Division Director - Africa West 1

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 promote economic development by encouraging 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 create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Division Director for Africa West 1 will play a pivotal role in leading the division's operations in several West African countries, including Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Cabo Verde, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. This position is crucial for managing key client relationships and government interactions, overseeing operations, and driving the business towards achieving the IFC's 2030 vision. The Division Director will report directly to the Regional Vice President for Africa and will be responsible for leading regional teams to meet investment and advisory program targets aligned with the Country Partnership Frameworks (CPF). The role requires a strategic mindset to enhance IFC's brand and effectiveness in the region while ensuring compliance with WBG standards and ethical practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Division Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Overseeing the development of WBG Country Partnership Frameworks (CPF) in collaboration with IBRD/IDA Divisional Directors and MIGA counterparts.
• Leading and coordinating relevant departments to achieve IFC investment and advisory program targets in support of CPF objectives.
• Driving business development efforts by establishing and maintaining relationships with private sector clients, governments, investors, and regional development banks.
• Managing IFC’s investment and advisory portfolios to maximize additionality and development outcomes while ensuring financial sustainability and effective risk management.
• Collaborating with Credit Review Committees and the Independent Evaluation Group to ensure project alignment with WBG standards.
• Representing IFC in WBG Regional Coordination Mechanism meetings and facilitating knowledge sharing.
• Developing and strengthening IFC’s brand in the region and supporting external fundraising efforts.
• Providing visionary leadership and effective management of the divisional team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Managing the divisional budget to ensure strategic priorities are resourced efficiently while maintaining budget discipline.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate unquestionable integrity and alignment with the WBG core values, alongside a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance, or Economics is required, along with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong people leadership skills, demonstrating the ability to manage a large and diverse team in a dynamic, multicultural environment. They should also have a proven track record of collaboration and innovation, with superior influencing and interpersonal skills. Effective communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for engaging with external stakeholders and representing IFC and WBG viewpoints in global forums.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. This could include disciplines such as Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or other related fields that equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, which should encompass leadership roles in investment, advisory, or related fields. Candidates should have a strong background in managing complex projects and teams, with a demonstrated ability to deliver results in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with stakeholders and clients is crucial. Proficiency in French is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The role is full-time and involves significant leadership responsibilities within the IFC's organizational structure. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, 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, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.