(Senior) Industry Specialist – Real Estate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is a member of the World Bank Group (WBG). The WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established with 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and utilize data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, playing a crucial role in supporting the property sector, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. With a portfolio of $4 billion in housing and commercial real estate across more than 50 emerging markets, the IFC aims to enhance private sector capabilities and catalyze further investments in the real estate sector.

Job Overview:
The (Senior) Industry Specialist for Real Estate will play a vital role in shaping the sector strategy and executing IFC's investments in the Real Estate sector. This position involves engaging in new business development, assessing markets, companies, and projects, supervising portfolios, and creating content that reflects the latest industry and market trends. The specialist will leverage their sector expertise to deliver transformative results that foster inclusive economic growth and resilience on a global scale. The role is integral to the Tourism and Services Solutions and Impact (KIUST) team, which is part of the WBG Infrastructure Vice Presidency (VPU) and focuses on the growing tourism and services sector, particularly in real estate. The specialist will contribute to the development and deployment of advisory tools and strategies that enhance the private sector's capabilities and development impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the (Senior) Industry Specialist include:

• Project Appraisal: Assessing the technical and commercial feasibility of potential investment projects and companies, identifying risks, evaluating projects in the context of real estate markets, supporting investment teams in developing comprehensive financial projections, and preparing detailed written reports and presentations.
• Strategy: Supporting the development and implementation of IFC’s real estate sector strategy and developing sub-sector strategies, while identifying opportunities for IFC to engage in new real estate segments.
• Thought Leadership: Staying updated on sectoral and industry news and trends, extracting lessons learned from investments, developing best practices, contributing to the development of information and benchmarking relevant to the property sector, and representing WBG/IFC at conferences and seminars.
• Business Development: Building client networks and participating in business origination activities.
• Portfolio Management: Advising clients on key operational aspects and strategies, providing market and competitor updates to inform exits and debt restructurings.
• Advisory: Designing and delivering advisory solutions that drive innovation and create value in the real estate sector.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the (Senior) Industry Specialist position include:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant area.
• Over 15 years of deep practical experience in the real estate industry, preferably with an international or large regional real estate development, investment, or asset management company, or advisory/consultancy firm.
• Preferred experience across a broad range of real estate asset classes, including commercial logistics, industrial, offices, retail, and housing.
• Technical expertise in feasibility, design, construction, development, property management, real estate market research, and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis.
• For candidates with contractor experience, end-to-end construction lifecycle expertise, commercial, contractual, and cost expertise, as well as project and risk management experience.
• Sound business judgment to identify strengths and weaknesses of investment opportunities and management capabilities.
• Strong understanding of global real estate trends and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to work across different geographies, cultures, and organizations on multiple projects simultaneously, with significant international exposure preferred.
• Flexibility to meet demanding global travel requirements. 1
• A strong sense of curiosity and the ability to work both in teams and independently. 1
• Strong collaboration and mentoring abilities, excellent stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills. 1
• Proficiency in English, with knowledge of another major business language (particularly French or Spanish) being an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the (Senior) Industry Specialist position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field, which is essential for understanding the complexities of the real estate sector and the financial mechanisms involved in investment and development.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have over 15 years of deep practical experience in the real estate industry. This experience should preferably be with an international or large regional real estate development, investment, or asset management company, or an advisory/consultancy firm. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of various real estate asset classes and the ability to navigate complex investment landscapes.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish or French is preferred, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

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 may 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 that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.