Associate Investment Officer-Consumer Services, Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to promote economic development by encouraging private sector investment, the IFC operates in over 100 countries, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing nations. The organization is dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development, and in fiscal year 2025, it committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries. The IFC is part of a unique partnership of five global institutions that work together to address the most pressing development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Associate Investment Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Department, specifically focusing on the Consumer Services sector, which includes tourism, retail, property, health, and education. This position is based in Dakar, Senegal, and involves collaboration with colleagues in the Africa region and Washington, DC. The Associate Investment Officer will be responsible for business development, investment transaction execution, and portfolio supervision. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and executing investment transactions, participating in all aspects of the investment processing cycle, and utilizing research tools for in-depth analysis. The position demands strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients to enhance business opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Investment Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: working across industries and regions to identify and execute investment transactions; participating in the entire investment processing cycle from deal origination to execution; conducting in-depth benchmarking analysis by sectors and geographies; analyzing financial statements and preparing financial models; preparing project-related documents for both internal and external audiences; communicating credit analysis and investment proposals clearly; establishing and maintaining relationships with clients; undertaking portfolio supervision work; and supporting the formulation and updating of IFC’s strategy in the Services sector in Africa.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MBA or Master’s Degree in Finance or a related field, along with at least 5 years of professional experience in corporate or project financing. This experience should include roles in investment banking, commercial banking, private equity, equity research, or business consulting. Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word is essential for building analyses and presentations. Strong research and quantitative skills are required, with a preference for candidates with a background in financial analysis and modeling. A strong client service orientation, exceptional attention to detail, and excellent communication skills in English are mandatory, while fluency in French is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes an MBA or a Master’s Degree in Finance or an equivalent field. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role of Associate Investment Officer.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as corporate or project financing, investment banking, commercial banking, private equity, equity research, or business consulting. Experience in emerging markets is preferred, with a particular emphasis on experience in Africa being a significant advantage. The role requires a demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and cope with shifting priorities while delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Fluency in French is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and clients in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 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 opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role may require travel, adhering to safety standards set by the World Bank Group.