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Senior Investment Officer, Agribusiness- Washington, DC

Job #: 120219
Title: Senior Investment Officer, Agribusiness
Job Stream: Investment
Location: Washington, DC
Closing Date: 02/10/2012


Background / General description:
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, providing advisory services to businesses and governments, and mobilizing capital in the international financial markets. In fiscal 2011, amid economic uncertainty across the globe, we helped our clients create jobs, strengthen environmental performance, and contribute to their local communities—all while driving our investments to an all-time high of nearly $19 billion. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.



The Global Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Department has a vacancy for a Senior Investment Officer (G2) in the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) Unit. The position will be based in Washington, DC and report to Laura Mecagni, Head, GAFSP.

IFC, as the implementing entity for the PSW, receives and manages these contributions under its trust fund program, pursuant to bilateral arrangements entered into between the relevant contributor and IFC and in accordance with IFC’s policies and procedures. The PSW will offer financing across the capital structure (including equity, debt, risk management) in agribusiness firms along the value chain, as well as advisory services alongside investments, focusing on MSMEs in IDA countries.

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:
• Design and introduce innovative agribusiness and food security financial products and intervention to support MAS Agribusiness. This includes introducing new product structures and providing input to project proposals, and/or coordinating with sector teams and other unit in IFC to create innovative approaches for the use of GAFSP funding in support of reaching its objectives;

• In cooperation with MAS Agribusiness, other departments, Advisory, regions, etc. contribute to develop and deliver private sector investments and interventions under the GAFSP private sector window;

• Work on agribusiness investment transactions that are eligible for GAFSP support (in an agribusiness specialist role) and other GAFSP related activities as required;

• Help to screen MAS Concept Notes for agribusiness and food security business opportunities and follow up with teams on relevant projects throughout the processing cycle to ensure project teams have the support needed i) to identify opportunities with clients and ii) to make and articulate the case in project documentation/Board Reports;

• 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 on corporate-wide initiatives and projects related to agribusiness and food security issues;

• 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;

• Mentor and help develop junior staff.

Selection Criteria:
• MBA or Advanced degree in Finance in addition to demonstration of knowledge of agribusiness and related fields including agriculture production, agribusiness insurance related products, commodity markets and relevant sectors;

• At least 8 years experience in agribusiness 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 interpersonal/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

Application Instructions:

• Only online applications are accepted: do not e-mail your application to the hiring manager or the HR contact (even if you have applied online), as it will be neither acknowledged nor accepted.

• The hiring manager will contact only short-listed candidates for interviews.

• Do not call/email to find out the status, as it can be easily monitored online in JobWorld.

• Should you have difficulties submitting your application online, please contact the World Bank HR Help Desk at hrweb@worldbank.org

• Applications sent after the closing date will not be accepted.