(Associate) Investment Officer - Private Equity Funds (PE)

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 help countries solve their greatest development challenges, the IFC focuses on the private sector in emerging markets. With a presence in over 100 countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the IFC is dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. In fiscal year 2025, the IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The IFC’s Private Equity Funds group plays a crucial role in this mission, being the largest investor in emerging market private equity funds globally, with approximately US$6.5 billion committed across a portfolio of over 340 funds. The PE funds strategy focuses on supporting growth equity funds, venture capital funds, small business funds in frontier regions, and selectively sector funds, enabling investee companies to achieve operational efficiency and governance standards necessary for high-growth potential.

Job Overview:
The Investment Officer position at IFC’s Istanbul office is a dynamic role that requires a high level of interest in private equity, international business, emerging markets, and development impact. The primary responsibility of the Investment Officer will be to assess fund managers in the Middle East & Central Asia and Europe regions to determine if they meet IFC’s investment criteria for financial returns, development impact, and environmental and social responsibility. The role also involves conducting portfolio monitoring analyses for IFC’s existing portfolio and working on corporate assignments and global portfolio analyses periodically. The Investment Officer will be expected to perform due diligence and structuring of private equity fund investment projects, coordinate with internal stakeholders, conduct industry research, and actively monitor the assigned portfolio of funds, ensuring compliance with IFC standards and enhancing new business opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Investment Officer are divided into three main areas: New Business, Portfolio Management, and Corporate Strategy. In New Business, the Investment Officer will perform due diligence and structuring of private equity fund investment projects as a transaction leader, coordinate with internal IFC stakeholders to process and present investment projects, and conduct industry research while networking at regional and global industry conferences. For Portfolio Management, the officer will actively monitor the assigned portfolio of funds, which includes reviewing quarterly and annual reports, preparing internal reports and valuations, participating in meetings with fund managers, and coordinating with the Legal department and Portfolio Manager for portfolio decisions. Additionally, the officer will take Advisory Committee positions in portfolio funds as an IFC representative, build and maintain client relationships, and prepare documentation for internal processes. In Corporate Strategy, the officer will assist Global Managers with assignments relating to global team and corporate strategy, analyze development impact, perform deep dives on target regions and sectors, and ensure data accuracy in internal systems.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s or equivalent degree from a reputable university, preferably with a major in economics, finance, or accounting, with an MBA from a leading international institution being preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 8 years of working experience in a reputable institution in fund investments, equity investments, corporate finance, or consulting. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with sound business judgment to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions. The ability to work successfully in multi-cultural teams and across boundaries, demonstrated teamwork skills, and a strong client service orientation with an openness to feedback and new ideas are also required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and the ability and willingness to travel is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university, ideally with a focus on economics, finance, or accounting. An MBA from a leading international institution is preferred, indicating a strong academic background relevant to the financial and investment sectors.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 to 8 years of relevant working experience in reputable institutions, specifically in areas such as fund investments, equity investments, corporate finance, or consulting. This level of experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively perform the responsibilities associated with the Investment Officer role, particularly in assessing fund managers and conducting portfolio analyses.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for communication and documentation. While not required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered advantageous, particularly those relevant to the regions in which the IFC operates, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time, and the organization values a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.