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.

IFC is recruiting a Senior Investment Officer to be based in either Accra, Ghana or Lagos, Nigeria as part of its Regional Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) team in Africa. The selected candidate, though based in Accra or Lagos, will have a regional role and is expected to provide expertise in the Services sectors (including tourism, retail, property, health, and education) to the IFC MAS regional industry (investment) teams in Africa. This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and executing transactions and in portfolio management and leadership experience. The Senior Investment Officer will also have a significant role in setting strategies to grow IFC’s Africa Services business, as well as day-to-day responsibilities leading transactions and project teams and portfolio management.

She/he will report to IFC Regional Industry Manager, Services, for West, Central, North Africa, and Horn of Africa.

Duties And Accountabilities

• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities through proactive origination/business development and developing and employing sector/country knowledge.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with country and regional clients, businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
• As project team leader and sector investment expert, evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, etc. as necessary.
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions including debt, equity and mezzanine investments.
• Lead term sheet negotiation/legal documentation process; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Assist in the formulation, monitoring and updating of IFC’s strategy in the Services sectors in Africa region, working with IFC’s industry and regional departments and in close coordination with the World Bank.
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, governance, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients’ businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Support in providing thought leadership within the team, specifically on the Services sectors- tourism, retail, property (commercial and residential), health, and education.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent qualification.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in corporate and/or project finance with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments.
• Excellent financial, credit and equity skills; demonstrated ability to creatively structure a variety of complex debt, mezzanine, and equity instruments.
• Expertise/prior experience investing in the consumer services sectors i.e., tourism, retail, commercial and residential property, health and education sectors
• Proactiveness, strong business development/origination and client relationship management skills, and ability to focus on client needs effectively.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the C-suite senior management of potential and existing clients, financial and technical partners, as well as senior government officials.
• Ability to originate transactions in West and Central African Countries
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners and investment opportunities, and understanding of the impact of the relevant macro environments,
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English.
• Ability to speak French is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Team player with the ability to work sensitively and effectively in a multicultural setting. Prior experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to take personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success of investments.
• Willing to travel (or live) in various regions in Africa (as long as safety standards are met based on the World Bank Group standards).
• Strong passion in sustainable economic development.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong research, financial analysis, quantitative ad structuring skills.
• Strong Computer skills to develop user-friendly/punchy analyses/presentations (word, excel, and PowerPoint).

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.