Sub-Regional Gender Program Officer for Middle East

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. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in more than 100 countries to create markets and opportunities. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. IFC is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and economic inclusion, as outlined in its 2030 Roadmap for Gender and Inclusion, which aims to deliver impactful private sector partnerships and programs to accelerate gender equality in emerging markets.

Job Overview:
The Sub-Regional Gender Program Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the IFC's mission to promote gender equality and economic inclusion in the Middle East. This position involves working closely with the Regional Lead for Gender and Inclusion, focusing on delivering client projects and managing relationships across the sub-region. The officer will be responsible for ensuring high-quality services to both internal and external clients while supporting the implementation of gender solutions in investment and advisory projects. The role requires collaboration with various teams to design and deliver coordinated programs that address gender barriers and achieve measurable outcomes. The officer will also assist in communicating gender and economic inclusion topics at regional events and with partners, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of IFC's initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sub-Regional Gender Program Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Delivering client projects and managing relationships across the Middle East sub-region, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Supporting the implementation of existing portfolio projects and identifying opportunities for gender and economic inclusion solutions in investment and advisory projects.
• Collaborating with IFC Industry teams to design and deliver country-level programs that address gender barriers and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Assisting sub-regional and country management with consistent inputs on gender issues in projects, programs, and strategies.
• Supporting the communications team in promoting gender and economic inclusion topics externally, including at regional events and in media engagements.
• Engaging with senior management and development partners to communicate effectively on gender-related topics and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, business, or a relevant discipline. They should have at least seven years of professional experience in private sector development within emerging markets, with a focus on gender and inclusion. The ideal candidate will have experience in structuring investment and advisory projects, including developing results frameworks to capture gender and inclusion outcomes. A broad understanding of gender and economic inclusion topics, along with the ability to engage credibly with stakeholders, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities in both English and Arabic, and a commitment to the core values of the IFC.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in economics, finance, business, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of private sector development and the specific challenges related to gender and economic inclusion in emerging markets.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in private sector development, particularly in emerging markets. Candidates should have a proven track record of decision-making responsibility, ideally with a focus on gender and inclusion initiatives. Experience in managing projects, staff, and consultants is also necessary, along with the ability to multitask and work under time constraints.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages, enabling them to articulate ideas clearly and confidently. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders in the Middle East region. The IFC 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 inclusiveness, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.