Investment Officer

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. 

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double our volume of business by 2030 and triple the work we do in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). To do so, IFC will need to deploy its full range of financing, mobilization, advisory, convening and thought leadership skills. This also calls for the need to generate our own opportunities by proactively working "Upstream" to create, deepen, and expand markets and opportunities for the private sector and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. This strategy also relies on a closer WBG collaboration through the "Cascade" approach: working with clients, we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challengeswhere such solutions are advisable and can be effectiveand reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.

The Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) Industry is one of IFC's key strategic priorities. The team delivers financial and technical support to clients in the power, transport, municipal & environmental infrastructure, gas, and mining sectors, from IFC's own balance sheet and through mobilization of other capital. The Department also seeks to maintain IFC, as part of the World Bank Group, at the cutting-edge of helping member countries find solutions to new and emerging infrastructure and natural resource issues.

IFC's priorities in Asia for INR are: (i) grow the business in the region and achieve strong profitability and impact; (ii) build new and nurture existing client relationships to make IFC the preferred partner for key clients; (iii) manage the portfolio of assets for strong profitability and impact; (iv) support local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (v) catalyze foreign investment, including mobilizing B loans and parallel loans; (vi) introduce and develop new financial products; (vii) build long-term partnerships with strong regional players and (viii) develop client, sector and country-level solutions that can be scaled and replicated.

Duties and Accountabilities: 

IFC is seeking an Investment Officer for its Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) team in the Asia Pacific region. The position is based in Hong Kong, China. The Investment Officer will be responsible for contributing to business development and transaction processing for INR in the region. 

The responsibilities of the Investment Officer include but are not limited to:

•  Contribute to originating, executing and managing viable investment transactions, across the capital structure (equity, mezzanine, or senior debt), that maximize development impact as well as profitability 

•  Prepare investment or advisory committee materials focusing on financial and nonfinancial risk assessments and deal structuring, applying knowledge of policy and procedures and assessing exceptions where relevant.

•  Together with more senior members of the team, develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge

•  Participate as part of teams led by senior investment officers in putting together sector interventions and client engagement plans for IFC's strategic and top tier clients.

•  Work closely and coordinate with Global Industry teams, Country Managers and Officers, World Bank and MIGA colleagues and other colleagues to develop client, country and sector strategies

•  Coordinate closely with social, environmental, gender and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact

•  Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and understand the political context and the mindset of the government officials to further develop investment opportunities

•  Ability to guide, advise, mentor, and coach junior staff and peers to develop and broaden their scope of skills, including providing on-the-job learning opportunities. 

•  Share lessons learned and knowledge to generate innovative ideas, products, or solutions that can be replicated in other locations. 

•  Work with portfolio managers and CSO to address emerging risks in sector portfolio and to capture learning that can translate into improved structuring of future sector business.

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or equivalent degree with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in investment, corporate banking, project finance, infrastructure project development, and/or equity investing.

•  Thorough understanding of economic and commercial trends, investment environment, and key private and public sector players in Asia Pacific.  Business development ability, including ability to build long-term engagement with clients and credibility by demonstrating long-term perspective, open-mindedness, persistence, innovation, and knowledge of their business, sector, and culture; maintain an ongoing dialogue on their business needs, operations, and strategies as well as opportunities for strategically aligned business deals

•  A reputation for listening carefully to clients and stakeholders and asking targeted questions to understand their needs and determine the viability of a business opportunity.

•  Track record in executing or supporting the execution of transactions and sound portfolio monitoring. 

•  Ability to build and maintain extensive networks in sectors, country, region, or specialization (e.g., legal, credit industry specialists), and an ability to leverage those networks to maintain expertise, identify and capitalize on business opportunities, bring deals to closure, and obtain approvals.

•  Ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders at the working level including WBG staff and government officials. 

•  Strong understanding of the  Asia infrastructure financing market. 

•  Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and with high standards of work quality.

•  Fluency in English.

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skill. Ability to describe complex issues, approaches, and lessons in a manner that is relevant and understandable to clients/stakeholders.

•  Proactively seeks input from peers and leaders to deliver objectives and identify where to eliminate delivery roadblocks.

•  Genuine commitment to sustainable development.

•  Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility.

•  Highest level of integrity.

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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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

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

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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