Senior Industry Specialist – Middle East, Central Asia & Turkey

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 end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. IFC's mission is to harness the power of the private sector to achieve these goals, making it a pivotal player in global economic development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Industry Specialist position is a critical role within the Global Energy unit of IFC, which collaborates with regional industry groups to manage IFC's energy business. This includes a focus on power generation, particularly in renewable energy, as well as transmission and distribution, and innovative clean energy technologies such as battery storage and green hydrogen. The specialist will provide technical advice and support to investment teams, primarily focusing on the Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkey regions, while also extending support to other areas as needed. The role requires a deep understanding of energy investment transactions and the ability to lead technical appraisals, ensuring that investments align with IFC's strategic goals and market needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Industry Specialist will be responsible for leading the technical appraisal of energy investment transactions, particularly in renewable generation and transmission & distribution projects. This includes conducting site visits, hiring and supervising external consultants, reviewing major contracts such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts, Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA), Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contracts, and concessions. The specialist will assess and propose key technical inputs for financial models and prepare reports that evaluate technical risks associated with investments. Additionally, the role involves monitoring technical aspects of portfolio energy investments throughout their construction and operational phases, conducting field inspections, and addressing specific issues as they arise. The specialist will also contribute to sector work by identifying market trends, developing sector strategies, and enhancing the project pipeline. Maintaining and sharing knowledge of best practices in the power sector and liaising with clients' technical staff and project engineers are also essential duties.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering and have at least 15 years of recent relevant experience in the electric power industry. This experience should ideally include extensive work in the private sector and in emerging markets. A successful track record in energy investment transactions, particularly as a Lenders’ Technical Advisor, as well as experience in the development, construction, and operation of generation projects, is essential. Knowledge and expertise in renewable energy technologies, especially solar PV and wind, along with battery storage and transmission & distribution systems, are critical. Familiarity with conventional generation methods is considered a plus. Candidates should also have significant experience in deregulated market operations and tariff calculations, as well as strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in engineering. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex energy systems and technologies, which is essential for the role of Senior Industry Specialist.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in the electric power industry. This experience should encompass a broad range of roles and responsibilities, particularly in energy investment transactions and project management within the private sector and emerging markets. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record in managing energy projects and navigating the complexities of the energy sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with clients. Additionally, proficiency in French is preferred, as it can enhance communication with stakeholders in regions where French is spoken, thereby broadening the candidate's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits such as a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.