Head, Global Infrastructure Facility

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique global partnership of five institutions established to provide funding and knowledge for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Founded in 1944, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization's mission is to end extreme poverty, promote shared prosperity, and foster sustainable development through collaboration with public and private sector partners. The WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for EMDEs, investing in innovative projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address the most pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) will play a pivotal role in overseeing the GIF Management Unit, which is responsible for assessing the technical support needs of infrastructure projects and programs, recommending the allocation of GIF resources, and serving as a coordinating body. The GIF was established in 2014 as a G20 initiative to address the critical challenge of attracting private investment in infrastructure within EMDEs, where a significant investment gap persists. The Head will lead a small, high-performing team based in Washington DC, Singapore, Tokyo, and Nairobi, and will work closely with governments and technical partners to identify financial and regulatory needs for investments, assess project risks, and leverage the role of advisory partners. The position requires a strategic leader who can foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including development partners and private investors, to enhance commercial infrastructure investment and promote sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of GIF will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Donor Management, Fundraising, and Institutional Representation: Maintain relationships with existing donors, manage Governing Council dynamics, proactively fundraise, and represent GIF in international engagements related to infrastructure finance.
• Business Management Responsibilities: Lead the GIF Management Unit, ensuring best practices in project structuring and infrastructure finance are applied, and that lessons learned are captured and disseminated.
• Partnership Coordination, Portfolio Quality, and Trust Fund Management: Coordinate relations with various partners, plan and report on fund usage, and respond to audit requests.
• Project Preparation and Pipeline Development: Identify and evaluate a pipeline of qualifying infrastructure programs and projects, assessing market readiness and project feasibility.
• Strategy Development, Global Knowledge, and Private Sector Engagement: Lead strategy development for GIF, ensuring responsiveness to market needs and private sector appetite for bankable projects.
• People/Talent Management: Supervise and motivate the GIF team, fostering a positive work environment.
• Resource Management: Ensure the deployment of resources aligns with institutional priorities and maximizes impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess substantial professional experience, typically at least 15 years, in structuring infrastructure finance transactions, advancing public-private partnerships (PPPs), and developing infrastructure policy strategies. Experience with country and regional-level infrastructure investments and economics is essential. A proven track record in leading organizations or initiatives, fundraising, and building partnerships is required. Candidates should also have experience working with the private sector, particularly in development finance institutions, and a strong preference for prior experience in multilateral events and development finance engagements. The ability to develop productive partnerships with senior representatives across various sectors is crucial, along with a commitment to achieving results in multiple world regions.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent experience in Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Business Administration, Engineering, or Law is required. Advanced university degrees are preferred, and fluency in English with strong writing and pitching skills is mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, typically at least 15 years, in roles of increasing complexity and responsibility related to infrastructure finance, PPPs, and development finance. Candidates should have hands-on experience in portfolio management and operations, particularly in supporting governments in structuring projects for private participation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, with strong writing and communication skills. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, and the World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates.