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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 sees private equity and venture capital as making a valuable contribution to development by providing capital and know-how to fast growing companies that are leading drivers of job creation in the emerging markets. In addition to its more traditional business, IFC supports these companies through its Disruptive Technologies Group, which invests directly in early and late-stage venture companies as well as in venture capital funds. IFC is seeking an Investment Officer to provide overall coverage for IFC’s venture capital investment program across emerging markets. In addition, the role will include developing relevant corporate initiatives, partnerships and engagements to enhance IFC’s strategic positioning and business development efforts with the Middle East, Central Asia and Pakistan technology and VC ecosystem.
S/he will be based in Dubai and will report to the Chief of Technology Investment and Global Portfolio Manager for the Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital team (CDFDT).
Specifically, this person will:
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Establish, build, and maintain strong relationships with and work with the team to invest in the Middle East, Central Asia and Pakistan start-up businesses including, but not limited to, priority verticals such as E-commerce, Edtech, Health-tech, Climate-tech, Fintech etc., where the technology has a clear and near-term benefit if deployed or scaled in Emerging Markets.
• The role will likely require some cross support for IFC’s VC activities in other regions such as Turkey (MCT) and the broader Africa region.
• Develop and make strategic direct venture investments, VC funds investments, parallel investments and co-investments in target sectors based on rigorous due diligence of prospective early growth stage ventures, strong technology analysis, business model and financial valuation
• Manage a portfolio of direct VC and VC funds investments; helping investees leverage on the resources and expertise of IFC and the broader World Bank Group. Portfolio responsibilities would include representing IFC on boards of portfolio companies and LPACs;
• Lead business development, due diligence, negotiation and transaction structuring of new business opportunities and liaise extensively with colleagues across the regions and industry verticals;
• With a focus on the Middle East, Central Asia and Pakistan related stakeholders, support the identification of and develop of upstream and market creation initiatives related to fostering tech innovation transfer to relevant emerging markets in alignment with country and sector strategies;
• Represent IFC’s disruptive technologies team in internal and external events, develop relevant corporate initiatives, partnerships and engagement to enhance IFC’s strategic positioning in the disruptive technology space across all relevant industry verticals.
Selection Criteria
• At least 6-8 years of work experience of which at least 4-6 years of venture capital or private equity experience, relevant regional transaction experience strongly preferred. Prior experience in, investment banking or business/corporate development will be considered;
• Significant transaction experience in and analytical knowledge of venture investing;
• Experience in negotiating and structuring venture capital equity transactions;
• Existing and relevant network amongst startups, VC investors, and other financial and strategic investors who are active in the region, broadly defined, globally;
• Experience in portfolio management, including facilitation of exits. Having prior experience as an investee company board director/ observer or operational experience at a venture-backed company is a plus;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey ideas and positions clearly;
• Experience in successfully managing diverse project teams in multiple transactions;
• Strong financial, analytical, and modeling skills; sound business judgment; ability to find creative solutions to accommodate different interests.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish, develop and manage relationships;
• Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills;
• Advanced degree required, MBA from leading international institutions preferred;
• Written competency and spoken language fluency in English; Arabic 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 the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
This vacancy is archived.