Regional Industry Director, Agribusiness, MAS, Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is recognized as the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to foster economic development by promoting private sector investment, IFC operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71 billion to private companies and financial institutions in these regions, aiming to mobilize private capital and provide solutions that contribute to a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information about IFC's mission and operations, visit www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Regional Industry Director (RID) for the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) Department will be based in Dakar, Senegal, and will primarily focus on the agribusiness sector within the Africa region. This position entails leading IFC's engagement across the entire agribusiness and forestry value chain, which includes crop inputs (excluding fertilizers and chemicals), primary production (including forestry and floriculture), supply chain management/trading, food processing, paper packaging/wood products, and related services. The RID will be responsible for delivering both investment and advisory services through IFC’s global network, managing key client and government relationships, overseeing operations, and enhancing sector expertise to improve pipeline quality and scale development impact. The role is pivotal in driving the business towards achieving the IFC 2030 vision in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods, building on recent portfolio improvements that highlight the effectiveness of targeted strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Industry Director include providing strategic leadership to develop and implement IFC’s agribusiness strategy and priorities in the region. This involves collaborating with Regional Industry Directors, Division Directors, and Country Managers to focus on food security, farmer incomes, business growth, strong development impact, additionality, and sustainable profitability. The RID will lead and grow the agribusiness portfolio, ensuring the development of financially sound and profitable new business while overseeing the existing portfolio. The role requires strategic positioning of the agribusiness business in Africa, chairing Investment Review Meetings, and making decisions on IFC agribusiness investments. Additionally, the RID will oversee Upstream and Advisory engagements in agribusiness, contribute to the execution of the regional equity strategy, and partner with IBRD/IDA and MIGA to develop and implement regional agribusiness sector strategies. The RID will also design and implement a business development strategy for agribusiness, represent IFC at high levels to clients and stakeholders, and supervise Agribusiness Managers of the MAS Africa department, ensuring efficient resource allocation and collaboration with other departments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, finance, engineering, or business, along with at least 15 years of relevant experience. A strong commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of business delivery, investment experience, and superior business judgment, particularly in Agribusiness sub-sectors. Strong knowledge and experience in leading investment decision processes, including the ability to assess and address credit, legal, and environmental/social issues, are critical. Candidates should demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, fluency in English, and possess strategic thinking, prioritization, resource mobilization, and teamwork skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as economics, finance, engineering, or business. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of agribusiness and the financial mechanisms involved in investment and advisory services.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in the agribusiness sector or related fields. Candidates should have substantial experience in investment decision-making processes and a proven ability to manage large, dispersed teams in dynamic, multicultural environments. Experience in leading business development initiatives and managing client relationships at high levels is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French is also required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities, including strategic leadership and management of agribusiness initiatives across the Africa region. 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 opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.