Principal Operations Officer, Amazon Region Strategy Job #: req33365 Organization: IFC Sector: Investment Grade: GH Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Sao Paulo,Brazil Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Portuguese, Spanish Closing Date: 6/12/2025 (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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The Principal Operations Officer will be responsible for articulating and designing the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) strategy in the Amazon region. This role involves leading business development, strategy design and delivery, and implementation efforts to promote sustainable development, investment, and job creation in the Amazon.
The position is based in Sao Paulo and reports to the Regional Director, South America.
Duties and Accountabilities
Strategy Design and Implementation
Develop and execute a strategy for IFC's engagement in the Amazon, in line with Amazonia Viva. Focus on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and economic growth, ensuring alignment with IFC's and the World Bank Group's goals.
Business Development
Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the Amazon region. Engage with potential clients, investors, stakeholders, and other multilaterals to promote investment in projects and initiatives.
Collaboration and Coordination
Work closely with industry departments within IFC, IBRD, MIGA, and other multilateral organizations to ensure a coordinated approach to development in the Amazon. Facilitate cross-departmental and cross-institutional collaboration to leverage resources and expertise.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, multilaterals, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.
Project Management
Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects and initiatives in the Amazon. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
Reporting and Communication
Provide regular updates and reports to the Regional Director, South America, and other senior management. Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to internal and external stakeholders.
Selection Criteria
• Advanced degree in Business, Economics, or a related field.
• More than 15 years of professional experience in banking, consulting, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment. Experience of sustainable development is a plus.
• Strong eye for identifying potential investment and advisory opportunities; capacity to identify and help address gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business.
• Experience in investment transactions, with shown success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and closing quality investments.
• Good business analytical, financial analysis, credit, and integrity assessment skills to recognize viable projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining senior level public and private sector client relationship skills. Ability to focus on client needs effectively, and ability to operate independently with senior counterparts in a credible manner.
• Demonstrated strong region knowledge including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework.
• Ability to initiate and guide collaborative efforts with WBG organizations to leverage their products and instruments, in close coordination with the Regional and Country Economics unit.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in English and Spanish or Portuguese.
• Proven track record of excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel.
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.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.