Senior Industry Specialist – Value Chain Analysis and Commodity Trading

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is recognized as the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to promote economic development by encouraging private sector investment, IFC operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities that can help alleviate extreme poverty and enhance shared prosperity on a livable planet. The mission of IFC is to harness the power of the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth and improve living conditions for people in developing countries. For more information about IFC's initiatives and operations, visit their official website at www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Industry Specialist position within IFC’s Agribusiness and Forestry department is pivotal for supporting investments in the agribusiness sector, particularly focusing on the food production chain and forestry value chain. The role involves working closely with investment teams to develop and deliver agribusiness strategies and investment programs. The specialist will conduct due diligence to assess project strengths and weaknesses, providing appraisal reports and operational parameters for financial models. This position also requires collaboration with the Climate Business team to ensure that all projects align with climate goals and sustainability practices. The selected candidate will initially spend 6-12 months in Washington, D.C., before transitioning to the agreed location in West Africa, where they will focus on commodity trading, milling, and value chain analysis. The role demands a strong commitment to sustainability and the ability to provide industry knowledge to assess new investment opportunities and conduct detailed due diligence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Industry Specialist include:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of IFC’s agribusiness strategies and investment programs in collaboration with investment teams.
• Conducting thorough due diligence to evaluate project strengths and weaknesses, and providing investment teams with comprehensive appraisal reports and operational parameters for financial modeling.
• Collaborating with the Climate Business team to ensure all projects are assessed for Paris Alignment, including decarbonization strategies and climate risk assessments.
• Participating in investment committee meetings and addressing committee inquiries.
• Supporting the review of advisory and upstream service proposals.
• Providing industry insights and best practice advice to both internal IFC and World Bank Group colleagues and external clients, thereby adding value to business development activities and portfolio monitoring.
• Assisting in the selection, briefing, and supervision of technical consultants engaged in due diligence as necessary.
• Representing IFC at conferences, seminars, and other events to maintain and enhance sector knowledge.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Industry Specialist position must possess a strong commitment to the mission and values of IFC and the World Bank Group. They should have a minimum of 10 years of operational experience in agro-commodity supply chain management and trading. A minimum of a master’s degree is required, along with sound knowledge of current industry operating parameters to facilitate comparative cost analysis and benchmarking. The candidate should also have experience in delivering sustainability solutions within the agribusiness sector, and knowledge of commodity risk management and hedging is considered a plus. Proven business judgment and a successful track record in investment screening and assessment are essential. Excellent written and spoken English skills are mandatory, with the ability to produce technical appraisal reports promptly. Proficiency in French is an additional advantage. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to work effectively in teams and build relationships across organizational boundaries, as well as exhibit a passion for commodity trading and results-driven energy, initiative, and self-motivation. Willingness to undertake extensive international travel in emerging markets is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field, which may include but is not limited to business administration, economics, agricultural sciences, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of operational experience specifically in agro-commodity supply chain management and trading. This level of experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively contribute to the development of agribusiness strategies and investment programs, as well as to conduct thorough due diligence and provide valuable insights into the industry.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent written and spoken skills required. Additionally, proficiency in French is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The employment contract for this position is a renewable term appointment, with an initial duration of three years. If the selected candidate is already a staff member of the World Bank Group with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, they will retain their current appointment status. The role involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and prides itself on being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer.