Senior Adviser to the IFC MD

Job #:
req14320

Organization:
IFC

Sector:
Other

Grade:
GH

Term Duration:
2 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
1/9/2022 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Established in 1944, the World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for development solutions. The WBG consists of five specialized institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, the Corporation uses six decades of experience to create opportunities where they are needed most. Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double our volume of business by 2030 and triple the work we do in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). To do so, IFC will need to deploy its full range of financing, mobilization, advisory, convening and thought leadership skills. This also calls for the need to generate our own opportunities by proactively working "Upstream" to create, deepen, and expand markets and opportunities for the private sector and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. This strategy also relies on a closer WBG collaboration through the "Cascade" approach: working with clients, we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challenges-where such solutions are advisable and can be effective-and reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.

The Office of the IFC Managing Director (Front Office) offers a unique position to see the institution from a strategic and high-level perspective. The Front Office consists of professionals that support the Managing Director (MD) in every aspect of his work. This involves managing interactions with the Vice-Presidential Units (VPUs), with the Board, across the WBG's entities, and with external partners and clients.

We are seeking a highly talented and motivated individual to become a senior member of our team in supporting the MD. This challenging assignment is for a period of two years and will report to the MD's Chief of Staff. The position is based in Washington DC. The selected candidate will be expected to join as soon as selected.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate is expected to play a significant role in supporting the MD and in delivering the Front Office' overall work program. S/he will have the primary responsibility for handling the day-to-day portfolio of cross-cutting issues and strategic themes such as Climate, Gender, Upstream, Environmental and Social issues, global portfolio, and operational Reporting & Procedures , etc. In close collaboration with Chief of Staff and other Advisers to the IFC MD, s/he will also lead long-term special initiatives on strategic and operational issues, which are critical for the implementation of the IFC 3.0 strategy, and which cut across multiple VPUs (and in some cases, across WBG).

The position requires energy and enthusiasm, ability to multitask, adapt flexibly to ever changing needs and evolving priorities, sound judgment and capacity for hard work. Qualified candidates are likely to have over five years of successful professional experience in IFC. They will have a passion for private sector development, and a strong track record of performance and corporate contribution. Superior strategic thinking and analytical capabilities paired with strong organizational abilities, as well as excellent communication and people skills are key success factors for this challenging and exciting position. Finally, the ability to productively engage with people at all levels and handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with tact and discretion is essential. Background in IFC investment operations is required for this role.

The Senior Adviser's responsibilities will include, but not limited to:• Coordinate follow through on key cross-cutting thematic priorities and initiatives and ensure appropriate implementation of actions, decisions, and commitments made by the MD by working with the parties responsible for implementation.• Stay abreast of the relevant analytical work from World Bank and other sources and provide reviews and summary notes to the IFC MD for his reference and to support his decision making.• Coordinate preparation of major documents for the MD. • Review MD's briefing materials, correspondence, and other incoming communications and provide input, analysis, and recommendations as appropriate, ensuring that the MD is adequately briefed and apprised of important issues as they arise, problem solve, and conduct necessary organizational coordination.• Review documents pertaining to his/her portfolio. • Working closely with the Chief of Staff, other Advisers in the Front Office, Advisers to the Vice Presidents, front offices of other MDs across the WBG, and the front office of the WBG President, ensure that all relevant views are integrated in notes, briefing materials and advice provided to the MD. • Coordinate with the relevant Directors IFC contribution to the policy documents prepared by World Bank OPCS. • Represent IFC in joint WBG tasks and initiatives. • Organize and manage special events and visits of high-profile clients and partners. • Initiate and sustain effective professional relationships with key internal and external constituencies on priority issues for the MD. • Working closely with the appropriate units, plan, organize and coordinate the MD's visits outside of Washington, DC. Travel with the MD as needed. • Mentor more junior Advisers.

Selection Criteria
• Strong work ethic and unquestionable integrity. • Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (at least 12 years of World Bank Group experience).• Hands-on experience in IFC Operations with a focus on investment activities, including deal structuring, and thorough understanding of IFC's financial instruments, policies and guidelines, operational procedures, and other day to day processes. • Good knowledge of the operational and functional characteristics of the World Bank Group. • Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment. Recognized and respected widely through her/his experience in the Corporation, ability to get things done, and track record as a problem-solver and team player. • High degree of responsiveness and ability to effectively prioritize work among multiple competing demands in a high-stakes environment.• Ability and willingness to think fast and take decisions on the basis of incomplete information under pressure; effective multitasking is essential.• Excellent analytical skills and ability to conduct quick research on a wide variety of topics and to rapidly analyze and synthesize information from varied sources into concise conclusions and recommendations. • Demonstrated willingness to provide support, to lead or follow as the situation demands. • Strong organizational and coordination skills with keen attention to detail and ability to follow up systematically on a broad set of issues and meet deadlines. • Superior interpersonal skills, including an ability to deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and build trust and effective working relations with clients and colleagues.• High degree of tact and discretion in dealing with internal and external clients, staff and managers at all levels, and in handling confidential and sensitive information.• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and ability to synthesize complex issues and substantial documentation into effective oral and written briefs. • Self-starter who consistently demonstrates superior performance with minimal supervision. • Excellent computer skills; ability to use standard IFC technology packages, e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, online databases etc. • Capacity and flexibility to work long hours and to travel as needed. • Ability to meet deadlines, make revisions to work products with a short turnaround time, and pay close attention to detail during the fact checking and proofreading processes.• A minimum of Master's degree in Business, Economics, Finance or other relevant disciplines.

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.

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