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 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit http://www.ifc.org
Infrastructure is one of IFC’s strategic priorities. IFC’s Infrastructure department supports the World Bank Group’s aim of improving access to efficient, reliable and affordable infrastructure for the poor in emerging markets. The team is responsible for originating and managing IFC’s investment and advisory activities in the following sectors: Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission, Mining, Transport & logistics, Telecommunications, Water, Waste, Privatized Public Services and other Subnational/Cities financing. IFC’s focus in the sector is on: (i) increasing access to basic infrastructure services; (ii) supporting local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (iii) exploring new equity and debt investment opportunities and catalyzing foreign direct investments, including co-investments and mobilizing syndicated and parallel loans; (iv) introducing and developing new financial products including through Public Private Partnerships; and (v) building long-term partnerships with strong global and regional players.
The Latin America and the Caribbean (“LAC”) Infrastructure unit is an open and dynamic team, that originates, structures and commits financing to infrastructure projects across a number of sectors including energy, transportation, telecom and technology, subnational infrastructure and natural resources. We are seeking a Senior Investment Officer to undertake our Infrastructure investment activities across the LAC region. The selected candidate will report to the LAC Infrastructure New Business Manager and will be based in Washington DC.Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Senior Investment Officer include but are not limited to:
- Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in the region through proactive origination/business development and developing and employing sector/country knowledge. Help to oversee/ coordinate the day to day origination efforts of the Infrastructure team.
- Co-Lead “Upstream” initiatives, including work on key project agreements and project structures. “Upstream” initiatives create, deepen, and expand markets, and require the imagination, design and implementation of investment projects.
- Play a senior client relationship role for the Infrastructure team by developing and maintaining quality client and industry partner relationships.
- Oversee/lead the execution of viable Infrastructure investment transactions (due-diligence, valuation, financial analysis, transaction structuring, documentation, negotiations etc.), which maximize development impact as well as profitability.
- Provide thought leadership in developing and implementing creative financial structures and local currency products appropriate for the sector in the region.
- Actively work on further developing sector knowledge base of the Infrastructure team to scale up the practice. Mentor/develop junior staff.
- Gather market intelligence to stay informed of emerging trends in Infrastructure sub-sectors in the region; Identify business models and opportunities for new approaches that can accelerate private sector participation and development impact within a region.
- Develop and maintain relationships with potential and existing clients and other stakeholders (government, development partners and banks, WBG) with the objective of developing business opportunities.
- Work closely with IFC’s LAC Infrastructure colleagues and Global Infrastructure groups to deliver IFC’s investment targets and development impact.
- Develop strong understanding and knowledge of the World Bank Group’s various products that support our “Creating Markets” mandate, thus opening the door for future investments and development of various Infrastructure sectors over the next 3-5 years, in accordance with IFC country strategies.
- From time to time, together with the portfolio management team and as needed, manage IFC’s investment in select portfolio companies, providing effective management of portfolio assets while developing long lasting client relationships, and possibly new business.
Selection Criteria
- MBA or equivalent qualification.
- At least 12 years of relevant experience in the financial sector, in an investment related function with a proven track-record of sourcing and closing deals. Private equity and/ or project finance experience preferred.
- Knowledge of the Infrastructure sector and sub-sectors; equity investment and/or project finance investment transactions and portfolio experience in emerging markets and the LAC region is essential.
- Ability to review the financial analytical work performed by team members, including for complex transactions, based on in-depth analytical and financial analysis; experience to know what to look for in efficiently ensuring quality control; and directing the appropriate analysis to understand risk factors in a project.
- Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners.
- Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to work with a variety of complex financial instruments (corporate and project financing, mezzanine financing and equity).
- Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, technical partners and senior government officials.
- Ability to build, maintain and strategically leverage extensive network in regional private equity funds, commercial and investment banks, investment advisors and strategic investors to open doors for new venture opportunities.
- Successful candidates should have the ability to work in a multi-country team, to actively be involved in multiple projects and to mentor/ supervise junior staff.
- Capacity to understand, enable, and participate in market creation opportunities for multiple countries by demonstrating long-term perspective, open-mindedness, persistence, innovation, and ability to leverage all available tools (including de-risking tools); good understanding of the roles and value-add of IFC and WBG in new markets.
- Genuine commitment to sustainable development.
- Willingness to travel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to describe complex issues, approaches, and lessons in a manner that is relevant and understandable to clients/stakeholders.
- Fluency in Spanish and Portuguese is a plus.
If interested, please apply here.
