Credit Risk Specialist - Structured Finance

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 World Bank Group 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 organization collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to develop solutions for urgent global challenges. In fiscal year 2025, 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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Structured Finance Credit Risk Specialist position at IFC is a critical role that involves providing independent, high-quality risk assessments and portfolio oversight for complex structured finance transactions across IFC’s global portfolio. This position is essential for ensuring that structured finance deals align with IFC’s risk appetite, financial objectives, and development mandate. The role encompasses transaction review, methodology development, and stakeholder engagement, requiring a deep understanding of structured finance and the ability to communicate effectively with various teams. The Specialist will report to the Chief Credit Officer and will be involved in all stages of the investment cycle, from early reviews to post-disbursement assessments, ensuring that all transactions meet the necessary standards and contribute positively to IFC's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Structured Finance Credit Risk Specialist include supporting the CIRIC on Investment Committees and Portfolio Review Committees, providing objective and independent risk assessments for complex transactions, particularly in structured finance. The Specialist will collaborate with the IRP team on rating reviews and enhancements to the rating methodology, coordinate with Credit Officers across various regions, and serve as an independent transaction risk reviewer throughout the investment cycle. This includes assessing sponsor strength, market conditions, regulatory environments, transaction structures, terms, documentation, asset performance, covenant compliance, portfolio trends, ratings, and risk-mitigation tools. The Specialist will ensure that IFC policies and best practices are applied, communicate tranche-level risks and cash-flow performance issues, engage in discussions on credit standards and tranche pricing, and contribute to knowledge management through training programs and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant professional qualifications such as CFA, FRM, or actuarial certifications. A minimum of 8 years of structured finance experience within an international financial institution or development institution is required, with exposure to cross-border emerging markets. Comprehensive knowledge of asset-backed securities (ABS), residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), and structured finance cash-flow modeling is essential. Candidates should also have advanced skills in Excel, VBA, and SQL, with proficiency in Python or other programming languages preferred. Strong interpersonal and influencing skills in multicultural environments are necessary, along with excellent oral and written English skills and fluency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business, engineering, or a related field. Candidates with relevant professional qualifications such as CFA, FRM, or actuarial certifications will be preferred, as these qualifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field of finance and risk management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of structured finance experience, specifically within an international financial institution or development institution. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing complex structured finance transactions across multiple regions, showcasing their ability to navigate the intricacies of structured finance in diverse markets. Experience with private credit markets, structured credit funds, and risk transfer instruments is also essential, as is familiarity with regulatory frameworks in emerging markets.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additionally, fluency in one or more of the preferred languages—Portuguese, Spanish, or French—will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of partners and stakeholders in various regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 3 years. It is part of an international recruitment effort, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.