Principal Portfolio Manager, Credit Strategies

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization plays a crucial role in providing funding and knowledge to developing nations. The World Bank focuses on investing in innovative projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges, with a vision of ending extreme poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Principal Portfolio Manager for Credit Strategies will lead a team within the Pension Investments (PENIN) department, which is responsible for managing the pension plan assets of the World Bank Group. This role involves overseeing the investment management of private market strategies focused on direct lending and asset-based lending. The Principal Portfolio Manager will be tasked with portfolio construction, investment due diligence, and the identification of new investment opportunities. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the private credit asset class, including risk management, performance monitoring, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will also engage with senior management and participate actively in the Investment Committee decision-making process, ensuring that investment strategies align with the organization's objectives and risk parameters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the portfolio construction process, enhancing the portfolio through innovative ideas and approaches to manage risk and return drivers.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the private credit investment portfolio, ensuring compliance with investment guidelines and risk parameters.
• Manage relationships with external private credit managers and monitor the performance and risk characteristics of funds in the portfolio.
• Conduct market monitoring to identify new investment opportunities and manage the due diligence process for external managers.
• Prepare and present investment recommendations and risk assessments to the Investment Committee, documenting key deliberations and follow-up actions.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous learning within the team, mentoring junior members and driving proactive performance management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as finance, business, economics, IT, MIS, or computer science. Professional certifications like CFA or CAIA are advantageous. A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in private markets portfolio management and external manager selection for private credit strategies is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of macroeconomic factors affecting investments, as well as experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders to determine strategic positioning of investment portfolios. Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills are essential, along with a proven track record of contributing to investment committees and managing junior investment professionals.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in finance, business, economics, IT, MIS, or computer science is required for this position. Additional professional certifications such as CFA or CAIA are considered a plus and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of relevant working experience, particularly in private markets portfolio management and external manager selection for private credit strategies. Experience with senior secured and asset-based lending, as well as a deep understanding of global and domestic macroeconomic issues, is essential. Candidates should also have a proven ability to engage with various stakeholders and contribute to investment committees, demonstrating high-quality decision-making under uncertainty.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages may be beneficial in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring a diverse workforce that does not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.