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 107 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 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. 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 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To drive this approach, IFC is seeking an Upstream & Advisory Manager for its Infrastructure (INR) department of the Africa region. The Manager will be responsible for IFC’s efforts to enable investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions – critical activities for the corporation to deliver on its ambitious strategy. The mix of these varied activities should be calibrated to meet the development needs of the market and contribute to IFC’s growth and impact objectives.

The Manager will be based in Accra, Dakar or Cairo and will report to the Regional Industry Director for INR, Africa. The Manager will work in partnership with relevant Country/Regional Managers and Regional Industry Managers on the appropriate staffing and resourcing to achieve IFC’s country and sectoral strategic and business objectives. The Manager will have supervisory responsibility over a joint Advisory and Upstream team and will closely collaborate with the INR Africa Management Team to leverage skills and knowledge across IFC. The Manager will also be responsible for overseeing the development of the Upstream and Advisory business program in close collaboration with the Regional Industry Managers to ensure the coordinated provision of services that span the continuum of IFC’s operations – across idea generation, enabling environment, project development and client preparation, investment, and portfolio operations – and to further collaboration and synergies across the INR Africa department.

Duties And Accountabilities

• Enable investment opportunities by 1) incubating high-impact projects and initiatives that require upstream project development to reach the point of investment and 2) getting potential clients ready for IFC investment through client preparation and development.
• Enhance investment outcomes by 1) increasing the development impact of IFC investments and 2) improving the performance of IFC investment portfolio clients, through the provision of value-additive and risk-mitigation services.
• Improve investment conditions by 1) Leading and/or collaborating with other teams across IFC and the WBG efforts to drive sector-wide change in priority areas and 2) Leading and/or collaborating with other teams across IFC and the WBG efforts to open up new markets for private sector participation.
• Support business development efforts, together with investment, regional/country, and global INR teams and ensure high level of client satisfaction.
• Formulate the unit’s strategy for INR’s sector across the region in coordination with the Regional Industry Director and with support of the relevant Country/Regional and Global colleagues, drawing on and contributing to strategy and diagnostic products (e.g. Country Private Sector Diagnostics, Sector Deep Dives, Country Strategies) as relevant.
• Lead the unit to deliver key strategic priorities as set out in the WBG Strategy and Country Partnership Framework, with a focus on supporting the implementation of IFC Country Strategies through the design and implementation of upstream and advisory projects, as well as through engagement with the WB.
• Engage with and establish partnerships with thought leaders and decision makers across the World Bank Group and externally to foster innovative thinking about the creation of new markets and to identify and implement sector and regulatory reforms to unlock private investment opportunities, including leveraging the Bank’s lending program.
• Active collaboration and engagement with the Partnerships department to proactively contribute to donor engagement strategy, relationship management, and reporting.
• Proactively convene stakeholders, form partnerships, and connect expertise from upstream, advisory, and investment staff, industry specialists, the World Bank Global Practices, sponsors, clients, and other external parties to enable the delivery of upstream and advisory operations.
• Spot game-changing trends, technologies, and business models that can increase development impact and present opportunities for high-value proprietary engagements.
• Be part of, and actively contribute to Regional and Industry Management Teams.
• Provide full range of administrative and HR Management oversight including direct supervision for key Upstream Product Leaders and secondary supervision for INR sub-regional teams, to lead the execution and delivery of INR Upstream projects.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in finance, MBA or similar relevant field.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience with a commercial bank, a private equity firm, or a development finance institution in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility and with tasks related to private sector infrastructure financing and development.
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.
• Deep understanding of the INR sector and ability to link policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver solutions at a country level.
• Good “deal sense” and understanding of bankability criteria, based on demonstrated strong analytical skills and sound business judgment.
• Track record of engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• Demonstrated capacity for innovating and challenging the status quo to develop business opportunities.
• Demonstrated capacity for collaborating across organizational boundaries to shift organizational behavior and generate buy-in.
• Strong and proven track record of delivery on project implementation for Upstream, Advisory, and/or Investment operations.
• Must be a role model with unquestionable integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to diversity and IFC’s mission and values.
• Experience as a people manager, defining tasks and division of labor, supporting staff in their professional development and mentoring country staff, including those who are not direct reports.
• Meet the World Bank Group-wide managerial competencies: Courage of your Convictions, Leading the Team for Impact, Influencing Across Boundaries, Fostering Openness to New Ideas, Building Talent for the Future.

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.