(Associate) Operations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is part of the World Bank Group (WBG), which was established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. The WBG is dedicated to ending poverty and promoting shared prosperity through sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices globally, the WBG collaborates with both public and private sectors to invest in innovative projects that address the most pressing global challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on mobilizing private capital to create jobs and foster economic growth, particularly in low-income and fragile states, through its strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The (Associate) Operations Officer position at IFC in Sarajevo is a critical role that involves supporting the organization's mission to enhance private sector development in the region. The officer will be responsible for producing economic assessments and contributing to strategic products that guide the WBG's engagement with countries. This role requires a deep understanding of the local economic landscape and the ability to design and implement advisory services that align with IFC's strategic priorities. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and private sector partners, to facilitate investment opportunities and drive reform initiatives that support sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing market-driven client solutions that leverage local and regional resources.
• Ensuring that Advisory Services projects align with IFC's strategic priorities and foster private investment opportunities.
• Collaborating across all functions within the Country Advisory and Economics unit to operationalize strategic recommendations.
• Conducting sector diagnostics and working with economists and industry specialists to identify opportunities for reform.
• Designing and executing reform initiatives in partnership with stakeholders.
• Integrating global best practices into client solutions to enhance project outcomes.
• Ensuring high-quality execution of projects, maintaining resource efficiency, and providing excellent client support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, law, finance, business, or a closely related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of experience in private sector development, particularly in delivering advisory programs that engage with government counterparts. A strong understanding of IFC and WBG products and instruments is essential, along with the ability to identify collaborative opportunities across organizations. Proven skills in designing and leading client offerings based on thematic knowledge and business cases are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, law, finance, or business. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of private sector development and the economic factors that influence it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in private sector development. Candidates should have a strong track record of delivering advisory programs and engaging with senior government officials. Experience in leading or supporting cross-industry engagements within the IFC and WBG is highly advantageous, as is a demonstrated ability to deliver impactful advisory engagements.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Serbo-Croatian is mandatory for this position. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages are essential for effective stakeholder engagement and project execution. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered a plus, but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.