Principal Investment Officer, Financial Institutions Group

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established with the mission to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to develop solutions for urgent global challenges. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of WBG, focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, operating in more than 100 countries and leveraging private sector solutions 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, aiming to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is a key department within IFC, responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume and development reach, engaging in various sub-sectors such as Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, and Capital Markets. FIG's objectives include financial inclusion, servicing the real economy, and mobilizing third-party resources, with a team based across Europe to manage both new business development and portfolio supervision.

Job Overview:
The Principal Investment Officer role at IFC is a high-impact leadership position that plays a crucial role in the World Bank Group's crisis response and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading and coordinating FIG’s investment and advisory operations on the ground, which involves designing complex financial structures, engaging with key public and private stakeholders, and deploying blended finance to unlock private investment where it is most needed. This position requires a strategic mindset to drive business development and oversee the full transaction lifecycle, including originating, structuring, negotiating, and closing complex financial sector transactions. The Principal Investment Officer will also oversee portfolio management, ensuring effective loan restructurings and capital optimization strategies. The role demands building and maintaining high-level relationships with public sector stakeholders, government officials, and C-suite executives to support WBG sector reform efforts and align on strategic priorities, ultimately unlocking new investment opportunities. Additionally, the officer will champion integrated value propositions by coordinating closely with various teams to deliver holistic solutions that mitigate risks and achieve sustainable development impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Principal Investment Officer include leading and coordinating all FIG activities in Ukraine, acting as the primary focal point for investment and advisory operations. The officer will drive business development and oversee the full transaction lifecycle, which includes originating, structuring, negotiating, and closing complex financial sector transactions such as debt, equity, and guarantees. Portfolio management is also a key responsibility, involving loan restructurings, rescheduling, and capital optimization strategies. The officer will engage with blended finance providers and development partners, designing and negotiating de-risking structures and co-financing arrangements essential for deploying capital and maximizing development impact. Building and maintaining critical relationships with public sector stakeholders, government officials, and C-suite executives is vital to support WBG sector reform efforts and unlock new investment opportunities. The officer will also supervise, mentor, and coach less-experienced investment and advisory staff, fostering a high-performing team culture capable of delivering high-quality projects. Additionally, the officer will drive regional knowledge management by continuously monitoring geopolitical and market trends in Ukraine to adapt FIG’s strategy and contribute to institutional thought leadership on crisis response and financial sector rebuilding.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration (MBA), or a closely related field. Professional certifications such as CFA or CPA are highly desirable. Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of robust experience in the financial sector, with a proven track record in banking, non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), and capital markets. Demonstrated success in originating, structuring, and closing highly complex transactions, including debt, equity, quasi-equity, and restructurings, is essential. Extensive experience in pioneering markets, fragile states, or conflict-affected environments is required, with experience in Ukraine or the wider Eastern Europe region being a significant advantage. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working with blended finance, donor-funded facilities, and development partners to de-risk investments and mobilize private capital. A strong understanding of IFC’s products and co-financing structures is necessary, along with the credibility to engage with senior government officials, regulators, and C-suite executives to influence regulatory reforms and unlock private sector opportunities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration (MBA), or a closely related field. Professional certifications such as CFA or CPA are highly desirable, as they enhance the candidate's qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the financial sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of robust experience in the financial sector. Candidates should have a proven track record in banking, non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), and capital markets, with demonstrated success in originating, structuring, and closing highly complex transactions. Experience in pioneering markets, fragile states, or conflict-affected environments is essential, with specific experience in Ukraine or the wider Eastern Europe region being a significant advantage.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Fluency in Ukrainian or Russian is highly desirable, as it facilitates direct client and government engagement. Proficiency in these languages will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders in the region, thereby improving the overall impact of the role.

Additional Notes:
The selected candidate will be offered a 3-year term appointment if they are not a current World Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment. The position is part of an international recruitment effort, indicating that candidates from various countries may 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 all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.