Principal operations officer - Western Europe Regional Head of Operations Job #: req35138 Organization: IFC Sector: Operations Grade: GH Term Duration:ย 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Paris,France Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 12/23/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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.
Regional Heads of Operations (RHO) function as multi-sectoral integrators who support Division Directors in facilitating cross-cutting work across IFC. The RHO also coordinates compilation, analysis, and reporting of operational data; as well as making recommendations on matters for DD review/decision/action.
IFC is seeking an RHO for the Western Europe Region to be based in Paris, France. The position will report to the Division Director for Western Europe, EU countries of operation, Ukraine and Moldova.
Duties and Accountabilities:
ย The role and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:
โข Contribute to overall business development efforts across Western Europe and to the positioning of IFC in the region.ย Support the industry teams in identifying prospective clients from Western Europe.
โข Ensure cross-unit coordination on business development for Western Europe sponsors.
โข Promote overall alignment of donor-funded activities with regional and country strategies and help design regional strategic partnerships with Western European donors in coordination with the Blended Finance and Partnerships team.
โข Work closely with Partnerships to (i) review and support implementation of the fundraising strategy for Western European donors; (ii) ensure regional operational teams are coordinating with Partnerships on donor engagement including coordination of fundraising efforts and communication with donors.
โข Represent and provide visibility for IFC, including through organizing/participating in high profile events.
โข Where authorized, act on behalf of Division Director in reviewing and approving projects and initiatives.
โข Facilitate information flow between the Division Director and the regional management team including WBG Country Managers (CMs), Resident Representatives and Office Heads; and ensure consistent resolution of administrative issues.
โข Convene and lead monthly regional meetings between Division Directors and WBG CMs/Country Officers (COs) across the Western Europe region.
โข Work with WBG CMs and COs to coordinate IFCโs office footprint in the region for optimal resource deployment and representation.
โข Establish systematic interaction with the Regional Vice President (RVP) Front Office, Regional Industry Directors, and other members of the regional leadership team to ensure that matters requiring Division Director response are promptly addressed.
โข Co-supervise the COs working with the Division Director.
โข Coordinate and oversee regional support infrastructure through a network of key counterparts including Human Resources, Budget & Business Administration, Communications, Partnerships, Operations Management, etc.
โข Coordinate the budget process for all units in the region to ensure consistency and compliance.
โข Maintain oversight of the ongoing optimization of resource allocation in the region.
Selection Criteria
โข MBA, masterโs in finance or similar degree and a minimum of 12 years relevant work experience.
โข Outstanding and proven track on business development, including success in developing client relationships.
โข Ability to represent IFC externally, and to develop relationships with governments, media, clients, and other stakeholders.
โข Experience working with multiple stakeholders on complex or sensitive projects, with proven ability to exercise sound business judgment, utilizing strong interpersonal and negotiation skills and ability to manage and resolve conflict.
โข Ability to think strategically with robust analytical and problem-solving skills; to identify issues and propose proactive and creative solutions that meet the needs of client countries.
โข Proven commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.
โข Strong team leadership skills, and ability to work effectively in multicultural, matrix and multi-disciplinary teams.
โข Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
โข Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule.
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 theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.