Investment Officer

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. 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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. 

The Europe Infrastructure unit is an open and dynamic team, which develops, advises, structures and invests in infrastructures across a number of sectors including power, transportation, telecom, technology, urban infrastructure and utilities. Our geographic focus includes Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. We are seeking an Investment Officer in Belgrade, to grow our in-regional footprint and further expand our business in the Western Balkans. 

The selected candidate will work across the IFC business cycle, with a particular focus on early-stage/pre-investment work and business development. The position will be under the supervision of the Regional Head for Infrastructure Pre-investment and Advisory. 

Duties and Accountabilities : 

 The role and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:

• Work closely with the Western Balkans Infrastructure Leads, to advance regional infrastructure business development activities and help develop a strong pipeline of investments by assessing business leads, anticipating market trends and employing deep sector/country/market knowledge.

• Lead pre-investment and advisory initiatives in the region, under guidance from senior team members, to create a pipeline of future investments for IFC by spotting emerging opportunities for private investment and converting them into bankable projects through technical assistance and codevelopment of projects.

• Work closely with the Infrastructure Leads, the country manager and officers to develop and deepen key public and private sector business relationships.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector and to develop specific investment opportunities.

• Evaluate new business leads and structure potential new transactions, deploying IFC's full range of pre-investment and investment products, with a particular focus on decarbonization, renewable energy, utilities, transport and logistics, e-mobility and digital sectors.

• Lead internal processing of pre-investment and advisory initiative as well as investments. Help develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions in challenging market conditions.

• Lead negotiation/documentation for pre-investment and investment projects; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions.

• Take a lead role in helping provide infrastructure-related inputs to reform processes and regulatory changes, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders as necessary.

• Coordinate with World Bank colleagues and help create opportunities for investments for the private sector.

• Disseminate and absorb knowledge and experience across the regional industry department and global teams to support adoption of new approaches and best practices.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or other relevant field.

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in infrastructure project development, advisory or investment activities.

• Ability to interact directly and independently with potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials.

• Genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy and values.

• Strong business development and client relationship skills demonstrated by track record and ability to focus on clients' needs effectively. Proven ability to convert early business leads into investment mandates.

• Capacity to innovate and challenge the status quo. Experience of sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing investments in infrastructure sectors.

• Good understanding of at least one infrastructure sub-sector, such as power, transportation, utilities, natural resources, telecoms, technology.

• Experience engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development strongly desired.

• Excellent people skills and team player, and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, openness to feedback, new ideas, and ability to guide, and motivate others.

• Pro-active, motivated and able to multi-task under time pressure.

• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English. Knowledge of other regional languages are a plus.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

- Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
- For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.
"Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting."

Sector:

Role:

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

---