Investment Officer - Agribusiness and Forestry- Johannesburg

Job #:	120928
Title:	Investment Officer - Agribusiness and Forestry
Job Stream:	Investment
Location:	Johannesburg, South Africa
Closing Date:	05/13/2012
Background / General description:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest multilateral provider of financing for private enterprise in emerging markets. IFC provides loans, equity, structured finance and risk management tools as well as advisory services to build the private sector in developing countries. IFC’s investments in Sub-Saharan Africa have never been stronger, helping to bring tangible benefits to millions of people across the region. Building its strategy on the improvement of the investment climate, enhancing support to small and medium enterprises, and developing projects more actively, in particular in the poorest countries and in sectors such as infrastructure and agribusiness, we have been able to grow our commitments from $ 445 million in FY 05 to 2.4 billion in FY 10. To strengthen our pipeline and maintain the momentum, IFC is seeking to recruit a Senior Investment Officer to lead investment teams and business development activities, execute transactions, and actively manage portfolio projects in the Agribusiness and Forestry sector. The overall goal for all Investment Officers, irrespective of level of seniority, is to maximize the impact of IFC’s intervention and to contribute to the regional and/or sector/industry development in our client countries by executing innovative, developmental, and profitable investments. The position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and will report to the Head of Agribusiness and Forestry for Africa.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Specific responsibilities include, but will not be limited to: •Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities in agribusiness and forestry in Southern Africa through anticipating market trends and developing/employing sector/country knowledge. •Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio monitoring and potential restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, etc. •Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions. •Lead negotiation/documentation teams; use strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in straightforward and complex transactions. •Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the agribusiness sector and to develop specific investment opportunities. •Monitor, manage, and report on the performance of the portfolio of investments made •Collaborate with closely with colleagues in IFC’s the financial markets, structured finance, and advisory services departments lead and manage joint venture projects, mentor and develop junior staff. •Collaborate in developing sector and/or regional strategies and support related promotion work, including targeting potential investments and policy advisory work. •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 equivalent qualification. • At least 5 years’ finance experience working in financial institutions and/or agribusiness companies with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments. • Knowledge of and experience in emerging markets; overall sector(s) knowledge is a plus • Strong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively. • Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners. • Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity). • Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English essential; excellent verbal and written skills in French an advantage. • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds. • Ability to mentor junior investment staff. • Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards. • Genuine commitment to sustainable development. • Willingness to travel extensively. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
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