(Senior) Investment Officer, Financial Institutions Group, Brazil
Description
The International Finance Corporation (IFC)—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We operate in over 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
Private sector financial development is essential to building successful and sustainable economies. Efficient financial markets allocate resources where they are most productive, helping create jobs and drive economic growth. IFC prioritizes investment in the financial sector because it underpins development in all other sectors.
The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of IFC’s three main industry groups, responsible for approximately 40% of IFC’s business volume and portfolio. FIG works across a wide range of sub-sectors including microfinance, SME finance, gender, climate finance, insurance, capital markets, housing, and distressed assets. We provide both investment and advisory services to clients worldwide.
The FIG Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) team operates from hubs in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Panama. The team focuses on both business development and portfolio management across the region.
Duties and Accountabilities
The Investment/Senior Investment Officer will lead and support the origination, structuring, execution, and supervision of investment projects in the financial sector in Brazil and across the LAC region. This includes both debt and equity transactions, as well as advisory engagements.
Key responsibilities include:
Business Development & Origination
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with financial institutions, corporates, regulators, and other stakeholders to identify and originate investment opportunities.
- Monitor market trends and proactively identify potential clients and sectors for IFC engagement.
- Contribute to the development and execution of country, sector, and regional strategies.
Transaction Execution
- Lead or support the evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and closing of complex investment transactions.
- Coordinate due diligence processes, working with internal teams (credit, legal, environmental & social, treasury, etc.) and external advisors.
- Ensure transactions meet IFC’s standards for financial viability, development impact, and risk management.
Portfolio Management
- Supervise a portfolio of investments, ensuring strong performance and development outcomes.
- Work with clients to identify growth opportunities, address challenges, and support strategic initiatives.
- Lead restructuring or workout situations, where necessary.
Strategic Engagement & Knowledge Sharing
- Represent IFC in meetings with government officials, development partners, and industry events.
- Share market insights and lessons learned to strengthen IFC’s knowledge base.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to team capacity building.
Selection Criteria
- Master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
- For Investment Officer: minimum 8 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, project finance, or corporate finance; for Senior Investment Officer: 12+ years of relevant experience.
- Proven track record in originating, structuring, and closing financial sector transactions (debt and equity).
- Proven experience on structured products including securitization / risk-sharing / capital relief instruments. Ability to perform regular monitoring of these portfolios and identify risks.
- Knowledge of the financial sector in Latin America, including regulatory environments and market trends.
- Understanding of financial and non-financial risks associated with projects and how to satisfactorily mitigate those risks.
- Good understanding of IFC’s financial instruments including typical investment conditions and key structuring terms.
- Sound business judgment and strong problem solving/negotiation skills to identify issues and present creative, practical solutions.
- Ability to work effectively on simultaneous projects under time pressure.
- Excellent relationship management skills and ability to interact effectively with clients, partners, and government counterparts.
- Strong communication skills in English and Portuguese; Spanish proficiency highly desirable.
- Willingness to travel extensively within the region.
- Commitment to IFC’s mission and values, including sustainable development and high ethical standards.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful 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.