Country Officer

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.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most.

IFC is seeking a Country Officer to promote and coordinate IFC’s activities in Serbia and support regional business coordination tasks for the Western Balkans region. The role involves close interaction with the private sector, government, partner organizations, and key World Bank Group (WBG) counterparts. The Country Officer will assist with IFC’s program oversight and report to the IFC Regional Manager for the Western Balkans based in Belgrade.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Strategy: Assist the Regional Manager with implementing IFC’s strategy, business plan updates, and strategy document preparation, focusing on cross-sector business mapping and regional investments.
• Business development: Develop an understanding of the region’s economic and political landscape, support the rollout of IFC’s strategy, maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, and track project pipelines and transactions.
• Portfolio management: Understand and manage the portfolio, resolve issues, and maintain relationships with clients.
• Event Management and Briefs: Identify partnership opportunities, coordinate visits, and prepare briefs for WBG senior management.
• WBG Collaboration: Support WBG thought leadership and knowledge sharing activities with government partners and clients on strategic themes aligned with IFC’s strategy.
• Representation: Represent IFC externally at high-profile events, ensure requests are addressed, and support the Regional Manager as needed.
• Office management: Assist with the smooth running of the IFC office in Belgrade, including resource management and supervision of the team of assistants.

Selection Criteria

• Post-graduate degree in finance, business administration, management, economics, or a related field;
• 10+ years of relevant experience in investment, commercial banking, public-private partnerships, management consulting, or a similar role;
• Track record in developing and maintaining strong relationships with the private sector, government entities, and development partners;
• Experience in the Western Balkans region, particularly Serbia, an advantage;
• Established network in the Serbian government ecosystem, particularly with entities that can help support IFC’s business development efforts an advantage;
• Ability to assess business opportunities and risks, and think creatively about potential investment opportunities;
• Strong analytical, finance, financial modeling, credit, and transaction structuring skills are an advantage;
• Good understanding of IFC’s investment and advisory business lines and products;
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a matrix structure;
• Strong client service orientation, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities;
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English; additional language skills, such as Serbian, are a strong advantage.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=28563&site=1