Senior Investment Officer - Global Leads, CPV's Fund Platform

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to develop solutions to urgent global challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in more than 100 countries to create markets and opportunities. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The IFC Equity, Funds and Venture Capital Department (CPV) plays an integral role in this mission, being the largest investor in emerging market private equity funds globally, with over US$6.5 billion committed across a portfolio of more than 330 funds. The CPV’s SME Ventures and Start-up Catalyst Platforms are fund investment programs that support the PE and VC ecosystems through limited partner investments and value creation activities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Investment Officer will serve as the Global Lead for CPV’s funds platforms, specifically the SME Ventures and Start-up Catalyst. This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and reports to the Manager of CPV’s Cross-Cutting Solutions team. The successful candidate will work across various geographies where the platforms invest, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Central America. The role requires a high level of interest in private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) investments, international business, emerging markets, and development impact. The Senior Investment Officer will be responsible for implementing the overall strategy for the funds platforms, leading business development, conducting market studies, developing a pipeline of potential fund investments, and managing existing fund investments. The position also involves communicating IFC’s strategy to stakeholders, analyzing macroeconomic data, and fostering relationships with global stakeholders in the SME PE and VC space.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Investment Officer's responsibilities include: implementing the overall strategy for CPV’s funds platforms, leading business development, due diligence, negotiation, and transaction structuring of new business opportunities; developing an understanding of target countries, providing market intelligence, and building strong business networks; conducting market studies and developing a pipeline of potential fund investments; communicating IFC’s strategy for SME PE and early-stage VC funds; making strategic investments based on rigorous due diligence; reviewing existing fund investments and representing IFC on funds’ advisory committees; managing the portfolio of global SME PE fund and early-stage VC fund investments; analyzing macroeconomic and corporate financial data; supporting market creation initiatives; establishing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders; representing IFC at events; coordinating the annual SME Ventures Forum; collaborating with advisory colleagues; and managing a team of investment professionals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least 12-15 years of work experience, with a minimum of 6-8 years in investment banking, private equity, and/or venture capital investing, particularly with emerging markets transaction experience across multiple geographies. An MBA or equivalent degree from a leading international institution is required. In-depth knowledge of the PE and VC markets in multiple emerging and frontier markets is essential, along with demonstrated experience in working with PE and VC fund managers, developing a pipeline of potential fund opportunities, and evaluating fund strategies. Candidates should have transaction experience and analytical knowledge of LP investing, a strong existing network in the PE and VC space, and experience in funds portfolio management, including prior experience as an LP advisory committee member.

Educational Background:
An MBA or equivalent degree from a leading international institution is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary analytical and strategic thinking skills required for high-level investment decision-making and management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 12-15 years of relevant work experience, with a significant portion (6-8 years) specifically in investment banking, private equity, and/or venture capital investing. Experience in emerging markets transaction experience across multiple geographies is crucial, as is familiarity with the dynamics of private equity and venture capital markets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Additional languages are considered a plus, as they can enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. 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 being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The successful candidate should be willing to travel extensively and work across time zones, reflecting the global nature of the role.