Country Officer

Country Officer

Job #: req22633
Organization: IFC
Sector: Operations
Grade: GG
Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 5/25/2023 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The South Asia region delivered about $2.0 billion in new investments during FY22. In order to increase its business and development impact, IFC is expected to engage in new markets, with new products and with new partners pushing the frontiers of development finance through the use of innovative platforms and products that mobilize private capital to address long standing societal problems.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain effective relationships with Government officials and the private sector, and close relationships with key IFC partners and WBG counterparts in the country office to further IFC’s activities.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments that impact general IFC’s activities and provide input on local economic and business trends to IFC investment decisions and strategies. Research untapped markets to identify current constraints to private sector investment as input to upstream market creation decisions.
•  In collaboration with regional teams and strategists, (i) support the formulation and execution of country strategies and diagnostics; (ii) support preparation of briefing materials relating to senior management visits and Annual, Spring meetings, and (iii) develop partnerships with WB staff working in assigned country in order to support World Bank Group objectives, especially in the context on implementing the cascade.
•  Support business development efforts for investment projects, engage in project financial analysis with investment teams and support portfolio teams. Participate in missions, country review meetings and appraisal of projects. Liaise with IFC investment teams to monitor progress and performance of projects to solve potential problems. Work closely with IFC staff in the region in handling client relationships, identify, analyze and help address key country and sponsor reputation risks.
•  Support the Country Manager in overseeing advisory projects including developing recommendations on approval/no-objection for selection memos, cooperation agreements, MOUs, Advisory Service Agreements, Integrity Due Diligence of IFC Advisory projects to deliver outcomes.
•  Support the Country Manager to ensure IFC representation/involvement at key private sector, public sector, donor and World Bank events and meetings as appropriate, and ensure dissemination of information to relevant staff within the World Bank Group.
• Ensure smooth operations of the IFC country office, including security, administration, facilities management, and related services. Liaison and work closely with IFC corporate and World Bank Group with regards to maintaining high standard of IFC office in Nepal.
•  Support the development of appropriate communications strategies and assist in developing presentations. Participate in targeted business events and conferences to develop business.
•  Supervise, as needed, members of broader teams and provide mentoring. Ensure quality control of work products and efficient use of resources.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in Business, Economics or related field.
• Eight to ten years of professional experience in banking, auditing, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment.
•  Experience in investment transactions, with demonstrated success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments; Portfolio experience a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding of the assigned country including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework.
•  Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve.
• Strong eye for business in identifying potential business partners; capacity to identify gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business.
• Good analytical, financial analysis, financial modeling, ratio, credit, integrity assessment, and business skills to recognize viable straightforward projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs. Sound business judgment and shown ability to structure a broad range of financial instruments (debt and equity).
• Proven client relationship skills. Track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively. Good at interacting directly and independently with the key counterparts (clients as well as financial, and technical partners).
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines.
•  Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility.

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.