Country Officer

Overview

Oversee IFC's investment program for Kosovo to attract private investment.

You have:

• Advanced degree in Business, Economics or related field
• At least eight years of professional experience in banking, auditing, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment
• Experience in investment transaction, with shown success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments
• Strong network of contacts in the Government and the business community in Kosovo
• Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve
• Strong business acumen in identifying potential business partners; capacity to identify gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business
• Good analytical, financial analysis, financial modeling, credit, integrity assessment, and business skills to screen project proposals; sound business judgment and shown ability to structure a broad range of financial instruments (debt and equity)
• Proven client relationship skills. Track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively. Good at interacting directly and independently with the key counterparts (clients as well as financial, and technical partners)
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in both English and Albanian are required. Serbian and other regional languages a plus
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines. Strong ability to multitask

Contract

This is a World Bank Group grade: GG contract. More about World Bank Group grade: GG contracts.

Country Officer

Description

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 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.

IFC Europe Department (CEU) is hiring a Country Officer to be responsible for overseeing, and monitoring performance of IFC's program for Kosovo, and to build an environment attractive to private sector investment which results in IFC investment and sustainable development impact. The Country Officer reports to the Country Manager and contributes to the regional agenda as part of IFC regional team. The position is based in Pristina.

Duties and Accountabilities: • Develop and implement, in consultation with the IFC Country Manager, an integrated investment and advisory strategy that identifies upstream initiatives needed to deliver on IFC business targets (including country priorities and targets for key industry groups), as well as the key engagements for IFC with a particular focus on high impact projects in priority areas, such as infrastructure, agribusiness, manufacturing and services, financial sector, (covering SME development) as well as investment climate issues • Work with investment and advisory teams to develop the pipeline of projects and the sequencing of upstream activities • Provide business intelligence to investment teams to enable them to identify integrity issues, to devise adequate investment structuring, and to inform them adequately in the management of portfolio projects and problem cases • Provide input on project development and management to the Country Manager, program managers and technical team as needed • Assist the different project teams in coordinating missions, including managing relationships with key clients and stakeholders and to follow-up after meetings • Identify opportunities to strengthen solutions offered to clients by involving other parts of the WBG based on a good understanding of the products and project requirements of WBG. Lead and participate in specific activities that may be necessary to develop and implement IFC strategy in country • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop investment opportunities in industry sectors with a high developmental impact • In consultation with the program managers, conduct engagements with clients, stakeholders, and donors • Liaise with client and donor partners, and coordination of technical inputs in project design and implementation • Provide guidance and on-ground support in monitoring the progress and impact of projects through regular project monitoring and evaluation of performance • Prepare/coordinate any briefing material for the country • Represent and provide visibility for IFC including through organizing/participating in high profile events (senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences) • Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors • Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential business partners, and develop and maintain relationships with appropriate stakeholders (government, private sector, business associations, think-tanks, etc.) and identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products

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 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.

IFC Europe Department (CEU) is hiring a Country Officer to be responsible for overseeing, and monitoring performance of IFC's program for Kosovo, and to build an environment attractive to private sector investment which results in IFC investment and sustainable development impact. The Country Officer reports to the Country Manager and contributes to the regional agenda as part of IFC regional team. The position is based in Pristina.

Duties and Accountabilities: • Develop and implement, in consultation with the IFC Country Manager, an integrated investment and advisory strategy that identifies upstream initiatives needed to deliver on IFC business targets (including country priorities and targets for key industry groups), as well as the key engagements for IFC with a particular focus on high impact projects in priority areas, such as infrastructure, agribusiness, manufacturing and services, financial sector, (covering SME development) as well as investment climate issues • Work with investment and advisory teams to develop the pipeline of projects and the sequencing of upstream activities • Provide business intelligence to investment teams to enable them to identify integrity issues, to devise adequate investment structuring, and to inform them adequately in the management of portfolio projects and problem cases • Provide input on project development and management to the Country Manager, program managers and technical team as needed • Assist the different project teams in coordinating missions, including managing relationships with key clients and stakeholders and to follow-up after meetings • Identify opportunities to strengthen solutions offered to clients by involving other parts of the WBG based on a good understanding of the products and project requirements of WBG. Lead and participate in specific activities that may be necessary to develop and implement IFC strategy in country • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop investment opportunities in industry sectors with a high developmental impact • In consultation with the program managers, conduct engagements with clients, stakeholders, and donors • Liaise with client and donor partners, and coordination of technical inputs in project design and implementation • Provide guidance and on-ground support in monitoring the progress and impact of projects through regular project monitoring and evaluation of performance • Prepare/coordinate any briefing material for the country • Represent and provide visibility for IFC including through organizing/participating in high profile events (senior level visits, interviews, seminars and conferences) • Develop market knowledge to ensure that IFC is working with the right sponsors • Take accountability for client selection, ensure the integrity of potential business partners, and develop and maintain relationships with appropriate stakeholders (government, private sector, business associations, think-tanks, etc.) and identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in Business, Economics or related field • At least eight years of professional experience in banking, auditing, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment • Experience in investment transaction, with shown success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments • Strong network of contacts in the Government and the business community in Kosovo. • Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve • Strong business acumen in identifying potential business partners; capacity to identify gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business • Good analytical, financial analysis, financial modeling, credit, integrity assessment, and business skills to screen project proposals • Sound business judgment and shown ability to structure a broad range of financial instruments (debt and equity) • Proven client relationship skills. Track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively. Good at interacting directly and independently with the key counterparts (clients as well as financial, and technical partners) • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results • Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in both English and Albanian are required. Serbian and other regional languages a plus • Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines. Strong ability to multitask

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: worldbank.org