Associate Investment 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, IFC operates in over 100 countries, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. The organization is committed to ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet, which is reflected in its mission and operational strategies. IFC plays a crucial role in developing sustainable infrastructure, which is essential for addressing developmental challenges in emerging markets. The organization collaborates with governments and development partners to create a conducive business environment that attracts private capital to infrastructure sectors, thereby enhancing economic growth and development.

Job Overview:
The Associate Investment Officer (AIO) position at IFC is integral to the Africa Infrastructure team, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The AIO will be responsible for the origination, negotiation, structuring, and supervision of investment projects, primarily focusing on Southern Africa. This role requires a proactive approach to business development, where the AIO will gather market intelligence, assess investment opportunities, and anticipate market trends to identify bankable projects. The AIO will also support the development of client strategies and pitchbooks, working closely with a coverage team to maintain and present a pipeline of deals. The position demands a strong understanding of infrastructure sectors and the ability to evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close various transactions, including debt and equity deals. The AIO will also engage in knowledge sharing and collaboration across the World Bank Group to enhance internal and external client solutions, ensuring that all transactions are executed efficiently and in alignment with best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The AIO will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Business Development: Gathering market intelligence, sourcing and assessing pre-investment and investment opportunities, and synthesizing information into internal reports for decision-making.
• Structuring and Negotiation: Evaluating, structuring, negotiating, and closing new debt and equity transactions, including performing credit and risk assessments and financial projections.
• Deal Execution and Transaction Management: Supporting pre-investment engagements and investment transactions, ensuring timely delivery of all transactions, and monitoring portfolio performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to IFC's knowledge base and participating in knowledge dissemination across the World Bank Group.
• Coordination with WBG: Collaborating with World Bank and MIGA colleagues to support sector reform and address constraints to attracting private sector capital.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in business, finance, or a related field. They should have at least 4+ years of relevant professional experience in development finance, investment banking, project finance, or equity investing. Strong analytical and financial structuring skills are essential, along with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing private investment projects in infrastructure sectors, particularly in Africa. Candidates should demonstrate strong business development and client relationship skills, as well as a broad understanding of infrastructure sectors and their industry drivers. An appreciation of legal, technical, environmental, and social considerations in project finance is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in business, finance, or a similar relevant field of study is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of investment and finance in the context of infrastructure projects.

Experience:
The position requires at least 4+ years of relevant professional experience in a development finance institution, investment or corporate banking, project finance, or equity investing. Candidates should have a strong track record in sourcing and managing investment projects, particularly in the infrastructure sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French and/or Portuguese is considered a plus. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are essential for effective interaction with clients and colleagues.

Additional Notes:
This is a local recruitment position with a term duration of 3 years. The role may require regional and international travel, and candidates should be willing to travel as needed. 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates.