(Senior) Country Officer - Bulgaria

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 with the mission to end poverty and promote sustainable development, the World Bank Group comprises five global institutions and operates in 189 member countries with over 120 offices worldwide. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence 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, aiming to mobilize private capital and create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The (Senior) Country Officer position at IFC is a pivotal role within the World Bank Group's joint country representation in Sofia, Bulgaria. This role involves designing and promoting the IFC strategy in Bulgaria, coordinating with IBRD and MIGA, and leveraging the strengths of each WBG institution. The officer is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the implementation of this strategy, ensuring the development of a pipeline of innovative and impactful investment and advisory initiatives. The ultimate goal is to maximize IFC’s impact, role, and additionality in Bulgaria. The position requires a strong understanding of the local market dynamics and the ability to build relationships with various stakeholders, including the business sector, financial institutions, and government authorities. The officer will also be tasked with identifying key engagements for IFC, particularly in high-impact areas such as digitalization, energy transition, and green transport, while ensuring the integrity of potential business partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the (Senior) Country Officer include developing and implementing a strategy to enhance Bulgaria’s competitiveness and social inclusion, building and maintaining relationships with the Bulgarian business sector and financial institutions, identifying key engagements for IFC, ensuring the duty of care for IFC staff and consultants, providing business intelligence for investment teams, developing knowledge of World Bank Group products, preparing quality briefs for Senior Management visits, contributing to the preparation of concept notes for investment and advisory projects, and representing IFC at high-profile events and conferences. The officer will also be responsible for managing relationships with key clients and stakeholders, ensuring the quality of services delivered by the IFC office in Sofia, and contributing to the overall strategy and program of the World Bank Group.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, business administration, public policy, or a related field. For the Country Officer position, at least 8 years of relevant experience is required, while the Senior Country Officer position requires at least 10 years of experience. Candidates should have a proven track record in the financial sector, business consulting, or investment banking, with expertise in risk management, investment structuring, and client relationship management. Excellent business judgment and the ability to structure a broad range of financial instruments, including ESG-related instruments, are essential. Strong client relationship skills and the ability to interact independently with key stakeholders are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree, preferably in fields such as economics, finance, business administration, or public policy. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of the financial and economic landscape in which the IFC operates, particularly in emerging markets like Bulgaria.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position varies depending on whether the candidate is applying for the Country Officer or Senior Country Officer role. The Country Officer requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, while the Senior Country Officer requires at least 10 years. This experience should encompass a proven track record in the financial sector, business consulting, or investment banking, with a focus on risk management, investment structuring, and client relationship management.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Bulgarian is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and clients. While additional languages are not specified as preferred, having knowledge of other languages could be beneficial in this multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities that require a high level of expertise and leadership. 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 all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.