Chief/Principal Investment Officer – Waste Sector

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by 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 189 member countries and operates in more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries, working with both public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects that address urgent global challenges. The WBG is committed to renewing its approach to knowledge through the Knowledge Bank, which aims to drive development and scale impactful solutions across various sectors, including urban and land solutions.

Job Overview:
The Chief/Principal Investment Officer (CIO/PIO) position is a senior role within the Knowledge Bank's Urban, Subnational & Land Solutions and Impact team, specifically focusing on the waste sector. The selected candidate will serve as the focal investment specialist, providing guidance to management and investment teams globally in areas such as business development, project structuring, execution, and portfolio management. This role is crucial for ensuring that the WBG remains at the forefront of the development debate and acts as a premier private sector financier and thought leader in the waste sector. The CIO/PIO will be responsible for leading the development of scalable solutions and advisory products that assist teams in business development, client capacity building, and relationship management. The position requires a global focus and involves regular travel commitments, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing and dissemination across the WBG.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Chief/Principal Investment Officer include:

• Leading the Knowledge Bank’s and IFC’s global business strategy development and implementation in the waste sector, collaborating closely with unit managers and senior colleagues from other WBG units.
• Acting as the client relationship manager for select international clients, ensuring strong partnerships and effective communication.
• Working in tandem with public sector financing colleagues to develop replicable and scalable high-impact innovative solutions and projects across the WBG.
• Contributing to thought leadership and knowledge sharing across the WBG, focusing on private sector business development, market creation, innovation, and risk management.
• Actively monitoring industry and market trends, participating in industry functions, and building sector relationships globally.
• Leading a dedicated team, responsible for their deliverables, mentoring, coaching, and career development.
• Ensuring that the WBG and IFC are recognized as leaders in the waste sector, influencing the development debate and financing strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 15 years of experience in project, public, and/or corporate finance analysis, with a strong background in capital market transactions and sustainability finance being a plus. A proven track record in investment and sector experience in municipal/environmental infrastructure and circular solutions is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of both public and private sector dynamics within the waste business, along with the ability to synthesize sector challenges and opportunities. Strong transaction experience in project development, origination, structuring, and portfolio management of infrastructure transactions in Emerging Markets is required. Familiarity with various financial products, including project finance, corporate finance, quasi-equity, and equity, is also necessary. Candidates should have established industry networks and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a master’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field is required for this position. Relevant educational qualifications that demonstrate a strong foundation in financial principles and investment strategies will be considered advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience, specifically at least 15 years, in project finance, public finance, or corporate finance analysis. Experience in capital market transactions and sustainability finance is highly desirable. The candidate should also have significant investment and sector experience in municipal and environmental infrastructure, particularly in the context of Emerging Markets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent communication skills in both oral and written forms are essential. While English is the primary language required, proficiency in additional languages is considered a plus and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The role is full-time and based in Washington, DC, with a global focus that necessitates regular travel commitments. 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 opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.