Duties and Accountabilities:
The Investment Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Africa region and in Washington, DC, on business development, transaction execution, portfolio supervision, and client relationship management in manufacturing and services. 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.
• As transaction lead], evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, as necessary.
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
• 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.
• 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 10-15+ years of relevant work experience within IFC or with a major private equity firm, commercial bank or international financial institution with significant emerging markets presence
• Experience in investment transaction (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
• Expertise in services sectors i.e. tourism, retail, commercial and residential property, health and education sectors
• Knowledge of and experience in investing in emerging markets a plus (particularly in West Africa), established network in the region is a plus;
• Strong business development/origination and judgment in identifying 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 other languages a plus.
