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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services (MAS) Industry Group plays an important role in supporting IFC’s strategic priorities, covering investments in the global manufacturing and services, agribusiness, health and education sectors. MAS’ sectors play a critical role in providing goods and services to consumers; addressing core needs, creating jobs, contributing to government revenue and stimulating growth. In IFC’s client countries, these sectors can account for as much as 80% of overall economic activity and can account for up to 90% of employment activity, particularly in the poorest countries.
MAS is looking for a Portfolio Assistant whose primary job will be to support the Regional Portfolio Manager (PM) and Regional MAS team in the management of MAS’ regional debt and equity portfolio in the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan (MCT) region. The Portfolio Assistant will provide analytical and administrative support to the PM by conducting portfolio risk analysis, ensuring timely completion portfolio actions, and monitoring investment compliance and reporting. The Portfolio Assistant will also be asked to manage the pipeline of IFCs MAS MCT department and ensure timely reporting to senior management. Time permitting and as part of the growth of the role, the Portfolio Assistant may be asked to engage on select duties for new business transactions.
This position is well suited for a self-motivated, highly responsive, and well-organized individual that is not only comfortable working with complex data sets – but is also creative in interpreting data and preparing meaningful and insightful presentations. A candidate should have strong analytical skills and experience in financial and data analysis, data reporting, and presenting findings in power point format.
The position will be located in one of: Amman, Jordan; Istanbul, Turkey; Karachi, Pakistan. Candidates are asked to state location preference if they have one.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Responsibilities include, (but are not limited) to:
Provide analytical support to PM in analyzing trends and quarterly changes in portfolio profitability metrics and returns (Cash Income, Controllable Cash Income, RAROC, IRR, Dividend Yields etc.), risk ratings and portfolio quality;
Lead all aspects of portfolio compliance activities including timely completion of risk ratings, quarterly monitoring and other supervision reports, loss reserves and valuation exercises, and ensure consistently high level of performance in portfolio compliance scorecard;
Track progress with equity sales plan, dividends received, capital gains and portfolio returns. Review and comprehend stock analyst reports, and track analysts’ stock recommendations. Alert PM and IOs to company updates and changes in stock recommendations;
Use Bloomberg to prepare regular reports on share price performance, trading volumes, market performance etc. and track performance of MAS’ listed equity portfolio vs. the market;
For the critical portfolio exposures, support PM in monitoring and analyzing industry trends, company updates and reporting back to PM and relevant IO;
Monitor the collection of income and fees from loan portfolio clients. Inform PM and IOs of arrears. Follow up with IOs on outstanding payments and analyze impact to NPLs and profitability;
Prepare quarterly portfolio reports, review such reports for accuracy and consistency in reporting;
Handle Project Handover process from New Business to Portfolio as well as from Portfolio to Portfolio or to Special Operations;
Support quarterly portfolio meetings by scheduling meetings, compiling materials, identifying areas of risk and concern, and benchmarking performance for the division;
Address ad-hoc information requests from regional and senior management teams, and coordinate portfolio evaluation and impact exercises like stress tests related to external shocks and developments;
Assist in the preparation of internal supervision documents (waivers, amendments, Disbursements, Spreading of financials for IRP) and IFC development outcome measurement indicators and insurance with input/guidance from the relevant IO;
Rigorously monitor timing of reporting compliance by IOs with persistent follow up on non-compliance;
Work closely with the Legal assistants to ensure that the Collateral systems is maintained and kept up to date in a systematic manner;
Maintain the MAS MCT pipelines for department and corporate level reporting purposes;
Other tasks and activities related to portfolio management and coordination that may be assigned from time to time.
Selection Criteria
Bachelors degree in business, finance, accounting or equivalent field
Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience (finance, accounting etc)
Without exception, excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and aptitude to learn new systems and databases
Strong report building skills with the ability to convert raw data into business insights
Strong numerical, analytical and conceptual skills encompassing finance and the associated areas of investment and portfolio management.
Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in English is a must. Ability to speak Arabic or Turkish is preferred.
Ability to think independently, analyze problems and identify appropriate solutions is a must.
Excellent organizational, administrative and time management skills with proven ability to work efficiently in parallel on multiple fronts under time constraints.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels (inside and outside IFC) with demonstrated teamwork and client service orientation is a must.
Knowledge of the MCT region and regional business practices is a plus.
Knowledge of IFC's portfolio procedures and processes, or strong previous relevant experience is a plus.
