Associate Operations Officer - Financial Institutions Groups -MEPA

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to promote private sector investment in developing countries, IFC focuses on creating markets and opportunities in emerging markets. With a presence in over 100 countries and a commitment of $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in fiscal year 2025, IFC plays a crucial role in leveraging private sector solutions to combat poverty and promote sustainable development. The organization is dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion and fostering resilient financial systems, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions. IFC operates with a mission to end poverty and increase shared prosperity through innovative financial solutions and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Associate Operations Officer role is pivotal in supporting the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) within IFC, focusing on developing impactful financial solutions across the Middle East and Central Asia. This position involves managing a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including microfinance, SME lending, climate finance, and capital markets. The selected candidate will be responsible for designing, originating, and managing advisory projects aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and accelerating economic development in fragile markets. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including investment teams and country teams, to ensure that advisory work aligns with investment pathways and supports job creation and MSME access to finance. The Associate Operations Officer will also contribute to building a high-quality project pipeline and support the investment team in managing IFC’s financial sector investments, ensuring alignment with regional strategies and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Operations Officer include:

• Supporting the preparation, approval, and implementation of upstream/advisory projects, ensuring compliance with IFC operational policies and governance requirements.
• Engaging with IFC investment teams to ensure that advisory work facilitates investment pathways and supports portfolio clients, with a focus on MSME access to finance and job creation.
• Coordinating day-to-day project management tasks, including work planning, consultant management, budgeting, and quality control of deliverables.
• Leading or supporting project supervision cycles and implementation reviews, tracking milestones, managing risks, and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Contributing to results measurement and data collection plans, supporting evaluations and completion reports.
• Designing and implementing advisory solutions tailored to fragile and conflict-affected situations, including market diagnostics and feasibility assessments.
• Integrating conflict sensitivity and job creation into project planning and delivery.
• Supporting field missions and stakeholder engagement in FCS contexts.
• Contributing to market scoping and pipeline development in priority sectors, preparing concept notes and implementation plans. 1
• Coordinating with World Bank teams on joint initiatives and maintaining strong client relationships with public and private counterparts. 1
• Ensuring accurate project data entry and maintaining audit-ready documentation. 1
• Supporting internal portfolio reviews and contributing to operational and financial reporting.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in finance, economics, public policy, international development, business, or a related field, along with 5 years of relevant experience. Candidates should have 3-6 years of experience in advisory or technical assistance, project management, development finance, or consulting. Prior experience in fragile and conflict-affected situations is strongly preferred, as is experience with MSMEs and financial inclusion initiatives. Technical skills in project management, budgeting, and results measurement are essential, along with familiarity with private sector development themes such as SME finance and climate solutions. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are necessary for designing and monitoring results frameworks.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as finance, economics, public policy, international development, or business. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial systems and development challenges in emerging markets.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 3-6 years of relevant experience in advisory roles, project management, or development finance. Experience working in fragile and conflict-affected situations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with MSME engagement and financial inclusion initiatives. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the banking and financial sector, particularly in areas like SME banking, microfinance, and climate finance.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, while proficiency in Arabic is strongly preferred. Knowledge of additional regional languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including public and private sector partners. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.