Position: Officer for Operations

Job Time: Full-Time

Job Type: Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

Application Deadline: May, 22/2023

 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 the 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

The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To drive this approach, IFC is seeking an Operations Officer to join the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) department in the IFC Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Operations Officer will be responsible for providing project management and client engagement support to Upstream & Advisory projects in the agribusiness sector in Ethiopia and other countries in the Eastern Africa sub-region. This will include supporting IFC’s efforts to enable investment opportunities, enhance investment outcomes, and improve investment conditions in the agribusiness sector.

 Duties and Accountabilities:

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

• Develop, manage, and supervise the implementation of Upstream & Advisory projects in the agribusiness sector with IFC clients in Ethiopia and/or other designated countries. 

• Deploy internal and/or external expertise and manage consultants to ensure the most effective and efficient implementation of client projects. 

• Ensure delivery of project results in accordance with approved project plans and impact measurement targets.

• Organize and implement business development activities and support follow-up on identified opportunities. 

• Support coordination with development partners and lead semi-annual reporting obligations.

• Manage relationships with project stakeholders, clients, partners, beneficiaries, etc.

• Participate in key client events including monthly or other periodic operational committee meetings.

• Act as a key contact point for IFC MAS Upstream activities in Ethiopia and other designated countries including monitoring relevant macroeconomic and sector-specific issues.  

• Ensure compliance with WBG internal systems, including project governance, procurement, and budget processes.

• Contribute to knowledge management practices with internal and external audiences.

• Support IFC Regional and Country Office Operations as required.

 Selection Criteria

• Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in economics, business, agribusiness, or a related area.

• A minimum of 10 years of private sector operational experience in agribusiness, private sector development, agricultural development, or a related field.  

• Experience working on agricultural supply chain issues with private sector clients, governments, development partners and other sector stakeholders.

• Track record in managing diverse teams which include consultants and client representatives to achieve common business goals and objectives.

• A proven track record in working with the private sector, business development efforts, client negotiations, nurturing client relationships and resolving challenging issues.

• A demonstrated ability to understand what makes businesses succeed, to develop innovative solutions and to challenge the status quo to enhance private sector opportunities. 

• Recognized as a team player, collaborator, communicator, and strategic thinker.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

• Willingness to travel frequently throughout Ethiopia, or other designated countries. 

Job #: req22641

Organization: IFC

Sector: Operations

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

How to Apply:

Register using THIS LINK

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.