Upstream Operations Officer – Hydropower, Energy

Upstream Operations Officer – Hydropower, Energy Job #: req33512 Organization: IFC Sector: Upstream Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Thimphu,Bhutan Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 7/1/2025 (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.
The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.
In this context, IFC is seeking an Upstream Operations Officer focused on Hydropower and Energy for its Infrastructure Upstream and Advisory program in the Asia & Pacific (APAC) Region. The Upstream Operations Officer will work as part of the Upstream and Advisory APAC Infrastructure team in enabling investment opportunities, enhancing investment outcomes, and improving investment conditions in the hydropower and energy sector in the APAC region– critical activities for the corporation to deliver on its ambitious strategy.  The Upstream Operations Officer would also be responsible for developing investment and upstream/ advisory business in the energy and other infrastructure sectors for IFC, in Bhutan and Nepal.
The selected candidate will be expected to implement existing Upstream and Advisory existing projects and have an active role in the origination of new ones which are essential to build the pipeline of future IFC investments in Hydropower and Energy in the APAC region. S/he will also be expected to originate investments in the Hydropower and Energy sector. S/he would also work across IFC business lines and support policy work and other interventions across the World Bank Group to prioritize various initiatives and to maximize the impact of IFC’s efforts in the Energy.
The Upstream Operations Officer will be based in Thimphu, Bhutan, and is expected to frequently visit (travel permitting) other countries where clients are based, in particular, but not limited to Nepal. The Upstream Operations Officer will closely collaborate with the Infrastructure Investment teams covering APAC to ensure a coordinated provision of services that span the continuum of IFC’s operations – across idea generation, enabling environment, project development and client preparation and investment. S/he will also work together with relevant Industry Specialists and experts in the World Bank, leveraging skills and knowledge across the WBG.

Role & Responsibilities:

The roles and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:

•   Enable investment opportunities in Hydropower and Energy by 1) incubating high-impact projects and initiatives that require upstream project development to reach the point of investment and 2) getting potential clients and projects ready for IFC investment through client preparation and development.
•   Enhance investment outcomes in Hydropower and Energy through Upstream and Advisory projects that 1) increase the development impact of IFC investments and 2) improve the performance of IFC investment portfolio clients, through the provision of value-additive and risk-mitigation services.
•   Improve investment conditions in the Hydropower and Energy sector by 1) Leading and/or collaborating with other teams across IFC and the WBG efforts to drive sector-wide change in priority areas and 2) Leading and/or collaborating with other teams across IFC and the WBG efforts to open new markets for private sector participation.
•   Lead business development efforts, together with investment, regional/country, and global Industry teams in all infrastructure sectors in Bhutan and Nepal and ensure high level of client satisfaction.
•   Originate investment transactions and support up to mandate and support select projects that they have originated throughout the IFC project cycle.
•   Work closely with sector and country leads to foster cross-departmental collaboration and ensure the efficient deployment of staffing, resources, products and solutions to meet client-specific requirements.
•   Work closely with Global units in the designing/piloting of global products, knowledge sharing, and maintenance of pipeline/portfolio quality in Hydropower and Energy.
•   Engage with and establish partnerships with thought leaders and decision makers across the World Bank Group and externally to foster innovative thinking about the creation of new markets and to identify and implement sector and regulatory reforms to unlock private investment opportunities, including leveraging the World Bank’s lending program.
•   Actively collaborate and engage with the Partnerships department to proactively contribute to donor engagement strategy, relationship management, and reporting.
•   Spot game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can increase development impact and present opportunities for high-value proprietary engagements in the Hydropower and Energy sector.
•   Disseminate and absorb knowledge and experience across the regional industry department and global teams to support adoption of new approaches and best practices that have been developed in the region.
•   Build a network of industry stakeholders for knowledge sharing and generating leads in APAC. This includes building relationships with relevant government and public sector participants to support private sector investment activity.

Selection Criteria

•   Master's degree in business, finance, economics, international relations, law, engineering, or another related field.
•   At least 10 years of relevant work experience, with at least 4 years’ experience in developing markets.   Strong knowledge of the hydropower and energy sector in APAC is also required.  Knowledge of Bhutan and Nepal markets is a plus.
•   Experience developing solutions for private sector clients in hydropower and energy sector and subsectors.
•   Appreciation for how policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization can be linked to deliver solutions at a country or regional level.
•   Ability to support engagements with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other partners to encourage pioneering business and market development.
•   Experience with project and/or program development and executing against implementation plans.
•   Experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects, programs, and/or initiatives.
•   Strong organizational skills and proven ability to work on several assignments simultaneously are required.
•   Outstanding and demonstrated history of analytical, creative problem solving and critical thinking skills are required.
•   Strong written and verbal communications skills in English are required.  Bhutanese or Nepali language skills is a plus.
•   Genuine dedication to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy, and values.
•   Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.

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.

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