(Associate) Investment Officer - MSME financing and Small Loan Guarantee Program

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank Group (WBG). The WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, particularly in developing nations. The IFC specifically aims to promote private sector investment in developing countries, thereby fostering economic growth and job creation.

Job Overview:
The (Associate) Investment Officer position focuses on MSME financing and the Small Loan Guarantee Program (SLGP). This role is crucial in supporting the launch, deployment, and management of SLGP platforms, which are designed to improve access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The successful candidate will work closely with senior global leads and internal stakeholders to coordinate platform activities, track implementation progress, and support planning and approvals. The position also involves pipeline development and transaction management, where the officer will identify opportunities, structure transactions, and process SLGP risk-sharing facility investments. This role offers an exciting opportunity to engage in high-impact projects and collaborate across various industry groups within the Financial Services Sector of the WBG.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the (Associate) Investment Officer include:

• Supporting the launch, deployment, renewal, and ongoing management of SLGP platforms, coordinating with senior global leads and internal stakeholders.
• Ensuring effective deployment of SLGP investment solutions across subprojects, including coordination on platform parameters and eligibility criteria.
• Assisting in pipeline development and transaction management by collaborating with regional investment teams.
• Participating in or leading execution and negotiations for SLGP transactions, utilizing financial judgment and influencing skills.
• Leading or supporting commercial due diligence and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis related to risk-sharing investments.
• Preparing key investment documentation and supporting portfolio management and reporting of SLGP platforms.
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders across the SLGP ecosystem to ensure smooth operations and timely transaction processing.
• Analyzing industry trends and MSME finance developments to inform platform evolution and improve portfolio performance.
• Coordinating with impact measurement specialists to enhance monitoring and reporting of SLGP investments' development impact.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the (Associate) Investment Officer position include:

• An MBA or master's/postgraduate degree, preferably in finance or investment.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in cross-border emerging market investments, with a proven track record in structuring, executing, and managing complex investment transactions.
• Experience with investment and portfolio management processes, including equity, quasi-equity, loans, guarantees, and financial statement analysis.
• Knowledge of WBG products and operations, particularly in blending concessional finance with IFC investments.
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to manage stakeholder interests, and clarity in presenting information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with proficiency in additional languages such as French or Portuguese being a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an MBA or a master's/postgraduate degree, preferably in finance or investment. This advanced education is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex financial transactions and investment strategies effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in working on cross-border emerging market investments. Candidates should have a strong track record of structuring, executing, and managing complex investment transactions, including those in local currency and capital markets. Experience in portfolio management and understanding of investment documentation is also crucial.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Additionally, proficiency in other languages such as French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Arabic is preferred and considered a valuable asset for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The World Bank Group is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.