Operations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group and is recognized as the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Established to promote sustainable economic growth, the IFC works in over 100 countries, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing nations. The organization is committed to ending poverty and increasing shared prosperity through innovative solutions and partnerships. In fiscal year 2025, the IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, demonstrating its pivotal role in mobilizing private capital and fostering economic development. The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate investment activity across emerging markets, particularly in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected States (FCS).

Job Overview:
The Operations Officer position at the IFC is designed to support the organization's mission of enhancing private sector investment in developing countries, particularly in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. The role involves working closely with government entities, industry stakeholders, and World Bank teams to address key policy, legal, and regulatory issues that hinder private sector investments. The Operations Officer will be responsible for delivering market-creating client solutions, ensuring that programs align with IFC's strategic priorities, and fostering an environment conducive to private investment opportunities. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with senior government officials and private sector leaders to promote regulatory reforms and investment facilitation. The Operations Officer will also contribute to the development of analytical products and strategies that support the IFC's operations and enhance the investment climate in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected Operations Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities aimed at driving private sector development. Key duties include:

• Engaging with government officials to promote regulatory reforms and investment facilitation, while developing new programs aligned with market priorities.
• Leading analyses of key constraints to investment and collaborating with stakeholders to implement reforms through public-private dialogue and technical advisory support.
• Providing technical oversight of CAE programs in Ethiopia and other countries, ensuring quality and consistency in approach.
• Collaborating with IFC's Investment/Advisory Anchors to develop a pipeline of private investment opportunities and enhance the enabling environment for priority sectors.
• Participating in senior-level client meetings to provide technical advice and monitor progress on reforms.
• Designing and delivering training programs for staff and external stakeholders to advocate for investment climate reforms.
• Supervising assigned staff and consultants, ensuring quality control of work products and effective resource management.
• Identifying opportunities for knowledge sharing and showcasing IFC's value proposition at conferences and events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Operations Officer position must possess a Master's degree in Economics, Law, Finance, Business, or a closely related field. A minimum of 10-12 years of experience in private sector development is required, particularly in working with governments at senior levels to deliver advisory programs. Experience in supporting legal and regulatory reforms, as well as public policy issues that facilitate private sector development, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record in delivering impactful advisory engagements, particularly in the areas of business enabling, regulatory streamlining, and investment climate reform. Familiarity with IFC and World Bank Group products and instruments is advantageous, as is experience in leading cross-industry engagements.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Law, Finance, or Business is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of private sector development and the regulatory environment in which the IFC operates.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10-12 years of relevant experience in private sector development, particularly in advisory roles that involve engagement with senior government officials. Extensive experience in supporting legal and regulatory reforms and working on public policy issues that support private sector development is essential. Candidates should also have a proven ability to deliver impactful advisory engagements, especially in sectors such as infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. While additional languages may be beneficial, English proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of three years. The recruitment is international, and the selected candidate will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with potential responsibilities in other countries within the Eastern Africa region. 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 candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.