Senior Adviser

Job Description

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group (WBG)—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and developing countries. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and knowledge to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed and mobilized a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

IFC works in close synergy with the other WBG institutions: notably IBRD-IDA for lending and advisory and MIGA for guarantees. The Cascade Approach is designed to ensure that WBG support is channeled to/through the private sector wherever possible. The Global Challenge Programs (GCP) are designed and implemented jointly by WBG institutions, including IFC. Achieving effective One-WBG integration is a high priority for all senior managers across the WBG.

The MCT region of IFC includes the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkiye, Afghanistan & Pakistan. The region is diverse and complex, including several low-income IDA countries and several countries in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS), including large numbers of forcibly displaced people.

The Vice President (CMCVP) leads IFC’s operations in the region; is accountable for IFC’s P&L in the region; and oversees the teams in charge of the delivery of investment and advisory work in the region.

The MCT management team is largely decentralized, with two Regional Directors and three Regional Heads of Industry, all based in hub offices in Amman (Jordan) and Istanbul (Türkiye). The region also includes several sizeable country offices, including Pakistan, UAE, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Communications, Budget, and HR services are also decentralized. Effective daily real-time communications between the Vice President and decentralized management and teams are of the highest priority for the Vice President of MCT.

The Advisory and Economics Team for MCT is partly based at IFC-HQ under a Manager reporting to the Vice President and plays an important role in the design of One-WBG engagements. The Vice President’s front office at IFC-HQ includes advisers and assistants who report directly to the Vice President.

A member of the IFC’s Management Team, the Vice President interacts closely with peers in the IFC Management Team, senior members of the management of IBRD-IDA and MIGA, members of the Board, as well as with numerous external partners.

The Senior Advisor (GH1) stands in for the Vice President during the latter’s frequent travels to the region. S/he is responsible to the Vice President for monitoring overall delivery within the region and for coordinating with the decentralized senior management who maintain effective quality control for investment, advisory, and portfolio management. S/he is responsible to the Vice President for ensuring appropriate representation, prompt action, and seamless communications with IFC-MD’s front office.

The Senior Advisor provides strategic and technical input to the VP on corporate priorities in MCT. The position will be based in Washington, D.C. The top candidate will be expected to join promptly once selected.

Responsibilities:

The Senior Adviser works directly for the Vice President. In addition to ensuring that the VP is as effective as possible, s/he also guides the workflow in the VP’s Front Office. S/he participates in high-level meetings, represents the VP in meetings/ events, and ensures follow-up actions– working closely with the VPU leadership team, and teams across IFC.

The Senior Adviser’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Coordinate the daily workflow for the VP, together with the Front Office Team, and ensure that the VP is adequately briefed and apprised of important issues as they arise.
Support the VP in various aspects of the job, including Board and Senior Management interactions in IFC and across the WBG, setting VPU objectives and strategy, budgeting, workforce planning, reviewing investment cycle documents, and providing recommendations on them.
Provide substantive and strategic input, analysis, and recommendations on issues brought to the VP’s attention either for information or for action on corporate and business-related issues related to all industries.
When required to do so, assist the VP on matters related to HR, Budget, etc.
Ensure appropriate follow-through on actions, decisions, and commitments made by the VP by working with the parties responsible for implementation.
Prepare, attend meetings with (or on behalf of) the VP, and follow up on agreed actions.
Prepare and review briefs, presentations, speeches, and draft talking points working closely with industries, regional teams, other VPUs, and communications teams.
Closely interact with the IFC Management Team Advisors, as well as with the Front Offices of the IBRD RVPs in charge of the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and keep the VP informed of important issues.
Maintain regular contact both informally and formally with a wide range of staff, including directors and managers, to stay abreast of emerging issues requiring attention, and establish a program of systematic interaction and follow-up with staff.
When required to do so, assist the Vice President with communications and conferences.
Maintain regular contact with ED advisors to stay abreast of emerging issues requiring the VP’s attention.

Selection Criteria:

At least 15 years of investing and/ or strategic management consulting experience with a minimum of 8 years of experience at IFC and a master’s degree in business administration, Economics, or Finance.
Flawless integrity, and highest ethical standards.
Knowledge of IFC’s operations, strategy, products, corporate priorities, and financials.
Prior experience advising senior management in a private company or an international financial institution such as IFC.
Proven ability to produce high-quality work with very short deadlines, to effectively prioritize work among multiple competing demands, and to adapt to unexpected work demands.
Proven ability to work independently, with demonstrated organizational, analytical, and logistical skills, with an eye for detail.
Strong understanding of the private sector, development gaps, and IFC investment priorities, including in IDA and FCS.
Prior experience in leading investments, including in at least one country in the MCT Region at IFC and/or in the private sector.
Good understanding and hands-on experience in equity and quasi-equity investments.
Prior experience at IFC with quality control for investment projects; pipeline and portfolio analysis.
Prior experience at IFC with a corporate briefing to senior management.
The capacity to follow up systematically and efficiently on a broad set of initiatives and decisions.
Ability to make fair, well-reasoned, independent, and transparent decisions.
Strong analytical and operational skills; capacity to identify risks that could negatively impact CMCVPU’s program performance/volume.
Excellent understanding of the cascade approach and good knowledge of WBG operations involving IBRD or IDA, IFC – including lessons learned and success stories including in FCS countries.
Strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with creating business in IDA and FCS countries, including working experience with investment projects or analytical work.
Good understanding of the climate change agenda.