Senior Industry Specialist - Energy Markets and Regulation

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. IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in more than 100 countries and leveraging private sector solutions 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 create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The Global Energy (CEMEN) team, part of the Global Energy and Mining Department at IFC, is responsible for the energy business, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and innovative clean energy technologies. The team is united by core values of Impact, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation, and is dedicated to tackling the world’s toughest challenges while advancing social and economic inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Senior Industry Specialist - Energy Markets and Regulation will play a crucial role in contributing to the priorities of the CEMEN team related to sector strategy, expertise, knowledge sharing, market creation, innovation, business development, and transaction due diligence and monitoring. The position requires close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement IFC’s strategy across various energy segments. The specialist will lead or co-lead Global Energy initiatives and contribute to market creation and innovation in the energy sector. This includes leading strategy presentations to diverse stakeholders and developing knowledge products for internal and external audiences. The role also involves supporting investment officers in client engagement and business development, reviewing new projects as part of the investment decision process, and providing strategic and operational support to senior IFC and World Bank Group executives. The specialist will maintain a strong grasp of energy sector trends and innovations and mentor junior staff on energy sector markets and regulation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Industry Specialist include:

• Collaborating with interdisciplinary CEMEN teams to develop and implement IFC’s strategy in various energy segments.
• Leading or co-leading Global Energy initiatives and contributing to market creation and innovation in the energy sector.
• Supporting investment officers and client relationship managers in client engagement and business development in the energy sector.
• Assisting in the review of new projects as part of the investment decision process, including assessing market-related risks and providing financial model inputs.
• Supporting portfolio supervision management and relationship managers in assessing market-related aspects of specific projects.
• Providing strategic, operational, and analytical support to the CEMEN Manager and other senior executives, including developing knowledge products related to market requests.
• Keeping abreast of energy sector trends and innovations.
• Mentoring junior IFC staff on energy sector markets and regulation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, with strong quantitative skills including analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, ideally with exposure to economic regulatory theory as it applies to infrastructure regulation. Candidates should have a minimum of 12-15 years of professional experience in the energy sector, with significant exposure to emerging markets and broad expertise across electricity and natural gas markets. A deep knowledge of market and regulatory issues related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply is essential, along with significant expertise in deregulated markets, including policy, regulation, system planning, or operation. Proven analytic ability in competitive electricity markets, including bid- and cost-based approaches and spot price projections, is required. Candidates should also possess expertise in price and quality regulation, understanding key tradeoffs and tariff sustainability, as well as knowledge of subsidy design approaches and techniques for targeting public funds efficiency. Familiarity with contractual approaches underpinning private participation in the sector is also important, with a preference for detailed knowledge of contracts requiring private risk capital deployment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound business judgment, and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, with proficiency in additional languages being a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics or a related field, which provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of energy markets and regulatory frameworks. The educational background should include strong quantitative skills that are essential for financial analysis and economic evaluation in the context of energy sector projects.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 12-15 years in the energy sector. This experience should encompass significant exposure to emerging markets and a broad understanding of electricity and natural gas markets. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in various capacities within the energy sector, demonstrating expertise in market and regulatory issues, as well as experience in investment decision processes and project evaluations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for external stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages is considered a plus, as it can enhance communication with diverse partners and clients in the global energy sector.

Additional Notes:
The 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, paid leave, including parental leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to providing competitive compensation and transparency in salary ranges, typically offering starting salaries between the minimum and midpoint of the salary scale based on skills, experience, and qualifications. The WBG culture emphasizes a sense of urgency, thoughtful risk-taking, and empowerment and accountability among its employees.