Job: Investment Officer

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deadline: Thursday, 21 November 2013

Background / General description

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is implementing the Private Sector Window (PSW) of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), a multilateral mechanism to assist in the implementation of pledges made by the G20 governments to scale-up support to help poor countries reduce poverty and improve rural livelihoods and food security.

The PSW will be funded by the contributions from governments and their agencies, and provide innovative financing aimed at increasing the commercial potential of small and medium-sized agri-businesses and farmers by connecting them with local, national, and global value chains. The Global Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Department has a vacancy for an Investment Officer to support the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). The position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will have dual reporting lines to the Head, GAFSP based in Washington D.C and to the Manager, MAS Africa based in Nairobi. The ideal candidate will demonstrate passion to work in the agribusiness, track record in financial product innovation, and be a team player.

Duties and Accountabilities

Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities for MAS Agribusiness investments with GAFSP support through anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge;

• Lead investment transactions that are eligible for GAFSP support;
• Lead MAS Agribusiness Department on project processing and project development;
• Contribute to effective communication and awareness raising among IFC staff and clients of GAFSP funding opportunities by developing presentations, case studies on notable deals, undertaking field office and client promotional visits, etc;.
• Provide input to the GAFSP steering committee on IFC's approach to the delivery of GAFSP objectives as related to private sector engagement in agribusiness and food security issues
• Help to update MAS Agribusiness Strategy: map opportunities by sector and coordinate input to regional strategies, as needed so they remain responsive to business and client needs;
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues in order to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or Advanced degree in Finance;
• At least 6 years experience in finance with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and executing/closing quality investments;
• Knowledge of agribusiness and food security issues affecting relevant sectors a plus;
• Strong sense of client service. Proven success in developing client relationships; track record and ability to focus on clients needs effectively;
• Good ‘deal sense'; demonstrated strong analytical skills & business judgment;
• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (debt and equity);
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners and government officials;
• Recognized as a team player and leader, ability to manage and resolve conflict;
• Strong inter-personal/people skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Ability to mentor junior investment staff;
• Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards;
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development;
• Willingness to travel frequently. IFC's Recruitment and Employment Policies reflect its strong values for cultural, racial and gender diversity: IFC encourages women to apply

More Info and Application