Senior Operations Officer - Cross-Cutting Lead

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 is committed to advancing gender equality and economic inclusion, as outlined in its 2030 Roadmap for Gender and Inclusion, which seeks to foster private sector partnerships and programs that accelerate gender equality and inclusion in emerging markets. The organization has a dedicated team within its Cross-Cutting Vice Presidency, known as the Gender and Economic Inclusion Department (GEID), which collaborates with both private and public sector clients to ensure equal economic opportunities for all genders and underserved communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Operations Officer - Cross-Cutting Lead will play a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives that align with IFC's Gender and Inclusion 2030 Roadmap. This position is designed for a dynamic leader who will influence the design and strategy of the Innovation Unit within the GEID department. The officer will focus on facilitating greater access to economic opportunities for underserved individuals, particularly in the areas of climate change and digital inclusion. This multifaceted role requires collaboration across various sectors and departments within IFC, ensuring that innovative solutions are developed and implemented effectively. The officer will oversee a small team of professionals specializing in inclusive climate action and digital solutions, working closely with industry and regional operations to identify new areas for pilot projects and investment linkages. The position demands a strategic thinker who can drive product innovation and foster collaboration across departments to enhance the impact of gender and inclusion initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Operations Officer include leading the identification and development of cross-cutting solutions that advance equitable climate action and digital inclusion. This involves overseeing feasibility studies, market mapping, and sectoral analysis to determine the viability of potential solutions. The officer will design scalable solutions and platforms, facilitate cross-industry partnerships, and drive collaboration with internal teams to optimize the performance of gender and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, the officer will manage the lifecycle of cross-cutting solutions from ideation to scaling, ensuring high-quality implementation of flagship programs. Responsibilities also include stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluating the performance of initiatives to assess their impact on inclusive climate action and digital empowerment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, business, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in private sector development in emerging markets is required, with a focus on gender and inclusion. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in investment structuring and strong financial analysis skills, as well as 5 years of experience in sustainability or innovation roles. Proven experience in designing advisory projects that capture gender and inclusion outcomes is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to engage with multinational companies and financial institutions. Familiarity with blended finance models and innovative financing solutions is preferred, as is experience working with international financial institutions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as economics, finance, or business. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of private sector development, investment strategies, and the integration of gender equality and sustainability into business practices.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience, specifically at least 10 years in private sector development within emerging markets. This experience should include decision-making responsibilities and a focus on gender and inclusion, with a strong background in climate finance and digital inclusion transactions. Candidates should also have a proven track record in investment structuring and sustainability roles, demonstrating their ability to engage with credibility and confidence in these areas.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While not required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which IFC operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international recruitment role with a term duration of 3 years. It is important to note that selection for this role from a lateral grade within the World Bank Group does not include a salary increase, although duty station-based adjustments will be applied as appropriate. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.