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.
IFC is recruiting an Investment Officer to be based in
Dakar, Senegal or Lagos, Nigeria, as
part of the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services
(MAS) team in Africa. The selected candidate will provide
expertise in the Services (tourism, retail, property, health, and
education) and manufacturing sectors 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. The 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 portfolio management.
She/he will report to IFC Regional Industry Manager, Services, for West,
Central, North Africa, and Horn of Africa.
Duties and Accountabilities
The Investment Officer will work closely with colleagues in the
Africa region and in Washington, DC, on business development,
investment transaction execution, portfolio supervision, and client
relationship management in Consumer Services (Tourism, Retail,
Property, Health and Education) and Manufacturing Sectors. The
responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the development of a strong pipeline of good quality
investment opportunities through proactive origination/business
development and developing and employing sector/country
knowledge.
- Lead transactions to evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close
new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling,
capital increases, equity sales, as necessary.
- Contribute to the development of innovative and appropriate
financial structures for complex transactions for debt, equity
and mezzanine investments and hands-on implementation of these
structures.
- Clearly and succinctly communicate/present (verbal and written)
credit analysis and investment proposals.
- Lead term sheet negotiation/legal documentation process; use
strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome
impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
- Provide high quality client service throughout the project cycle
from transaction sourcing and processing to supervision. High
quality work and quality control.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional clients,
businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government
officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific
investment opportunities.
- 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, health, and education.
Selection Criteria
- MBA, Master’s degree in Finance or equivalent
- At least 8–10 years of relevant work experience in a private
equity firm, commercial bank, investment bank or international
financial institution with significant emerging markets presence
- Experience in leading and processing investment transactions
(corporate and project finance), with proven success and track
record in developing client relationships with the ability to
focus on client needs effectively as well as sourcing,
negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments
- Experience in services sectors i.e. tourism, retail, commercial
and residential property, health and education sectors, and
relevant experience originating and structuring transactions in
these sectors.
- Knowledge of and experience in investing in emerging markets
- A strong network in West and Central Africa is a plus
- Strong business development/origination track record and
demonstrated judgment in identifying/screening potential
business partners and investment opportunities
- Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to
structure a variety of financial instruments (debt, equity,
mezzanine)
- Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior
management of clients, financial and technical partners as well
as senior government officials
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work successfully in
multicultural teams and across boundaries and to build networks
across the region, including the ability to mentor and coach
others to achieve results
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management
skills
- Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability.
Proven ability to work independently and deliver promptly and
efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English,
fluency in French will be an advantage