Senior Operations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, established to focus on the private sector in emerging markets. The IFC is the largest global development institution dedicated to creating markets and opportunities in developing countries. With a presence in over 100 countries, the IFC leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to mobilize private sector solutions and investments. In fiscal year 2025, the IFC committed a record US$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 organization operates with a mission to end poverty, increase shared prosperity, and promote sustainable development, working in collaboration with public and private sector partners. The IFC is part of a unique partnership of five global institutions that provide funding and knowledge to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. The organization has 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, making it a significant player in global development efforts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Operations Officer position is a critical role within the Country Advisory and Economics team for the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (CAEAE) at the IFC. This position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and involves working closely with various teams within the IFC and the World Bank to support governments in addressing key policy and regulatory issues that hinder private sector investments. The Senior Operations Officer will be responsible for delivering market-creating client solutions by leveraging local and regional resources, ensuring that CAE programs align with IFC’s strategic priorities. The role includes engaging with senior government officials and private sector stakeholders to identify and advocate for improvements in the business environment, thereby unlocking investment potential. The officer will also oversee the quality and consistency of CAE programs across South Africa and other countries in the region, ensuring that they meet the standards and objectives set by the IFC Advisory Governance. This position requires a strategic mindset, as the officer will need to design and operationalize solutions that incorporate global best practices and lessons learned from past projects, ultimately driving the development impact and sustainability of client solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Operations Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Client and Stakeholder Management: Engaging with senior levels of government and the private sector to identify constraints and support reform implementation through public-private dialogue and technical advisory support.
• Delivery of ongoing engagements and development of new business in line with country and market needs.
• Providing technical oversight of CAE programs in South Africa and other countries, ensuring quality review and consistency.
• Collaborating with IFC’s Investment/Advisory Anchors to develop a pipeline of private investment opportunities.
• Reviewing and contributing to project documents and client deliverables to meet standards.
• Participating in senior-level client meetings to provide technical advice and monitor reform progress.
• Improving client solutions by incorporating global good practices and developing appropriate theories of change.
• Ensuring high-quality project supervision and completion documents, providing quality control over client deliverables.
• Identifying and participating in conferences to showcase IFC offerings. 1
• Designing and delivering training and communication strategies for staff and external stakeholders. 1
• Supervising assigned staff and consultants, developing their technical capabilities through mentoring and training. 1
• Managing project budgets and ensuring efficient use of resources.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Operations Officer position should possess at least 12-15 years of experience in private sector development, particularly in delivering advisory programs in collaboration with senior government officials. A strong background in supporting legal and regulatory reforms, as well as public policy issues that facilitate private sector development, is essential. Extensive experience in engaging with senior government levels in the design and delivery of IFC advisory programs, especially in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, is highly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record in delivering impactful advisory engagements focused on business enabling, regulatory streamlining, and investment climate reform. A robust understanding of IFC and World Bank Group products and instruments, along with experience in cross-organizational collaboration, will be beneficial. The ability to design, negotiate, and lead client offerings that reflect in-depth knowledge of thematic areas is crucial, as is the capacity to identify market changes that create new investment opportunities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Senior Operations Officer position, typically including a master's degree in economics, business administration, public policy, or a related field. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in areas pertinent to private sector development, investment climate reform, or economic analysis will be preferred. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in analytical and strategic thinking, as well as an understanding of the complexities of working in emerging markets.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 12-15 years of professional experience in private sector development, with a focus on advisory programs that engage with government entities at senior levels. Experience in supporting legal and regulatory reforms and working on public policy issues that promote private sector growth is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of delivering impactful results through advisory engagements, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and infrastructure. Previous experience with the IFC or World Bank Group products will be an advantage, as will experience in leading or supporting cross-industry engagements.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for effectively conveying complex ideas and engaging with senior government officials and private sector leaders. While English is the required language, proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Southern Africa region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Operations Officer position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. The recruitment is open to international candidates, reflecting the global nature of the IFC's operations. The position offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits such as a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The World Bank Group is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization values a culture of empowerment, accountability, and thoughtful risk-taking, encouraging employees to engage proactively with stakeholders to achieve impactful results.