Country Officer

Job #: req22633

Organization: IFC

Sector: Operations

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Kathmandu,Nepal

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 5/25/2023 (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 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.

Climate business is a key strategic focus area for the IFC. The need to address climate is urgent, with global carbon budgets set to be depleted in less than two decades. Following the Paris Agreement, 147 countries around the world submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) with pledges to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. To achieve these climate targets, many countries have created policy packages to green their economies. Green financing needs however remain unmet, indicating a significant untapped potential for banks to grow their green financing products and services. The green financing gaps will only be bridged if commercial banks adopt strategies and targets to develop green finance products and services to support the real economy in the green transition. .

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major 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, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network. FIG contributes a critical piece to the IFC’s climate program and ambitions by building climate markets globally and providing thought leadership in new high-growth areas for climate finance. IFC recognizes that financial institutions are central to these efforts and that they will be needed to support regional markets to transition to low-carbon economies, including via offering new financial products.

IFC is seeking an experienced senior professional as Lead and Principal Climate Finance Specialist to lead the implementation of a successful FIG Climate Business program in South Asia and East Asia Pacific. The Lead/Principal Climate Finance Specialist will manage a multi-disciplinary team to assist partner financial institutions and other program partners to develop and deliver on the program. S/he will also work closely with the global network of practitioners to contribute to and share knowledge and best practices. S/he will also be responsible for working with a broad range of public and private sector stakeholders to identify climate business opportunities in the market, and to disseminate lessons learned from IFC’s program to make a substantive impact on sustainability and climate change agenda in the market through FIs. The position will be based in Singapore and will require frequent regional travel.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Lead/Principal Climate Specialist will manage a small team that will support the FIG business to generate new climate investments, implement Paris alignment and other climate advisory programs, and manage the climate aspects of the portfolio. The team will have responsibility for driving innovation, leading new product development, climate strategy and managing and mentoring a climate team that will provide technical expertise and support to the IS transactions. The duties & responsibilities of the role will include but will not be limited to:

•  Build and maintain effective relationships with Government officials and the private sector, and close relationships with key IFC partners and WBG counterparts in the country office to further IFC’s activities.
•  Keep abreast of regulatory developments that impact general IFC’s activities and provide input on local economic and business trends to IFC investment decisions and strategies. Research untapped markets to identify current constraints to private sector investment as input to upstream market creation decisions.
•  In collaboration with regional teams and strategists, (i) support the formulation and execution of country strategies and diagnostics; (ii) support preparation of briefing materials relating to senior management visits and Annual, Spring meetings, and (iii) develop partnerships with WB staff working in assigned country in order to support World Bank Group objectives, especially in the context on implementing the cascade.
•  Support business development efforts for investment projects, engage in project financial analysis with investment teams and support portfolio teams. Participate in missions, country review meetings and appraisal of projects. Liaise with IFC investment teams to monitor progress and performance of projects to solve potential problems. Work closely with IFC staff in the region in handling client relationships, identify, analyze and help address key country and sponsor reputation risks.
•  Support the Country Manager in overseeing advisory projects including developing recommendations on approval/no-objection for selection memos, cooperation agreements, MOUs, Advisory Service Agreements, Integrity Due Diligence of IFC Advisory projects to deliver outcomes.
•  Support the Country Manager to ensure IFC representation/involvement at key private sector, public sector, donor and World Bank events and meetings as appropriate, and ensure dissemination of information to relevant staff within the World Bank Group.
•  Ensure smooth operations of the IFC country office, including security, administration, facilities management, and related services. Liaison and work closely with IFC corporate and World Bank Group with regards to maintaining high standard of IFC office in Nepal.
•  Support the development of appropriate communications strategies and assist in developing presentations. Participate in targeted business events and conferences to develop business.
•  Supervise, as needed, members of broader teams and provide mentoring. Ensure quality control of work products and efficient use of resources.

Selection Criteria

•  Advanced degree in Business, Economics or related field.
•  Eight to ten years of professional experience in banking, auditing, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment.
•  Experience in investment transactions, with demonstrated success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments; Portfolio experience a plus.
•  Demonstrated understanding of the assigned country including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework.
•  Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve.
•  Strong eye for business in identifying potential business partners; capacity to identify 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.
•  Good analytical, financial analysis, financial modeling, ratio, credit, integrity assessment, and business skills to recognize viable straightforward projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs. Sound business judgment and shown ability to structure a broad range of financial instruments (debt and equity).
•  Proven client relationship skills. Track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively. Good at interacting directly and independently with the key counterparts (clients as well as financial, and technical partners).
•  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 and oral communication and presentation skills in English.
•  Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines.
•  Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility.

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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