Investment Officer - Transaction Advisory

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is a member 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 with 189 member countries, the WBG operates more than 120 offices worldwide, providing funding and knowledge to help countries address their most pressing development challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in over 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, demonstrating its commitment to mobilizing private capital for sustainable development. The IFC's Transaction Advisory Services Department (CPNPA) plays a crucial role in assisting governments in structuring public-private partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable infrastructure projects, with a focus on sectors such as electricity, water, transportation, telecommunications, and social services.

Job Overview:
The Investment Officer (IO) position within the IFC's Transaction Advisory Services Department is designed for individuals with significant market and industry experience. The primary objective of this role is to enhance the presence of the IFC in the PPP business across the Western Africa sub-region, which includes 16 countries. The IO will be responsible for advising governments and government entities on various types of transactions, including public-private partnerships, restructuring and privatization of state-owned enterprises, and corporate finance activities. This role requires strong business development skills, as the IO will engage in both the origination of new mandates and the execution of complex PPP transactions. The position demands close collaboration with other teams within the World Bank Group to ensure alignment with country strategies and access to necessary expertise. The IO will report to the Western Africa Hub Leader and may also work across the broader Africa region as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Investment Officer include: actively contributing to business targets for the Hub, developing client relationships and project leads in the Western Africa region, leading negotiations of mandates with clients, undertaking project scoping, preparing and reviewing documentation for internal approval, managing project budgets, fostering relationships with World Bank Group counterparts, understanding political and regulatory impediments to private sector participation, managing project preparation, demonstrating financial modeling mastery, developing transaction structures for PPP projects, assisting in the tendering process, participating in meetings with government clients and investors, coordinating with other IFC departments, developing and managing junior team members, contributing to regional strategy development, and supporting knowledge management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Investment Officer position include a Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a similar relevant field. Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in PPP transaction advisory, investment banking, project finance, or corporate finance, preferably with a leading institution. Experience in sell/buy-side M&A advisory is a plus, along with knowledge of infrastructure sector trends and experience in infrastructure transactions, particularly in Africa. Strong business development and client relationship skills are essential, as well as a proven track record in originating, advising, structuring, and executing infrastructure transactions. Candidates should possess strong analytical and financial modeling skills, the ability to manage teams, and excellent communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Investment Officer position are required to have a Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role, particularly in areas related to analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, project finance, and investment strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in PPP transaction advisory, investment banking, project finance, or corporate finance. Candidates with experience specifically in the Western Africa region will be preferred. Additionally, 4-5 years of experience in sell/buy-side M&A advisory is considered a plus. The candidate should have a strong grasp of legal documentation related to PPP projects and a proven ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and French, with mastery of both languages required for effective communication. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, and the successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently as part of their responsibilities. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, 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.