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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 global compounding crises.
As the largest global development finance institution focused on the private sector growth in emerging markets, IFC invests in private sector institutions, mobilizes private capital in local and international financial markets and provides technical advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses. It focuses on investing in private sector projects that are financially and economically viable and have a substantial development impact.
Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) Department: The Infrastructure & Natural Resources Department (INR) supports the development of industries that can harness natural resource and major infrastructure projects vital for many of the world's developing countries. Such projects are a key source of jobs, energy, services, government revenues, and a wide array of other benefits for local economies. IFC’s goal is to help developing countries realize these benefits by providing financing and advice for private sector clients, and helping governments strengthen their capacity to manage these industries across the value chain. We also provide advisory services to companies to ensure that local communities receive concrete benefits from projects, focusing on climate resilience, social inclusion, transparency, livelihoods, localized supply chains, access to services, and stakeholder engagement.
Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory (SIA): SIA is part of the INR Department working with IFC clients to ensure stakeholders benefit from infrastructure and natural resource projects. A global team of experts delivers advice considering specific circumstances, risks, and objectives of each client. SIA works with clients to diagnose the stakeholder landscape, identify potential obstacles, and find the best way forward to create shared value. This work helps our clients achieve their investment and sustainability goals now and into the future.
Currently, the SIA portfolio in Africa includes projects in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. Furthermore, SIA Africa has a rich pipeline of potential clients, which will be the subject of intensive new business development and client engagement during the next two years. The Africa team works closely as part of the SIA global group to share lessons and skills to service clients across continents focused on emerging markets.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Officer’s primary responsibilities will be to support or lead project development, project implementation, and portfolio management across Africa. The incumbent will be based in Abidjan, Dakar or Nairobi as negotiated. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Project Development (40%): The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Operations Officers based in Abidjan and Dakar to support project development to address challenges and opportunities faced by IFC clients in Africa. Specifically, the Operations Officer will:
Conduct risk and opportunity assessments, baseline studies, engaging with external stakeholders to understand climate and socio-economic sustainability issues faced by select IFC clients and host communities.
Design innovative tools and solutions for client support related to climate resilience and socio-economic sustainability as well as other areas of SIA services including nature-based solutions, digital tools, community investment, gender empowerment and youth engagement programs.
Work closely with IFC investment, Africa regional management, Environment Social & Governance compliance, legal, and other relevant teams to ensure that the solutions proposed are aligned and customized to the clients’ operations.
Draft relevant documents for internal decision-making as well as client proposals.
Project implementation (35%): The incumbent’s responsibilities will also include supporting and/or leading the implementation of current or new projects that will be added to the regional portfolio.
Lead or support the preparation of work plans and reports including semi-annual supervision reports, donor briefs and other reports as required.
Deliver direct client support and participate in the selection, screening, recruitment and management of service providers and consultants to help implement programs.
Provide quality assurance, and ensure compliance of the delivery with timeline, budget, and contractual agreements with IFC.
Lead or participate in field missions, as necessary for program design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation purposes.
Engage with the World Bank, IFC investment and country teams, other IFC departments as necessary. Build and maintain relationships and strengthen networks with key stakeholders including IFC clients, government officials, civil society groups.
Portfolio Management (25%): Support regional lead in ongoing management of the Africa SIA portfolio. Specifically, the incumbent will:
Review program supervision reports across portfolio to assure reports are clearly documenting program achievements, challenges, and risks.
Participate in biannual program supervision meetings to assess progress and assure quality of portfolio programs.
Coordinate with IFC quality, monitoring and evaluation specialists.
Assure lessons learned related to program implementation are shared with broader SIA team, IFC and external partners as appropriate.
Support partnerships, fundraising and knowledge sharing efforts as relevant, which may include crafting proposals for clients or donors; facilitating conversations across different stakeholder groups related to sustainability challenges, recommendations, and learnings; disseminating knowledge by organizing and moderating events; preparing publications; and leveraging multi-media.
Selection Criteria
A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline e.g., environmental science, business, engineering, social sciences, economics, international development, public policy, or related field.
Minimum eight (8) years of experience in climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation, environmental sciences, sustainability, socio-economic development; experience in digital economy tools and gender is a plus.
Solid understanding of climate agenda, net-zero/decarbonization, community climate resilience, the SDGs, ESG, and how to establish baselines and define/track sustainability indicators, understanding of monitoring and evaluation techniques a plus.
A proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing complex operations using innovative approaches, including demonstrated ability to uphold operational procedures.
Ability to develop and manage relations with diverse stakeholders, including a range of private and public sector partners. Prior experience working with energy, mining, transport or water companies or international development finance institutions or bilateral aid agencies is an advantage. Experience engaging with civil society/local communities is critical.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French and ability to effectively dialogue with diverse clients and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus. Hands-on experience with social media is a plus.
General understanding of IFC operations and investment and advisory services as well as knowledge of IFC ESG standards is a plus.
Solid understanding of business and socio-economic conditions across Africa.
Willingness to travel and eagerness to build bridges across diverse constituents.
