Investment Officer-Services Business

Investment Officer-Services Business

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 recruiting an Investment Officer to be based in Cairo, Egypt, as part of the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) team in Africa. The selected candidate will provide expertise in the Services (tourism, retail, property, health, and education) and Manufacturing sectors to the IFC MAS regional industry (investment) teams in Africa. This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and executing transactions and in portfolio management. The Investment Officer will also have a significant role in setting strategies to grow IFC’s Africa Services business, as well as day-to-day responsibilities leading transactions and portfolio management.

She/he will report to IFC Regional Industry Manager, Services, for West, Central, North Africa, and Horn of Africa.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Investment Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Africa region and in Washington, DC, on business development, investment transaction execution, portfolio supervision, and client relationship management in Consumer Services (Tourism, Retail, Property, Health and Education) and Manufacturing Sectors. The responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities through proactive origination/business development and developing and employing sector/country knowledge.
• Lead transactions and/or teams to evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, and equity sales, as necessary.
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions for debt, equity and mezzanine investments and hands-on implementation of these structures.
• Clearly and succinctly communicate/present (verbal and written) credit analysis and investment proposals.
• Lead term sheet negotiation/legal documentation process; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.
• Provide high-quality client service throughout the project cycle, from transaction sourcing and processing to supervision. This includes high-quality work and quality control.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional clients, businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Assist in the formulation, monitoring and updating of IFC’s strategy in the Services sectors in Africa region, working with IFC’s industry and regional departments and in close coordination with the World Bank.
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, governance, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Support in providing thought leadership within the team, specifically on the Services sectors- tourism, retail, property, health, and education.

Selection Criteria

• MBA, master’s degree in finance or equivalent
• At least 12-15 years of relevant work experience in a private equity firm, commercial bank, investment bank, or international financial institution with significant emerging markets presence
• Experience in a lead role, in investment transactions (corporate and project finance), with proven success and track record in developing client relationships with the ability to focus on client needs effectively as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and closing quality investments
• Strong expertise in services sectors i.e. tourism, retail, commercial and residential property, health and education sectors, and relevant experience originating and structuring transactions in these sectors.
• Knowledge of and experience in investing in emerging markets
• A strong network in North Africa is a plus.
• Strong business development/origination track record and demonstrated judgment in identifying/screening potential business partners and investment opportunities
• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (debt, equity, mezzanine)
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of clients, financial and technical partners, as well as senior government officials
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, and to build networks across the region, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability. Proven ability to work independently and deliver promptly and efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, fluency in Arabic will be an advantage.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for 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.