(Associate) Investment Officer

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 and operates in over 100 countries. With a mission to end poverty and promote shared prosperity, the IFC leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. In fiscal year 2025, the IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions, demonstrating its commitment to mobilizing private capital for development. The organization has over 120 offices worldwide and employs more than 10,000 staff members, working collaboratively with public and private sector partners to address global challenges.

Job Overview:
The (Associate) Investment Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Southern Africa Transaction Advisory Services Department (CTA) of the IFC. This position involves working primarily with the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Transaction Advisory team, which provides advisory services to governments and public entities in structuring sustainable long-term infrastructure projects. The officer will be responsible for business development, client interactions, and the execution of advisory mandates across various sectors, including electricity, water, sanitation, and transportation. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, developing client relationships, and managing project teams to ensure successful outcomes. The officer will also engage in financial modeling, due diligence, and the structuring of transactions, contributing to the overall mission of mobilizing private investment in the region.

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

• Supporting business development activities across the Southern Africa hub, including preparing pitch books and collaborating with regional management to identify opportunities.
• Developing and maintaining client relationships, conducting project scoping, and preparing commercial presentations.
• Managing project budgets and overseeing the internal approval and consultant procurement processes.
• Understanding legal, regulatory, and financial impediments to private sector participation and collaborating with WBG teams to address these issues.
• Leading the management of project teams on sell-side PPP mandates, ensuring high-quality outputs and documentation.
• Developing innovative transaction structure options and presenting recommendations to management and government clients.
• Overseeing the tendering process, including marketing activities, prequalification, and negotiation of project agreements.
• Mentoring and managing junior team members.
• Participating in the development and implementation of upstream activities to create and expand markets. 1
• Supporting Corporate Finance mandates as needed and assisting in other strategy-related activities.

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

• An MBA or equivalent post-graduate degree in business, finance, or economics.
• For the Associate level, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project finance, corporate finance, M&A, privatizations, or private equity funds in infrastructure.
• For the Investment Officer level, a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge and experience in infrastructure transactions and PPP advisory, particularly in the African context.
• Proven business development skills, including experience in preparing commercial proposals and concept notes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to structure transactions effectively.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and oral forms.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an MBA or an equivalent post-graduate degree in business, finance, or economics. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of project finance and corporate finance, particularly in the context of infrastructure and private sector development.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in project finance, corporate finance, M&A, and privatizations, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful project execution and client relationship management, particularly in the African market. Experience with PPPs is highly desirable, and candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to navigate complex financial and regulatory environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with proficiency in Portuguese considered a preferred asset. Strong communication skills in both languages are essential for interacting with clients and stakeholders across the Southern Africa region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and may require frequent travel within the Southern Africa region. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, and paid leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, or disability.