Investment Officer - Financial Inclusion
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Investment Officer - Financial Inclusion
Job #:
req32727
Organization:
IFC
Sector:
Investment
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
4/24/2025 (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 is unique for both its regional and global prospective, development focus, long-term approach to investments, ability to leverage the resources of the entire World Bank Group, as well as its commitment to maximizing the value of its portfolio companies through sustained assistance.
The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the main industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC's overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, small and medium enterprise (SME) finance, Gender finance, Climate finance, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing finance, Distressed Assets, Payments, Fintech, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC's clients through its global network.
The sustainability and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is key to the World Bank Group's twin goals to reduce extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. IFC's Committed MSME Portfolio has grown to ~ US$20.2 billion as of December 2023. FIG including Trade Finance contributes 89% of IFC's total MSME portfolio. FIG continues to generate new MSME business, the annual new business commitment over the last five years is approximately $4 billion, on average.
MSME financing is a core part of FIG's business. While some FIG investment clients (e.g., small microfinance institution, debt fund manager or fintech) may themselves qualify as SMEs, the bulk of FIG's MSME impact is achieved by supporting our clients' lending to MSMEs. Working through financial service providers (FSPs) such as banks, micro-finance institutions, leasing companies and fintech lenders is a highly efficient way for IFC to reach MSMEs. FSPs have the capacity to locally onboard, underwrite, monitor, and services MSME loans at scale. While MSMEs are a key engine of growth in emerging and developing economies, access to finance remains a key constraint to grow their businesses and create jobs. Therefore, engaging with FSPs and enabling financing to MSMEs is a key strategy priority for IFC.
The position of Investment Officer (IO) will be part of the Financial Inclusion team within the CFN Department and based in Washington DC.
One of the key priorities for the Financial Inclusion team is to create global and replicable investment solutions to address the MSME financing gap. In May 2024, IFC's board approved the establishment of MSME Finance Platform, a new US$4 billion financing platform that will provide risk capital for eligible financial service providers serving MSMEs in emerging markets with a particular focus on those that are women-owned and those supporting climate and agriculture. The Platform also includes an innovative mobilization mechanism structured to help IFC mobilize up to US$4 billion of additional funding to MSMEs. The MSME Finance Platform complements the Small Loan Guarantee Program (SLGP), an existing IFC platform since 2018, which offers credit risk mitigation through risk sharing facilities (RSFs) to partner FSPs. Under SLGP, IFC executes individual risk sharing agreements with eligible FSPs in eligible countries to share 50% of SME portfolio risk operating in their local markets. These RSFs help address both supply-side and demand-side market failures, which are constraining access to finance for SMEs, for instance informality of SMEs, lack of credit and financial information and inadequate collateral.
The role of the IO is to help support and manage the deployment of the above-mentioned investment solutions through, for instance, working with regional teams and connecting regional project teams with global units such as blended finance and partnerships as well as with initiatives being promoted by CGAP, IBRD, and IDA. The IO will also be expected to develop new approaches and develop business to increase outreach and support the broadening of financial services to MSMEs across IFC's client countries, with a focus on non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).
Duties and Accountabilities
The responsibilities of the IO will include but are not limited to:
Originate viable IFC investment transactions in the MSME Finance space globally, focusing on NBFIs, maximizing development impact as well as profitability, under the above-referenced platforms as well as stand-alone transactions.
Drive collaboration with regional departments and work closely with regional teams to deliver IFC's investment targets and development impact as well as ensure effective deployment of the existing investment solutions.
Lead collaboration across global units, including strategy, blended finance to effectively deploy the investment solutions and structure new MSME initiatives.
Deliver expertise and specialization regarding MSME Finance opportunities to support the regions.
Support fund raising efforts to enable private capital mobilization.
Help build a strong pipeline of potential future investment opportunities in MSME Finance which should include funded, un-funded facilities and mobilization transactions in cooperation with regional IFC teams.
Implement innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions across the capital structure (senior debt, mezzanine, or equity).
