Regional Industry Director, Agribusiness, MAS, Africa

Overview

Lead agribusiness sector initiatives and strategies in Africa for IFC.

You have:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, finance, engineering, or business, with at least 15 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record of business delivery, investment experience, and superior business judgment, including policy dialogue and professional credibility in Agribusiness sub-sectors.
• Strong knowledge and experience in leading investment decision processes, including assessing and addressing credit, legal, and environmental/social (E&S) issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively represent the organization to external stakeholders, and build relationships across public and private sectors.
• High standards of integrity, decisiveness, and accountability, with the ability to make decisions, manage ambiguity, and hold others accountable for results.
• Capacity to deliver results under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to drive organizational improvements, act as a change agent, and foster innovation.

Regional Industry Director, Agribusiness, MAS, Africa

Job #: req35426 Organization: IFC Sector: Agribusiness Grade: GI Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Dakar,Senegal Required Language(s): English, French Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 1/27/2026 (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 an additional Regional Industry Director (RID) for the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) Department, based in Dakar, Senegal, to primarily focus on the department’s activities in the Agribusiness sector in the Africa region. The RID will be responsible for leading IFC’s engagement across the full agribusiness and forestry value chain, including crop inputs (excluding fertilizers and chemicals), primary production (including forestry and floriculture), supply chain management/trading, food processing, paper packaging/wood products, and related services (with area like farmer financing, trade finance, AgTech, agri-related logistics executed in collaboration with relevant departments), delivering both investment and advisory services through IFC’s global network. The role involves managing key client and government relationships in the agribusiness sector, overseeing operations, and strengthening sector expertise to improve pipeline quality and scale development impact. The RID will drive the business toward achieving the IFC 2030 vision in food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods, building on recent portfolio improvements that demonstrate the value of targeted strategies.

Duties and Accountabilities Business Responsibility • Provide strategic leadership to develop and implement IFC’s agribusiness strategy and priorities in the region, in collaboration with Regional Industry Directors, Division Directors, Country Managers, the Agribusiness Global Industry Team, with a focus on food security, farmer incomes, business growth, strong development impact, additionality, and sustainable profitability. • Lead and grow the agribusiness portfolio in the region, ensuring financially sound, profitable, and developmental new business, and oversee the portfolio. • Strategically position the agribusiness business in Africa by working closely with the Regional Vice President, Regional Industry Directors, and Division Directors to develop country strategies. • Chair Investment Review Meetings and make decisions on IFC agribusiness investments in the region. • Oversee Upstream and Advisory engagements in agribusiness across the region. • Contribute to the execution of the regional equity strategy for agribusiness. • Partner with IBRD/IDA and MIGA to develop and implement regional agribusiness sector strategies and one-WBG initiatives. • Work with Global Industry, Client Relationship Managers, and Treasury teams to implement best practices and innovative solutions.

Client and Stakeholder Responsibility • Design and implement a business development strategy for agribusiness and ensure proactive client and portfolio management in the region, in coordination with regional leadership. • Represent IFC at the highest level to agribusiness clients and stakeholders, building and maintaining long-term relationships with public institutions, MDBs, donors, and private investors. • Partner with other World Bank Group entities to identify agribusiness-focused joint ventures, resource mobilization opportunities, partnerships, and knowledge transfer initiatives that enhance client outcomes.

Resource Responsibility • Supervise Agribusiness Managers of the MAS Africa department, and oversee agribusiness-dedicated staff in the region. • Recommend resource allocation for Agribusiness in the region. • In coordination with the MAS Africa department’s Regional Industry Director for Manufacturing and Services, coordinate closely on efficient use of joint resources, implement corporate initiatives to enhance efficiency and client service.

Corporate Leadership • Serve as an active member of the IFC’s Regional Management Team while directly reporting to the Regional Vice President for Africa and contribute to IFC’s and WBG’s corporate initiatives as needed, ensuring the agribusiness perspective is fully represented.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, finance, engineering, or business, with at least 15 years of relevant experience. • Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values. • Proven track record of business delivery, investment experience, and superior business judgment, including policy dialogue and professional credibility in Agribusiness sub-sectors. • Strong knowledge and experience in leading investment decision processes, including assessing and addressing credit, legal, and environmental/social (E&S) issues. Proven ability to identify, assess, and manage credit risk, encompassing both financial and non-financial dimensions to ensure sustainable business growth and portfolio resilience. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English. • Strategic thinking, prioritization, resource mobilization, and teamwork skills. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively represent the organization to external stakeholders, and build relationships across public and private sectors. • Proven ability to lead and manage large, dispersed teams in dynamic, multicultural environments, with excellent people management skills, openness to feedback, and the ability to guide staff toward solutions. • High standards of integrity, decisiveness, and accountability, with the ability to make decisions, manage ambiguity, and hold others accountable for results. • Capacity to deliver results under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments. • Ability to drive organizational improvements, act as a change agent, and foster innovation.

* WBG-wide managerial selection criteria include - 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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 7 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: worldbank.org