Operations Officer - FIG, Upstream & Advisory

Operations Officer - FIG, Upstream & Advisory Job #: req33296 Organization: IFC Sector: Operations Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Colombo,Sri Lanka Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 6/10/2025 (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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy (IFC 3.0) to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS). This strategy calls for generating opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and imagine, design, and implement investment and advisory projects. It also requires leveraging WBG programs and projects to develop our proactive sector interventions and to design projects even in the absence of reforms.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk.

FIG Upstream and Advisory Services in South Asia, the department where this job is based, leverages IFC’s global presence to drive thought leadership and deliver expert advice to our clients, addressing development challenges in our priority markets in the region through our financial sector intermediaries, which include banks, NBFIs, microfinance institutions, FinTech’s, etc.

IFC is seeking an Operations Officer with deep technical expertise in banking and/or consulting for one or more thematic areas including financial inclusion, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) finance, agriculture finance, climate finance, digital finance and capital markets; for the Upstream and Advisory Services department within FIG. An experience in multiple thematic areas will be preferred. The selected candidate will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and will focus on supporting the development and delivery of high-quality Advisory and Upstream projects in South Asia with a focus on Sri Lanka and the Maldives. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The Operations Officer will have a wide range of evolving responsibilities in line with the strategic priorities of FIG. The primary responsibility of this candidate would be to support the FIG team in achieving its country and regional priorities in promoting financial inclusion, including MSME and agriculture finance in the South Asia region. The anticipated scope of duties and responsibilities includes:

•   Designing, developing, and implementing high-quality advisory and upstream initiatives and projects, primarily focusing on financial inclusion.
•   Leading and providing support throughout the project life cycle, including conducting diagnostics and scoping, concept development, creating implementation plans, client management, technical capacity building, project delivery, and closure.
•   Working with country teams to create new products involving specific sectors by preparing sector-specific data analysis, engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, and sharing information across the WBG.
•   Researching untapped sectors to identify constraints to private sector investment as input to market creation decisions.
•   Lead project management and oversight in South Asia  , under the guidance of Country Anchors and/or Practice Group Leads, to reinforce quality and consistency of approach. 
•   Maintaining relationships with counterparts at IFC clients and other key stakeholders/partners to facilitate access and provide local context to IFC project teams.
•   Supporting engagement with relevant teams across the World Bank and IFC, including investment staff, to ensure alignment with World Bank Group priorities and to promote effective collaboration.
•   Providing organizational and coordination support for convening knowledge-sharing forums and conferences and contributing to developing content materials.
•   Managing human and financial resources efficiently across initiatives for optimal impact.

Selection Criteria

•   Master’s degree in finance, economics, or related areas. 
•   8-12 years of relevant financial market experience in emerging markets, including a proven track record in business consulting and/or operational experience in the financial sector, focused on inclusion. 
•   Capacity to understand, enable, and participate in market creation opportunities by demonstrating long-term perspective, open-mindedness, persistence, innovation, and ability to leverage all available tools.
•   Broad understanding of the economy, sectors, regulatory and industry fundamentals and drivers; industry and market benchmarks; latest trends and changes; and industry standards, including policies and regulations affecting investment and business growth.
•   Capacity to build productive and mutually beneficial relationships and networks internally and externally to identify business opportunities, discuss structuring alternatives and resolve issues.
•   Capacity to build and maintain extensive networks in sectors, countries, and regions to bring new engagements and business opportunities.
•   Ability to interact effectively with working-level WBG staff and participate in collaborative interventions/projects that enable private sector investment by exercising sensitivity to differences in corporate cultures, priorities, and operating practices/requirements.
•   Commitment to sustainable development.
•   Original thinking/quick learning abilities with strong initiative, drive, and attention to detail.
•   Strong project management and analytical skills; ability to oversee multiple complex projects and initiatives. Proven analytical abilities with excellent research, synthesis, and writing skills; ability to communicate ideas confidently and credibly.
•   Good team player with strong interpersonal skills and commitment to working in a respectful, team-oriented, and multicultural environment.
•   Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English are required.
•   Ability to draft documents and reports that are concise, well-organized, and appropriately focused on the most critical points that are relevant to the target audience.
•   Utilize charts, graphs, and other presentation techniques to communicate complex data and concepts simply.
•   Willingness to travel.

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.