Investment Analyst - Distressed Assets Recovery Program

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is recognized as the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to promote economic development through the private sector, IFC operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to leverage its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities that can help alleviate extreme poverty and enhance shared prosperity on a livable planet. IFC is committed to fostering private sector financial development, which is crucial for establishing successful and sustainable economies, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The organization emphasizes the importance of sound and efficient financial markets to ensure that resources are allocated effectively, thereby assisting in job creation and spurring economic growth. IFC prioritizes investment in the financial sector as it is a catalyst for development across all other sectors. The Financial Institution Group (FIG) is one of IFC's key departments, responsible for a significant portion of IFC's business volume, profitability, and development reach, accounting for approximately 40% of its operations. FIG engages in various sub-sectors, including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, and Distressed Assets, among others. The Distressed Assets Recovery Program (DARP) specifically focuses on making investments in distressed assets, establishing investment facilities, and building servicing capacity in emerging markets globally. DARP has a proven track record of successful transactions and is looking to expand its investment activities in this area, necessitating the recruitment of an Analyst to join the DARP team to scale up its business and strengthen the management of the existing portfolio.

Job Overview:
The Investment Analyst position within the Distressed Assets Recovery Program (DARP) at IFC is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to the management and expansion of investment activities in the distressed assets sector. The Analyst will be based in Washington, DC, and will report directly to the Global Head of DARP. This role is pivotal in supporting teams responsible for investments in distressed assets throughout the entire project cycle, which includes origination, execution, and supervision of investments. The Analyst will conduct in-depth industry and market research, particularly focusing on distressed assets markets, and will be tasked with creating, analyzing, and assessing complex analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and pricing/valuation models related to distressed asset deals. The position also involves supporting the evaluation, structuring, and negotiation of both straightforward and complex new transactions, which may include corporate finance and project finance, encompassing both equity and debt transactions. The Analyst will review company information, prepare reports on periodic financial statements, and monitor project progress, ensuring that all information submitted by clients is accurately assessed. Additionally, the Analyst will collaborate closely with portfolio staff in IFC regional offices and other DARP team members to monitor the performance of the underlying assets acquired by DARP facilities, evaluate risks, and recommend active portfolio management actions. The role also requires preparing documentation for IFC's internal processes, including credit ratings, investment valuations, and compliance reports related to financial, environmental, social, insurance, and legal requirements. The Analyst will provide support for corporate initiatives within DARP and assist in other projects or strategy-related activities as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties and responsibilities of the Investment Analyst include, but are not limited to:

• Providing comprehensive support to teams responsible for investments in distressed assets throughout the entire project cycle, including origination, execution, and supervision of investments.
• Conducting thorough industry and market research with a particular focus on distressed assets markets to inform investment strategies.
• Creating, analyzing, and assessing complex financial analysis and pricing/valuation models for distressed asset deals to ensure sound investment decisions.
• Supporting the evaluation, structuring, and negotiation of both straightforward and complex new transactions, which may involve corporate finance and project finance, including equity and debt transactions.
• Reviewing company information and preparing detailed reports on periodic financial statements, project progress reports, and other relevant information submitted by clients.
• Collaborating closely with portfolio staff in IFC regional offices and other DARP team members to monitor the performance of the underlying assets acquired by DARP facilities, evaluating risks and recommending active portfolio management actions.
• Preparing necessary documentation for IFC internal processes, including credit ratings, investment valuations, and compliance reports concerning IFC's financial, environmental, social, insurance, and legal requirements.
• Providing support for various corporate initiatives within DARP and assisting in other projects or strategy-related activities as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Investment Analyst position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a specialization in Economics and/or Finance.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in finance, banking, or portfolio management, demonstrating a solid understanding of financial principles and practices.
• Previous exposure to and understanding of distressed investing, with demonstrated experience in distressed asset acquisition, management, and resolution being highly desirable.
• Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, with the ability to identify key issues and provide actionable insights.
• Sound numerical, analytical, and conceptual skills encompassing finance and associated areas of investment, risk management, and corporate finance, particularly with a focus on distressed assets.
• Knowledge and experience in the international economic development arena, along with a commitment to sustainable development principles.
• Recognized as a team player with the capacity to manage conflicting priorities and deliver high-quality work within set deadlines.
• A willingness to work in multicultural teams and across organizational boundaries.
• A strong client service orientation, openness to feedback, and a readiness to embrace new ideas. 1
• Original thinking and quick learning abilities, coupled with strong initiative and attention to detail. 1
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English are mandatory, and a willingness to travel is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Investment Analyst position includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, with a specialization in Economics and/or Finance. This educational foundation is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform complex financial analyses, understand market dynamics, and engage effectively in investment activities related to distressed assets.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Investment Analyst position is at least 2 years in finance, banking, or portfolio management. Candidates should have previous exposure to distressed investing, with demonstrated experience in distressed asset acquisition, management, and resolution being highly desirable. This experience is crucial for the Analyst to effectively support investment activities and contribute to the management of the existing portfolio within the Distressed Assets Recovery Program.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for the Investment Analyst position is proficiency in English. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential for effective collaboration and reporting. While not explicitly stated, knowledge of additional languages may be considered advantageous, particularly in the context of working in diverse international environments.

Additional Notes:
The Investment Analyst position is a local recruitment opportunity based in Washington, DC, with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time, and the organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. IFC offers a highly challenging and rewarding working environment with outstanding opportunities for professional growth, as well as attractive conditions, including comprehensive benefits such as a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.