Identify opportunities and support and lead FIG's engagement with a range of market players including banks, NBFIs, Fintech companies, and innovative digital lenders.
Maintain and help develop global client relationships with MSME Finance providers.
Help build and maintain a network of global and regional co-investors and co-lenders to develop specific investment opportunities and to provide funding alongside IFC.
Lead and/or provide guidance to investment teams on due diligence (financial, market, valuation etc.), risk/mitigation analysis, and structuring/ negotiations from a MSME Finance perspective.
Coordinate closely with technical experts (microfinance and banking specialists, sector economists, environmental specialists, lawyers, etc.) to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions, and achieve sustainable development impact.
Work with impact measurement specialists to ensure enhanced monitoring and analysis of development impact of IFC's investments in the MSME space.
Analyze industry trends and prior transactions to develop new business and improve portfolio performance.
Disseminate knowledge across the industry group and promote knowledge-sharing within FIG as well as more broadly across IFC.
Work closely and constructively across FIG business/product lines as well as FIG regional teams to provide insights into MSME Finance space evolution, both medium- term and long-term and be accretive to FIG's overall business.
Selection Criteria
MBA or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business
8-10 years of investment experience (e.g., commercial or investment banking, development financial institution, private equity, or venture funds)
Demonstrated investment track record of successfully structuring and processing transactions in the financial industry; experience in portfolio management
Emerging Markets experience
Excellent analytical and technical skills; financial analysis expertise
Sound business judgment and strong problem-solving skills to identify risks and present creative, practical solutions
Solid understanding of relevant trends and issues in the MSME finance space
Open to feedback and willingness to learn
Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
Technology savvy professional, with a passion for global development
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly; strong presentation skills
High emotional intelligence and work ethic
Effective team player in multi-cultural and multi-location environment and ability/experience with providing guidance, professional development, and quality control of work products
Ability to interact directly and independently with clients, partners, donors and government officials
Strong commitment to innovation and knowledge management
Willingness to be proactive in contacting people and learning about new developments
Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency, and fairness
International exposure, especially to the emerging markets, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to travel extensively
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.
Job #:
req32727
Organization:
IFC
Sector:
Investment
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
4/24/2025 (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 is unique for both its regional and global prospective, development focus, long-term approach to investments, ability to leverage the resources of the entire World Bank Group, as well as its commitment to maximizing the value of its portfolio companies through sustained assistance.
The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the main industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC's overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, small and medium enterprise (SME) finance, Gender finance, Climate finance, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing finance, Distressed Assets, Payments, Fintech, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC's clients through its global network.
The sustainability and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is key to the World Bank Group's twin goals to reduce extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. IFC's Committed MSME Portfolio has grown to ~ US$20.2 billion as of December 2023. FIG including Trade Finance contributes 89% of IFC's total MSME portfolio. FIG continues to generate new MSME business, the annual new business commitment over the last five years is approximately $4 billion, on average.
MSME financing is a core part of FIG's business. While some FIG investment clients (e.g., small microfinance institution, debt fund manager or fintech) may themselves qualify as SMEs, the bulk of FIG's MSME impact is achieved by supporting our clients' lending to MSMEs. Working through financial service providers (FSPs) such as banks, micro-finance institutions, leasing companies and fintech lenders is a highly efficient way for IFC to reach MSMEs. FSPs have the capacity to locally onboard, underwrite, monitor, and services MSME loans at scale. While MSMEs are a key engine of growth in emerging and developing economies, access to finance remains a key constraint to grow their businesses and create jobs. Therefore, engaging with FSPs and enabling financing to MSMEs is a key strategy priority for IFC.
The position of Investment Officer (IO) will be part of the Financial Inclusion team within the CFN Department and based in Washington DC.
