experience, including in investment banking, private equity, fund management or related areas with direct involvement in investment transactions and in project and/or program development, producing feasibility studies, hands-on advisory and/or consulting functions in emerging markets.
• Strong quantitative skills; familiarity with company evaluation and valuation; and proven experience with designing and/or working with financial models.
• Experience in project/program management, including executing implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
• Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• Proven track record in nurturing client relationships, resolving challenging issues and ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under tight timetables; strong organizational, administrative, project and task management skills.
• A genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English and French; Portuguese a plus.