Portfolio Analyst-Financial Institutions Group

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 WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to develop solutions to urgent global challenges. IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, operating in more than 100 countries and leveraging private sector solutions to create opportunities and markets in developing nations. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of private sector financial development in promoting successful and sustainable economies. The Financial Institution Group (FIG) is a key department within IFC, responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume and development reach, engaging in various sub-sectors such as Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, and more, with the aim of enhancing financial inclusion and economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Portfolio Analyst position within the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) at IFC is designed to provide analytical support to Portfolio Managers and investment staff in managing and servicing the regional FIG portfolio. The role involves conducting comprehensive industry, market, and company research to inform portfolio strategy and actions, analyzing patterns, risks, and performance of portfolio companies to guide new business strategies. The analyst will prepare regular reports that offer analytical insights into various dimensions of the portfolio, including impact, profitability, risk, and capital utilization. Additionally, the analyst will participate in portfolio-related meetings, contributing to the overall management and strategic direction of the portfolio. This position is crucial for ensuring that the financial systems developed through IFC’s investments are efficient and contribute to economic growth and financial inclusion in client countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Portfolio Analyst will be responsible for providing analytical support to the Portfolio Managers in managing the regional FIG portfolio. This includes monitoring and servicing portfolio companies, conducting industry and market research, and analyzing performance patterns and risks associated with portfolio companies. The analyst will prepare quarterly reports that provide insights into the portfolio's impact, profitability, risk, and capital utilization. Participation in portfolio-related meetings and taking minutes will also be part of the responsibilities. The role requires a strong analytical skill set, particularly in Excel, and the ability to communicate findings effectively through presentations and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus on finance, economics, or mathematics. Strong analytical skills are essential, with a high level of proficiency in Excel specifically required. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a numerical or analytical role is necessary, along with a good understanding of the financial and operational characteristics of financial institutions. The ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries is crucial, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Understanding French is considered a significant plus. Proficiency in preparing financially oriented PowerPoint presentations is also required, and while not mandatory, familiarity with programming for data analytics (such as SQL or Python) and advanced data analytics software (like PowerBI) is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree, ideally in finance, economics, or mathematics. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of financial institutions and the analytical tasks associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a numerical or analytical role. This experience should ideally be within the financial sector or in a capacity that involves significant analytical responsibilities, enabling the candidate to effectively support the management of the FIG portfolio.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with strong verbal and written communication skills required. Understanding French is considered a significant advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and clients.

Additional Notes:
This 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 is based in Nairobi, Kenya.