Investment Officer/Operations Officer - West and Central Africa

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 utilizes its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities, with a mission to leverage the power of the private sector to eradicate extreme poverty and enhance 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 aims to foster impactful private sector partnerships and programs that accelerate gender equality and inclusion in emerging markets. The organization is also aligned with the World Bank Group's Gender Strategy (2024-30), focusing on various priorities that drive inclusion and address barriers to entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership.

Job Overview:
The Investment Officer/Operations Officer (IO/OO) position is crucial for managing client projects and relationships across the West and Central Africa sub-region. The role involves overseeing the delivery of existing portfolio projects, ensuring high-quality services to both internal and external clients, and maintaining strong project governance. The IO/OO will also play a pivotal role in identifying and embedding gender and economic inclusion solutions within investment and advisory projects, thereby supporting the organization's mission to create equal economic opportunities for all genders and underserved communities. Additionally, the position entails collaborating with IFC Industry teams to design and implement country-level programs that address gender barriers and deliver measurable outcomes. The IO/OO will report to the Senior Program Officer for West and Southern Africa and will be instrumental in supporting sub-regional strategy, communications, and partnerships related to gender and economic inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Investment Officer/Operations Officer include managing the delivery of client projects across the West and Central Africa region, ensuring high-quality service provision and strong internal project governance. The IO/OO is expected to accelerate opportunities for gender and inclusion solutions by collaborating with sub-regional and industry leadership to identify and implement these solutions in existing and pipeline projects. The role also involves supporting the design and delivery of flagship initiatives and country programs that address gender barriers. Furthermore, the IO/OO will manage the selection and performance of staff and consultants assigned to the sub-regional program, ensuring effective delivery of program goals. The position requires coordination with IFC sub-regional and country management on gender issues, providing consistent inputs into projects, programs, and strategies, and supporting external communications on gender and economic inclusion topics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Investment Officer/Operations Officer position must possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, business, or a relevant discipline. A minimum of eight years of professional experience in private sector development within emerging markets is required, with a focus on gender and inclusion. The ideal candidate should have experience in structuring investment and advisory projects, including developing results frameworks to capture gender and inclusion outcomes. A broad understanding of gender and economic inclusion topics, along with the ability to engage with credibility and confidence, is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to manage staff and consultants effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, or business. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of private sector development and the specific challenges related to gender and economic inclusion in emerging markets.

Experience:
The position requires at least eight years of professional experience in private sector development, particularly in emerging markets. Candidates should have a proven track record of decision-making responsibility and experience in managing projects that focus on gender and inclusion. The ability to self-manage, multitask, and work under time constraints is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, proficiency in French is preferred, given the linguistic diversity of the West and Central Africa region. Knowledge of other languages widely spoken in the sub-region, such as Portuguese and Swahili, is considered a plus and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international recruitment role with a term duration of three years. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The World Bank Group 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. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including senior management and government counterparts.