Principal Strategy and Operation Officer Job #: req32554 Organization: IFC Sector: Operations Grade: GH Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French, Arabic and/or Portuguese Closing Date: 4/14/2025 (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 over 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.
IFC’s Africa Vice-Presidency (CAF) has established a leading position promoting private sector investment in Africa. Over nearly six decades, IFC has invested more than $60 billion in African businesses and financial institutions, and our current portfolio exceeds $18 billion. We are a leading provider of advice to promote a sustainable private sector and mobilize capital from other investors who invest alongside IFC in critical sectors for Africa’s future.
The office of the Vice President for Africa (CAFVP) is seeking to recruit a Principal Strategy and Operations Officer based in Washington, DC, reporting to the Vice President for Africa. Working closely with the CAFVP and Africa Core Leadership Team (ACLT), the Principal Strategy and Operations Officer will serve as the key headquarters-based liaison for the Africa VPU (CAFVPU), ensuring effective coordination with DC-based WBG Management and the CAFVPU. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the CAFVPU, providing operational support to leadership, and acting as the liaison between the field and headquarters. Additionally, the holder of the position will support the execution of IFC’s strategic priorities in Africa and lead the compilation, analysis, and reporting of operational data to drive informed decision-making. The ideal candidate should be prepared to work in a high-paced, dynamic environment, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to advance IFC’s mission in the region.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The Principal Operations Officer will work directly with the Vice President. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
o Provide advice and support to the Vice President and the ACLT in developing and overseeing the implementation of the VPU’s strategies while establishing and maintaining a work program consistent with WBG objectives.
o Lead the execution of specific strategic projects, programs, and ongoing assignments as agreed with the Vice President.
o Act as a liaison between the IFC Management Team, the various WBG leadership teams in DC, and the Vice President for Africa’s Office in the field.
o Facilitate engagement with World Bank Global Practices teams, working closely with the Regional Industry Directors and other members of the regional leadership team, as well as IFC Corporate and Cross-Cutting functions, including Environmental & Social (E&S), Legal, Climate, Corporate Strategy, Communications, etc.
o Represent the Vice President in internal and external engagements and maintain strong partnerships with development partners to further the WBG strategic agenda.
o Ensure that IFC’s regional strategy and programs are well understood by the Board and senior Bank Management.
o Facilitate engagement with the Board of Directors to ensure seamless communication and coordination regarding operational and strategic engagements.
o Administer the office of the Vice President for Africa, including
o Coordinating and overseeing regional support infrastructure through a network of key counterparts, including Human Resources, Budget & Business Administration, Communications (internal and external), Partnerships, Operations Management, etc.
o Managing the front office of the Vice President and therefore coaching, developing, and overseeing performance evaluation process and career development conversations for staff in the unit, as required.
o Embrace good corporate citizenship, including contributing to developing, implementing, and communicating corporate policies, strategies, and priorities.
o Handle special assignments on behalf of the Vice President.
o Coordinate the agenda for the weekly meetings, including technical briefs.
Selection Criteria
o Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or another relevant field.
o Significant experience in IFC/WBG with a strong track record of high performance.
o At least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including experience of IFC/WBG operations in industry, country, and global engagements.
o Strong understanding of the WBG’s strategic priorities, particularly in relation to development finance and risk frameworks.
o Excellent understanding of the IFC 3.0 and 2030 strategy and IFC/WBG operations.
o Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and across departmental and institutional boundaries.
o Proven experience in a leadership position.
o Ability to work under recurrent tight deadlines, handle multiple demands, and undertake unplanned tasks that require rapid turnaround.
o Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to translate complex ideas into strategic messages for a wide group of internal and external stakeholders.
o Strong mobilizer of people, role model, trust-building.
o Collaborative and transparent.
o Ability to understand and confidently communicate the full spectrum of the country program.
o Ability to understand the political landscape and willingness to pass knowledge to project teams.
o Results-oriented decision-making with the ability to develop practical solutions, produce high-quality work, and effectively prioritize and adapt to competing and unexpected demands.
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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This vacancy is archived.