ย
ย Description
IFC โ a member of the World Bank Group โ 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 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC offers long-term financing and industry-leading expertise to develop infrastructure projects that provide essential services โ including electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water, and sanitation โ in partnership with the private sector. As part of the World Bank Group, IFC works with governments and development partners to create a business environment that attracts private capital to infrastructure sectors. In FY22, our new long-term investments in infrastructure totaled about $3 billion, including $1.4 billion mobilized from other investors.
The SIA team works with companies and other stakeholders to build and strengthen climate and social inclusion capabilities, which in turn strengthens their environmental, social, and governance performance and IFCโs development impact.
IFCโs Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory (SIA) group is seeking a highly motivated Senior Operations Officer, with strong social performance and environmental private sector experience, international development background, as well as project management, business development, and communications skills to lead the work in Latin America and help deliver SIAโs global work program.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Operations Officer will report to the SIA Global Manager in Washington DC and will lead the LAC regional team involved in the delivery of innovative solutions that can contribute to improving the environmental and social sustainability and development impact of IFCโs investments in Infrastructure sectors.
Specific responsibilities of the Regional Lead will include:
Client delivery
โขย Lead the LAC teamโs business development efforts and respond timely to investment teamโs requests.
โขย Work closely with Infra regional managers on identifying client engagement opportunities (pre-investment and investment).
โขย Identify advisory opportunities and build a pipeline of advisory engagements supporting clients.
โขย Guide/oversee the preparation of proposals for clients, including a clear business case and value proposition.
โขย Design and/or provide guidance and support to the team for the design of advisory projects or brief engagements.
โขย Approve project related contracts, travel, and payments, ensuring compliance with regulations in a timely manner.
โขย Oversee and provide support, guidance, and quality control to the SIA advisory programs in the region ensuring timely delivery and compliance with project governance throughout the project cycle.
โขย Support sustainability linked finance efforts as appropriate.
Regional thought leadership
โขย Contribute with original and solid thought leadership in sustainability, developing and refining new and innovative advisory products and services to be offered to clients.
โขย Contribute to strategy development and discussions lead by SIA Manager and/or regional managers providing the regionโs perspective and priorities (industry/country).
โขย Play a key role in the identification of new market trends and opportunities and shape corresponding solutions for clients.ย ย
โขย Develop and effectively articulate the business case for sustainability initiatives in different infrastructure sectors.
โขย Coordinate engagement at regional level and promote SIA activities with relevant teams
โขย Lead the regional Country Driven Budgeting (CDB) process in coordination with SIA Manager and the Regional Upstream/Advisory INR Manager.
โขย Seek and tap regional funding for specific initiatives in the region, coordinate donor funding efforts with the Partnership Team and support obtaining client contributions for SIA projects when appropriate.
Managing resources
โขย Manage the SIA regional team providing members with relevant guidance and support while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, trust, and high-quality outputs.
โขย Regularly provide formal and informal performance feedback to team members.
โขย Mentor staff in the region encouraging/supporting their professional growth and providing career advice and in a way that empowers them to grow professionally.
โขย Determine regional budget needs for LAC umbrella program and new initiatives.
โขย Oversee the execution of the SIA regional budget as well as the appropriate use of individual project budgets in the region.
โขย Lead/oversee timely donor reporting.ย
Communications & partnerships
โขย Lead/contribute to Knowledge Management (KM)
โขย Systematize successful experiences that have the potential to be scalable.
โขย Contribute to the ideation and production of knowledge pieces.
โขย Participate in industry workshops, roundtables and conferences sharing IFCโs experience with clients and relevant stakeholders.
โขย Identify and engage key clients in the region, developing strong working relationships and making IFCโs advisory value add evident.
โขย Develop strategic relations and partnership with relevant regional actors for SIA work in the region.
Selection Criteria
โขย Master's degree in business, finance, public policy, economics or engineering or an area of expertise specific to environmental or social sustainability.
โขย At least twelve years of relevant private sector experience in finance, advisory, or business consulting services with a focus on sustainability (climate & inclusion).ย
โขย Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing advisory projects using innovative approaches, including demonstrated ability to uphold operational procedures.
โขย Experience in international development and private sector financing, including Sustainable Finance desired.
โขย Proven ability to manage and develop local and international staff and individual consultants,ย
โขย Strong client engagement skills, building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including a range of private and public sector partners.
โขย Experience in infrastructure and natural resource sectors (transport, energy, mining, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, cities, water, or waste) is needed.ย
โขย Solid understanding of the ESG and sustainability indicators/targets/reporting, as well as monitoring and evaluation techniques.
โขย High level of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work project requirements.ย
โขย Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English, ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders.ย
โขย Experience in facilitation, capacity building and training is a strong plus.
โขย General understanding of IFC operations and investment and advisory products and services as well as knowledge of IFC ES&G standards, and how they relate to client engagement, is an advantage.
โขย Working fluency in English and Spanish. Portuguese is a plus.
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.