Investment Officer – Financial Institutions Group

international finance corporation

IFC a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

 Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth. IFC's goal is to prioritize investment in the financial sector because it promotes development in all other sectors.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC's overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk.  FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC's clients. 

 FIG's Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MCT) Regional Industry Team is seeking an Investment Officer (IO) to be based in Bagdad, Republic of Iraq. The IO will be expected to identify and execute new investment transactions in Iraq and across the region and to support portfolio supervision. The IO will report to the IFC FIG Principal Investment Officer/Regional Business Lead for the Levant sub-region.

Roles and Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Promote, originate, and lead the execution of FIG sector investment projects primarily in Iraq – but also in other Middle Eastern markets, especially those that are domiciled in fragile and conflicted situation (FCS) markets - as needed. These tasks will require coordination with internal and external stakeholders, oversight of the technical, client-facing, as well as strategic aspects of the investment projects, and execution of efficient processing to ensure closure.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators, global and regional private businesses, banking, and multilateral partners to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities

• Lead the portfolio supervision of multiple portfolio projects across different asset classes (debt, equity, guarantees, trade finance, etc.)

• Use financial competencies and personal influencing skills to overcome impasses and lead negotiations to a successful outcome through strong client coverage, active physical presence in the market and in front of actual and prospective clients 

• Identify innovative and appropriate financial structures that suit the needs of financial sector clients that can result in new transaction mandates for IFC

• Work independently and in coordination with senior staff to develop a strong pipeline of good-quality investment opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge

• Support the development and implementation of FIG MCT strategy, especially in respect of what the department is trying to achieve in FCS markets

• Be the "eyes and ears" of the team in Iraq in respect of monitoring the financial markets, relevant business events, and macroeconomic developments in order to keep the rest of FIG MCT team abreast of material developments that would impact the program

• Coordinate closely with key support departments (such as credit, legal, treasury, environmental & social, blended finance) to find solutions to specific investment or client related challenges

• Identify and evaluate opportunities to increase the social development impact of new or portfolio projects 

• Mentor all aspects of the work of more junior team members

Selection Criteria

• MBA or other equivalent master's degree in finance or management

• 10+ years of experience in finance, investment and/or banking with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments. 

• Experience in working with the Iraqi market and/or similar FCS markets.

• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (debt and equity)  

• Demonstrated knowledge of the financial industry; the ability to identify trends and opportunities in the Middle Eastern countries; and understanding of local issues and sectoral challenges 

• Ability to build a strong network within the financial sector. Proven track record of business development and client relationship skills

• Track record of identifying and addressing client needs, and coming up with effective solutions.

• Ability to interact directly with the management teams of actual and potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as government officials and regulators, when needed.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds 

• Genuine commitment to sustainable development of FCS markets, and to highest ethical standards

• Proven multi-tasking skills and the ability to meet deadlines under time pressure

• Willingness to travel extensively

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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