Program Manager, Democratic Republic of Congo

Overview

Lead IFC activities in DRC and drive growth through strategic initiatives.

You have:

• MBA or equivalent professional qualification, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience (including at least 5 years in a managerial/lead capacity).
• Fluency in English and French is essential.
• Demonstrated success in developing client relationships and deal-making, with an established network of senior public- and private-sector contacts in DRC and/or a proven ability to build and sustain such networks.
• Outstanding track record in investment and advisory operations, including transaction structuring in challenging or high-risk environments.
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities, with experience leading diverse, high-performing teams in FCS contexts.
• Exceptional skills in deal structuring, client relationship management, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes, with a strong capacity to mitigate risks and capture opportunities in sectors critical to DRC’s development.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and profile in the market.
• Meets WBG managerial selection criteria, including courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.

Program Manager, Democratic Republic of Congo

Job #: req37180 Organization: IFC Sector: Grade: GH Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Kinshasa,Congo Democratic Republic Required Language(s): English, French Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 6/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC 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 2025, IFC committed a record $71 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking a Program Manager for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), based in Kinshasa, to lead the operationalization of IFC2030 at the country level. Reporting to the Division Director for East Africa 1, the Program Manager will oversee all IFC activities in DRC, including the investment and advisory portfolio, and drive significant growth through new opportunities and strengthened impact.

Working closely with World Bank Group counterparts, the Program Manager will develop and implement operational country strategies and action plans, foster senior-level relationships with government and private sector stakeholders, and coordinate with partners such as MIGA, other multilateral and bilateral institutions, and donors. The Program Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team of investment, advisory, and support staff, ensuring seamless collaboration with internal IFC colleagues — including Regional Industry Directors and Managers, Advisory Services Managers, and constituent Executive Directors — to position IFC as the partner of choice for high-impact projects in DRC.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of IFC’s multi-year country strategy for DRC, incorporating upstream market development, sector priorities, and business targets, while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of operating in an FCS environment.

• Build and manage high-level relationships with government, private sector, regulators, development partners, and civil society to position IFC as the partner of choice for transformational projects; develop and execute a comprehensive client engagement strategy with a strong focus on proactive deal origination and structuring.

• Coordinate closely with World Bank Group institutions and other partners to design and deliver joint initiatives, contribute to key country diagnostics and frameworks, and strengthen the IFC/WBG brand and communications at national and regional levels.

• Oversee IFC’s investment and advisory portfolio in DRC, ensuring high standards in project selection, structuring, supervision, and impact measurement; review and approve sponsor eligibility, IFC value add, and alignment with strategic goals, with special attention to risk mitigation in complex markets.

• In collaboration with Industry and Country colleagues, identify, monitor, and help address E&S risks, as well as reputational risks related to IFC engagements.

• Lead, manage, and mentor a diverse team, fostering innovation, agility, and high performance in a demanding context, while building capabilities to deliver IFC’s objectives in DRC.

• Serves as key member of East Africa 1 leadership team.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent professional qualification, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience (including at least 5 years in a managerial/lead capacity);

• As an ambassador for IFC and the WBG in-country, serves as a role model for the WBG’s values and ethical standards;

• Demonstrated success in developing client relationships and deal-making, with an established network of senior public- and private-sector contacts in DRC and/or a proven ability to build and sustain such networks;

• Outstanding track record in investment and advisory operations, including transaction structuring in challenging or high-risk environments;

• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities, with experience leading diverse, high-performing teams in FCS contexts;

• Ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders;

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to adjust strategies as needed to remain responsive to client and market needs in a rapidly changing environment;

• Proven ability to deliver results in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCS), demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and effectiveness in complex environments.

• Exceptional skills in deal structuring, client relationship management, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes, with a strong capacity to mitigate risks and capture opportunities in sectors critical to DRC’s development;

• Ability to build effective relationships across IFC and WBG matrix structures;

• Strong written and oral communication skills; fluency in English and French is essential;

• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and profile in the market;

• Meets WBG managerial selection criteria, including courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 days ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: worldbank.org