One of the key priorities for the Financial Inclusion team is to create global and replicable investment solutions to address the MSME financing gap. In May 2024, IFC's board approved the establishment of MSME Finance Platform, a new US$4 billion financing platform that will provide risk capital for eligible financial service providers serving MSMEs in emerging markets with a particular focus on those that are women-owned and those supporting climate and agriculture. The Platform also includes an innovative mobilization mechanism structured to help IFC mobilize up to US$4 billion of additional funding to MSMEs. The MSME Finance Platform complements the Small Loan Guarantee Program (SLGP), an existing IFC platform since 2018, which offers credit risk mitigation through risk sharing facilities (RSFs) to partner FSPs. Under SLGP, IFC executes individual risk sharing agreements with eligible FSPs in eligible countries to share 50% of SME portfolio risk operating in their local markets. These RSFs help address both supply-side and demand-side market failures, which are constraining access to finance for SMEs, for instance informality of SMEs, lack of credit and financial information and inadequate collateral.
The role of the IO is to help support and manage the deployment of the above-mentioned investment solutions through, for instance, working with regional teams and connecting regional project teams with global units such as blended finance and partnerships as well as with initiatives being promoted by CGAP, IBRD, and IDA. The IO will also be expected to develop new approaches and develop business to increase outreach and support the broadening of financial services to MSMEs across IFC's client countries, with a focus on non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).
Duties and Accountabilities
The responsibilities of the IO will include but are not limited to:
Originate viable IFC investment transactions in the MSME Finance space globally, focusing on NBFIs, maximizing development impact as well as profitability, under the above-referenced platforms as well as stand-alone transactions.
Drive collaboration with regional departments and work closely with regional teams to deliver IFC's investment targets and development impact as well as ensure effective deployment of the existing investment solutions.
Lead collaboration across global units, including strategy, blended finance to effectively deploy the investment solutions and structure new MSME initiatives.
Deliver expertise and specialization regarding MSME Finance opportunities to support the regions.
Support fund raising efforts to enable private capital mobilization.
Help build a strong pipeline of potential future investment opportunities in MSME Finance which should include funded, un-funded facilities and mobilization transactions in cooperation with regional IFC teams.
Implement innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions across the capital structure (senior debt, mezzanine, or equity).
Identify opportunities and support and lead FIG's engagement with a range of market players including banks, NBFIs, Fintech companies, and innovative digital lenders.
Maintain and help develop global client relationships with MSME Finance providers.
Help build and maintain a network of global and regional co-investors and co-lenders to develop specific investment opportunities and to provide funding alongside IFC.
Lead and/or provide guidance to investment teams on due diligence (financial, market, valuation etc.), risk/mitigation analysis, and structuring/ negotiations from a MSME Finance perspective.
Coordinate closely with technical experts (microfinance and banking specialists, sector economists, environmental specialists, lawyers, etc.) to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions, and achieve sustainable development impact.
Work with impact measurement specialists to ensure enhanced monitoring and analysis of development impact of IFC's investments in the MSME space.
Analyze industry trends and prior transactions to develop new business and improve portfolio performance.
Disseminate knowledge across the industry group and promote knowledge-sharing within FIG as well as more broadly across IFC.
Work closely and constructively across FIG business/product lines as well as FIG regional teams to provide insights into MSME Finance space evolution, both medium- term and long-term and be accretive to FIG's overall business.
Selection Criteria
MBA or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business
8-10 years of investment experience (e.g., commercial or investment banking, development financial institution, private equity, or venture funds)
Demonstrated investment track record of successfully structuring and processing transactions in the financial industry; experience in portfolio management
Emerging Markets experience
Excellent analytical and technical skills; financial analysis expertise
Sound business judgment and strong problem-solving skills to identify risks and present creative, practical solutions
Solid understanding of relevant trends and issues in the MSME finance space
Open to feedback and willingness to learn
Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
Technology savvy professional, with a passion for global development
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly; strong presentation skills
High emotional intelligence and work ethic
Effective team player in multi-cultural and multi-location environment and ability/experience with providing guidance, professional development, and quality control of work products
Ability to interact directly and independently with clients, partners, donors and government officials
Strong commitment to innovation and knowledge management
Willingness to be proactive in contacting people and learning about new developments
Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency, and fairness
International exposure, especially to the emerging markets, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to travel extensively
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.