Associate/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 economic development by encouraging private sector investment, IFC operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to leverage its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities that can help end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. IFC's mission is particularly focused on fragile and conflict-affected situations, where it seeks to support stability and growth by committing a significant portion of its annual investments to these regions. The organization is dedicated to innovative approaches that address the unique challenges faced by fragile economies, ensuring that its strategies are tailored to the specific needs of each country or region. IFC's Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS) Africa program, based in Nairobi, is an advisory team that pilots innovative tools to enhance IFC's engagement in fragile countries across Africa, thereby fulfilling its commitments under the World Bank Group's Fragility, Conflict, and Violence Strategy.

Job Overview:
The Associate/Operations Officer position is a critical role within the FCS Africa team, which is dedicated to enhancing IFC's operations in Ethiopia. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the team's activities in the country, ensuring effective coordination of engagements and supporting various projects aimed at fostering private sector development in fragile contexts. This role requires a proactive and experienced individual who can navigate the complexities of working in challenging environments, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement. The Operations Officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Country Management Unit and other FCS workstream leads, to deliver on key priorities and develop strategic initiatives that align with IFC's mission. The position demands a strong understanding of the local market dynamics and the ability to build relationships with domestic private sector entities, thereby facilitating the development of bankable projects that can drive economic growth and stability in Ethiopia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate/Operations Officer include:

• Coordinating all FCS Africa engagements in Ethiopia and contributing to activities in other FCS countries as needed.
• Supporting or leading the day-to-day operations of the Ethiopia Shared Farming project under the supervision of the FCS Regional Lead.
• Collaborating with the Country Management Unit and FCS workstream leads to prioritize and deliver on key initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with Upstream, Investment, and Advisory teams to support project development with local firms, including collecting market intelligence and capturing operational lessons.
• Leveraging existing tools like the Local Champions toolkit and piloting new approaches for business development.
• Supporting regional teams in identifying opportunities in forced displacement settings and developing knowledge products.
• Engaging in pre-investment activities and investment transactions, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of all responsibilities.
• Coordinating with stakeholders to execute investment projects, overseeing both technical and strategic aspects.
• Identifying and developing tools specific to FCS markets in collaboration with industry and regional teams. 1
• Maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs, to support conflict sensitivity in operational projects. 1
• Delivering knowledge leadership products and convening teams to share lessons learned and develop new tools.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate/Operations Officer position must possess the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Finance, Economics, or Business.
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in operations, project management, or working in challenging business environments, particularly in refugee situations or conflict-affected countries.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills, with proficiency in standard office software such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with IFC's investment and advisory processes is highly desirable.
• A self-starter with a mature and flexible personality, capable of thriving in a multicultural, fast-paced team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders and lead client meetings effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Associate/Operations Officer position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Finance, Economics, or Business. This advanced education is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to navigate the complexities of private sector development in fragile and conflict-affected situations.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in operations, project management, and working in challenging business environments, including those affected by conflict or displacement. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities present in fragile contexts, enabling the Operations Officer to effectively contribute to IFC's mission and objectives.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for communication and documentation within the organization and with external stakeholders. While English proficiency is required, familiarity with additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered advantageous, although not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The role is full-time and based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 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.