Description
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, the Corporation uses six decades of experience to create opportunities where they are needed most. Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy, the outcome of which will be to double our volume of business by 2030 and triple the work we do in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). To do so, IFC will need to deploy its full range of financing, mobilization, advisory, convening and thought leadership skills. This also calls for the need to generate our own opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and opportunities for the private sector and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. This strategy also relies on a closer WBG collaboration through the “Cascade” approach: working with clients,
we will first seek private sector solutions to address development challenges—where such solutions are advisable and can be effective—and reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal.
IFC is seeking to recruit a Regional Director, Southern Africa, based in South Africa, Johannesburg. The Regional Director will coordinate, integrate, and manage the day-to-day operations. The Regional Director will play a crucial role by leading the regional team, overseeing the implementation of IFC strategy, and managing key client and government relationships. S/he will report to the Regional Vice President, Africa, and will be an integral part of the Leadership Team of the Africa VPU.
The Regional Director position will cover the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
Duties and Accountabilities
• Lead IFC teams in the design and implementation of Country Strategies and business plans for IFC’s Upstream engagements, Investment Services and Advisory Services through close collaboration with the Economics and PSD VPU, Global Industry Directors, and Regional Industry Directors.
• Provide input into and support for private sector-led actions in World Bank policy lending in close collaboration with the Regional Leadership Team through WBG Country Partnership Frameworks, Privates Sector Diagnostics, among others.
• Accountable for business selection and reviews, together with Regional Industry Directors.
• Actively manage profit and loss (P&L) for the business in the Region, with strong revenue and net income generation for long-term financial sustainability.
• Develop new business relationships, including with private sector clients, governments, World Bank/MIGA and relevant regional development banks, and achieve development outcomes in the Southern Africa region, in close collaboration with Regional Industry Directors.
• Monitor the ESG performance of IFC clients and address Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) risks, and issues related to IFC’s operations in the Region as well as IEG’s review of the region’s work program in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure close collaboration, seamless flow of information and knowledge sharing with WBG counterparts to identify and execute on opportunities for WBG solutions, applying the Cascade approach, as well as with other DFIs in the region.
• Develop and strengthen IFC’s brand in the region, building on IFC’s global brand and overall communications strategy.
• Coordinate and support external fundraising efforts in the region.
• Identify and plan the resource needs for the region with a focus on frontier areas and high impact projects with a goal to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with the Regional Head of Operations (RHO) supporting the Southern Africa region and Country Managers to ensure appropriate resource prioritization and allocation.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in economics, finance or business and a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
• Strong technical understanding of the Upstream, Investment and Advisory businesses, including client relationship management, business development, and pipeline management, in the context of regional priorities and opportunities.
• Strong track record of business delivery demonstrated investment experience, superior business judgement, policy dialogue and established professional credibility.
• French & Portuguese would be a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and make sound business decisions.
• Must be a role model with unquestionable integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to diversity and IFC’s mission and values.
• Meet World Bank Group-wide managerial competencies – Courage of your Convictions, Leading the Team for Impact, Influencing Across Boundaries, Fostering Openness to New Ideas, Building Talent for the Future.
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.