Investment Officer - Infrastructure, Equity

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 promote sustainable development, the IFC focuses on the private sector in emerging markets. With a presence in over 100 countries, the IFC leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities, committing a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in fiscal year 202

• The organization operates with a mission to end poverty and promote shared prosperity, working in partnership with both public and private sectors to address the most pressing global challenges. The IFC is part of a larger partnership of five global institutions, with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, dedicated to fostering economic growth and improving living standards.

Job Overview:
The Investment Officer position at IFC in Paris is a critical role that involves working closely with the Europe Infrastructure and Equity lead and other colleagues focused on equity investments. The primary expectation from this position is to contribute to the growth and management of IFC's equity and mezzanine business. The ideal candidate will possess strong equity experience and investment skills, particularly in investment analysis and project management. This role requires evaluating new investment opportunities, conducting rigorous financial and investment analysis, and contributing to the structuring and execution of transactions. The Investment Officer will also play a key role in portfolio management, building relationships with clients, overseeing project milestones, and contributing to sustainable private sector investments that alleviate poverty and improve lives in emerging markets. The selected candidate will work across all of IFC's mandate countries in emerging Europe, which includes a diverse range of sectors such as power, transportation, telecom, technology, urban infrastructure, and utilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Investment Officer include developing a thorough understanding of the infrastructure and energy sectors in emerging Europe, supporting the team in building strong relationships with key counterparts in both the private and public sectors. The officer will identify potential investment partners and opportunities based on industry experience, track record, reputation, market potential, financial capability, and strategic fit. Participation in equity business development activities in the region aligned with infrastructure and energy investment themes is essential. The officer will assess the attractiveness of specific investment opportunities, focusing on investment merit and development impact, and will make recommendations to IFC management. Responsibilities also include executing equity and mezzanine financings, conducting due diligence, structuring deals, negotiating terms, building financial models, and managing portfolios across various infrastructure sub-sectors. The officer will work closely with other departments to support the development and implementation of relevant sector strategies and manage environmental, social, technical, legal, insurance, corporate governance, and other risks in projects. Providing high-quality client service throughout the project cycle, preparing detailed portfolio reports, and engaging with client counterparts to understand their business directions are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires at least a Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in a major commercial or investment bank with a significant presence in emerging markets, an international financial institution, a sovereign wealth fund, or an infrastructure/private equity fund manager. Experience in sourcing, structuring, and executing equity transactions, as well as managing complex transactions, is essential. A strong track record in the infrastructure and energy sub-sectors is highly desired. Candidates should possess proven analytical, financial analysis, equity valuation, and financial modeling skills to analyze and draw conclusions from company financial information or projects. Strong client relationship skills and the ability to monitor milestones and deliverables independently are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent professional qualification in relevant fields such as Business, Finance, or Economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of investment analysis and project management in the context of emerging markets.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in roles that involve sourcing, structuring, and executing equity transactions. Experience in managing complex transactions within the infrastructure and energy sectors is a significant advantage. Candidates should have a strong understanding of industry drivers, business cycles, performance metrics, and evolving dynamics within the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in other languages spoken in emerging Europe is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and may require extensive travel. 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.