Job Details

Associate Investment Officer

 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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low and middle-income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth. IFC’s goal is to prioritize investment in the financial sector because it promotes development in all other sectors.

The Financial Institution Group (FIG) is one of IFC’s key businesses responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume, profitability, and development reach, approximately 45%. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Banking, Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas. 

The Equity team (CFGEQ) within FIG Global operates in close collaboration with other FIG Global business units, as well as with regional FIG teams and regional departments to (i) formulate IFC’s strategy for investing equity and mezzanine financing across the FIG sectors, (ii) engage in business development, (iii) execute transactions, and (iv) manage assets from origination until exit.

IFC is seeking an Associate Investment Officer for CFGEQ, to be based in Washington, D.C.  The selected candidate will work closely with other members of CFGEQ and FIG Global, and with investment staff in Regional FIG departments in several tasks related to the origination, execution and supervision of equity investments in the financial sector, as well as to other initiatives that may arise across different business units within FIG Global.  This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in structuring, negotiating and executing equity & mezzanine transactions, asset management, as well as leadership skills.  The Associate Investment Officer will report to the Global Equity Head of FIG or another senior member of CFGEQ.   

Roles & Responsibilities:

The role and responsibilities of the Associate Investment Officer will include but will not be limited to:

•  Responsible for supporting the development of investment themes and strategies in the FIG space across geographies, to target and grow IFC’s equity & mezzanine business based on its current portfolio, financial sector trends in relevant countries and sub-sectors
•  Work closely with colleagues in FIG Global as well as in the Regional FIG teams on business development activities in line with investment themes, and on deal execution 
•  Be an integral member of deal teams and provide expertise and support to teams executing equity and mezzanine investments, as well as to lead certain transactions when called for
•  Create financial models and valuations (including comparable analyses); analyze historical and projected financial statements for equity investment projects and opportunities
•  Keep track of the performance of emerging market equities, maintain analytics on IFC’s equity portfolio (working with internal systems) and compare IFC portfolio performance to the leading emerging market equity funds and indexes
•  Research, expand and update benchmarking database for IFC’s equity investments in FIG sectors in emerging markets
•  Contribute to the creation of regular portfolio performance analysis reports, evaluating portfolio performance to improve profitability and impact for IFC’s FIG equity business
•  Prepare documentation for IFC internal processes as necessary
•  Participate in investment negotiations, and independently handle aspects of transaction processing
•  Participate in the management of equity investments in portfolio companies
•  Take responsibility for equity & mezzanine asset management, including working closely with IFC’s regional deal teams and sector specialists, and investee managements
•  Conduct analyses & modeling of IFC’s equity & mezzanine portfolio, including sectoral and regional portfolio construction, profitability, etc.
•  Support a comprehensive program for increasing the knowledge and learning of equity & mezzanine investments execution and asset management
•  Ensure quality control of work products

Selection Criteria

•  A Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business and 4+ years relevant work experience
•  Experience in sourcing, negotiating and executing equity & mezzanine transactions.  Experience in emerging markets or in the financial sector will be a plus
•  Strong technical skills in financial analysis, equity valuation, equity structuring
•  Excellent interpersonal skills and openness to feedback
•  Recognized as a team player
•  Strong written and verbal communications skills; Fluency in English essential, additional languages are a plus
•  Ability to deliver high quality work within deadlines and to meet team objectives
•  Sound business judgment, demonstrated ability to deliver results under stressful timelines and environment 
•  Strong “deal sense” based on demonstrated track record in executing, managing, and exiting equity & mezzanine investments.  Willingness and ability to travel and work across time zones.

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.