(Associate) Investment Officer - Transaction Advisory Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to promote sustainable development, the IFC focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, operating in over 100 countries. The organization aims to create markets and opportunities in developing countries, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, emphasizing its role in mobilizing private capital to combat poverty and promote sustainable development. The IFC's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Transaction Advisory Services (CTAPP) provides advisory services to governments for structuring and implementing PPP and privatization transactions, focusing on increasing access to essential infrastructure and social services. With a mission to facilitate private investments, the IFC plays a crucial role in addressing the financing gaps in developing countries.

Job Overview:
The (Associate) Investment Officer (AIO/IO) position within the IFC's West Africa team is designed to support the entire PPP transaction process where the IFC acts as Lead Transaction Advisor. The AIO/IO will work under the supervision of the West Africa Hub Lead, focusing on the West Africa sub-region and potentially beyond, depending on the needs across Africa. The role involves advising on various types of transactions, particularly in the infrastructure sectors such as energy and transport. The AIO/IO will be responsible for business development, client interactions, supervising consultant hiring, preparing presentations, overseeing financial modeling and due diligence, transaction structuring, and managing bidding processes. This position is critical in ensuring that the IFC effectively supports governments in structuring and implementing PPP transactions, thereby enhancing access to essential services and infrastructure in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The AIO/IO will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: contributing to origination and marketing activities across the West Africa region; managing marketing activities in assigned countries; collaborating with other World Bank Group teams to identify opportunities; understanding legal and regulatory barriers for private sector participation; performing analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and modeling; undertaking project scoping to assess feasibility; supporting Transaction Leads in managing project teams; preparing and reviewing documentation for internal approvals; managing project budgets; developing transaction structure options for PPP projects; participating in meetings with government clients and investors; organizing and managing the tendering process; developing and coaching junior team members; and assisting in other project or strategy-related activities as needed. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges in the PPP landscape, ensuring that the IFC's advisory services are effectively delivered to clients.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree in business, finance, or economics. A solid and relevant experience of at least 5 years in project finance, corporate finance, M&A, privatizations, or private equity funds in infrastructure is required. Additionally, a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in sell-side PPP advisory is considered a plus. Candidates should have a strong understanding of industry sector trends and experience in infrastructure transactions, preferably in Africa, along with a proven track record of successful contractual and financial closings of infrastructure transactions. Strong business development and client relationship skills are essential, as well as the ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality work within deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an MBA or an equivalent postgraduate degree in business, finance, or economics. This advanced education is crucial for understanding complex financial structures and the economic principles that underpin successful investment strategies in the infrastructure sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project finance, corporate finance, M&A, privatizations, or private equity funds, particularly in the infrastructure sector. Candidates with 1-2 years of experience in sell-side PPP advisory will have an advantage. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in managing infrastructure transactions and a strong understanding of the regulatory and market dynamics in the West African region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in French is also required. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with stakeholders in certain regions. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is critical for interacting with clients, government officials, and team members across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and based in Dakar, Senegal. 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 employees regardless of gender, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel requirements as part of their role.