Program Manager: Mexico and Central America- Mexico City, Mexico

Job #:	130086
Title:	Program Manager: Mexico and Central America
Job Stream:	Technical Assistance & Advisory Services
Location:	Mexico City, Mexico
Closing Date:	02/12/2013
Background / General description:
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, promotes sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives. In addition to its investment work, IFC provides advisory services to a number of clients and partners to support them in meeting specific development goals. IFC’s advisory support to the financial sector is implemented via its Access to Finance (A2F) Business Line. This includes providing Advisory Services in three main pillars: 1) Banking with a focus on SMEs, 2) Micro and Retail, and 3) Financial Infrastructure: credit bureaus and collateral registries. Climate change is a cross cutting theme which is promoted across the region. IFC is seeking to recruit a highly-motivated Senior Operations Officer for the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region: Mexico and Central America Hub, with extensive hands-on experience in designing and managing programs and projects related to the implementation of A2F Advisory Services in emerging markets. The Senior Operations Officer will be responsible for developing a strategy and leading the delivery of the LAC A2F Program in Mexico and Central America Region. He/she will work closely with the Access to Finance (A2F) Advisory Services team and will coordinate with Investment Services teams. He/ she will be responsible for building the pipeline jointly with the team to expand a high quality portfolio of client projects in Mexico and Central America Region. He/she will also ensure the Program is adequately budgeted and funded, and will develop a substantial knowledge and learning agenda. Mexico and Central America Region includes Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama. The position will be based in Mexico.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Scope of Work He/she will have the following key responsibilities: • Manage the A2F team based in Mexico and Central America Region, including recruitment, ongoing coaching, and performance management. • Participate in the LAC A2F leadership team which includes product leads working together with the leadership of the A2F Manager for LAC • Oversee the design, implementation and monitoring of ongoing A2F projects in line with IFC’s regional, country and sector strategy and operating procedures. • Contribute to regional A2F strategy in LAC priority countries, regions and areas to maximize IFC’s financial and social returns on investment and advisory • Play a catalytic role in developing the pipeline for IFC’s investment and advisory activities across the product lines in access to finance, either as task team leader or overall A2F team lead on specific A2F projects in the region • Lead policy discussions with senior government officials and development partners • Ensure quality of portfolio performance by coaching colleagues who implement projects to ensure development impact and liaising with other departments such as M&E, accounting, procurement, and other relevant units in IFC • Develop close and effective working relationships with IFC Investment staff, other Advisory Business Line staff, and World Bank staff in the region, Washington and other field offices • Assist in raising external funding from donors, cofunders to leverage IFC’s own resources • Develop the Knowledge Management agenda for the sub region ensuring lessons learned, and raising awareness regionally within LAC, and globally within IFC and externally. • Ensure governance of policies, procedures • Participate in / lead other initiatives as opportunities arise
Selection Criteria:
• Post-graduate degree in an appropriate discipline (such as Masters in Finance or Economics, MBA, MPA, or equivalent degree) • 12+ years of experience in consulting and development finance internationally with knowledge of Mexico and Central America Region. • Experience/knowledge of Advisory and Investment activities as well as relevant IFC (and similar) approaches and programs aimed at private sector development • A strategic thinker with the ability to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions. • Excellent analytical skills, including ability to evaluate projects and business operations on technical, commercial, managerial, and financial grounds • Self-starter, mature, and flexible attitude; able to work in multicultural, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced team • Proven program/ project design and management skills. Proven team leadership skills including ability to coach, mentor and develop colleagues to deliver high quality results • Strong business development and client relationship management skills and ability to establish credibility among clients. • Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, and demonstrated capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders within IFC / the World Bank Group, financial institutions, businesses, international organizations, support institutions (such as bank associations) and government authorities • Demonstrated team player with willingness to contribute as needed to overall IFC work • Commitment to quality service, drive to exceed expectations, and proactive development of relations with IFC clients • Ability and willingness to travel in LAC • Fluency in English and Spanish is essential. Reporting The candidate will report to the Regional Business Line Manager – Access to Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean. Duration of the Assignment This is a two year term position, with potential for extension. IFC offers a challenging and rewarding work environment, attractive compensation and excellent career opportunities. Applications As a representative of the World Bank Group, all professional activities are expected to be consistent with our Core Values: personal honesty, integrity, commitment, working together in teams -with openness and trust; empowering others and respecting differences; encouraging risk-taking and responsibility; enjoying our work and our families. Details Vacancy # 130086 are available in the World Bank Careers website: www.ifc.org, click on ‘Careers’ and then on ‘Current opportunities. Applications should be sent in English. All applications must be submitted through this website. The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Cover letter should clearly describe the relevant results the candidate has delivered in prior positions, rather than simply listing responsibilities. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The contract for this position has an initial duration of 2 years (renewable), with a one-year probation period and subject to be renewed. The appointee will be stationed in Mexico. Closing date is February 12, 2013. *LI-EB1

*** Applications must be submitted online. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates can check the status of their applications by visiting www.ifc.org/careers.