Senior Investment Officer at World Bank Group

Senior Investment Officer

Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The 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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is the largest investor in emerging markets private equity and venture capital (PE & VC) funds, with over US$9 billion committed across a portfolio of 400+ funds which in turn have 5000+ underlying portfolio companies. The large majority of these funds are managed out of the Private Equity and Venture Capital units within the Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds Department (CSF). IFC’s Funds and Venture Capital strategy focuses on supporting: (i) growth equity funds, (ii) venture capital funds, (iii) small business funds in frontier regions, and selectively (iv) sector funds. In turn, these Funds combine capital and expertise to enable investee companies to achieve the operational efficiency and governance standards required to realize their high-growth potential.

CSF is seeking a Senior Investment Officer to be based at IFC’s Washington, DC Office. In this role, the primary responsibility will be to assess key strategic PE Fund & Asset Managers to determine if they meet IFC’s investment strategy as well as criteria for financial returns, development impact, and environmental and social responsibility, and portfolio monitoring work for IFC’s existing funds portfolio. This role will specifically be focused on developing relationships with sector and strategic Funds and Asset Managers as well as related corporate strategy initiatives driving IFC’s equity portfolio growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a proactive and energetic team operating in an ever-changing environment. The incumbent would also be expected to support the broader engagement with global and regional staff from IFC, IBRD/IDA, and MIGA.

Duties and Accountabilities

This is a dynamic role that requires a high-level of interest in private equity, international business, emerging markets, and development impact. Responsibilities of Senior Investment Officer are divided among business development, new business, portfolio management and corporate strategy. These include:

• Identify fund investment opportunities through regional/sectoral mappings, and review of forward calendar of fund managers actively fundraising;
• Lead due diligence and drafting of investment recommendation documentation for investment decisions; responsibility for structuring, negotiating and execution of investments;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities;
• Coordinate with internal IFC stakeholders, including: Legal; Risk; Environment, Social & Governance; Impact Assessment; and Macroeconomics teams – to analyze proposed investments, ensure compliance with IFC standards and determine whether to recommend an investment for IFC;
• Review existing fund investments and investee companies and prepare portfolio supervision reports, including valuations, performance analyses and strategy and manager assessments;
• Track and monitor compliance matters for fund investments and propose courses of action in the event of non-compliance;
• Analyze macroeconomic data, corporate financial data and other industry information to identify and monitor issues that may affect IFC’s investments and recommend actions where necessary;
• Develop an understanding of the target countries, provide market intelligence, and develop strong business networks;
• Conduct market studies and help develop a pipeline of potential fund investments across IFC initiatives; perform research to determine the level of activity and attractiveness of fund opportunities, define future trends, and identify best of breed managers;
• Communicate IFC’s strategy for funds and its rationale for engaging in specific transactions.
• Share new insights based on in-depth understanding of the client and recommend solutions for current and future needs of clients;
• Mentoring and training of junior staff; holding self and team accountable for risk management and outcomes.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or a graduate degree in a relevant field such as finance or management;
• Minimum of 8 years relevant work experience, preferably in a private equity firm or as a fund investor;
• Strong business sense with ability to (a) judge what motivates private sector strategic and investment priorities and implementation decisions and where to focus IFC resources to deliver results and impact through innovation; and (b) advance IFC’s thought leadership.
• Strong understanding of private sector development: Ability to formulate compelling narratives and define initiatives for IFC in the context of private sector development challenges in emerging markets.
• Knowledge of the PE and Asset Managers’ market in emerging markets;
• High professional integrity and sound business judgment and insight in identifying potential fund investments and fund manager partners;
• Ability to think independently and strategically, analyze problems, train and mentor junior staff; identify solutions, and work effectively on simultaneous projects under time pressure;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Capable of leading large meetings, facilitating workshops, engaging with senior leadership and their front offices, and liaising with external partners and clients;
• Experience leading and coordinating projects. A demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, set timelines, and ensure timely completion of deliverables, and a demonstrated capability to handle logistics, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Comfortable working in a matrix organizational structure; ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; ability to work with people at all levels and demonstrate responsiveness and ability to work as part of a team;
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

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.