(Senior) Investment Officer, Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Services, Brazil
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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
The Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) department is one of IFC’s key industry groups responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume, profitability, and development reach. MAS operates across a wide range of sub-sectors, including manufacturing, chemicals, healthcare, education, property, retail, tourism, agribusiness, and forestry, among others, providing investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through its global network.
The MAS Latin America and the Caribbean (MAS LAC) team seeks a qualified and experienced Investment Officer to originate, structure and execute investment projects across the region. The Investment Officer will also have country-specific responsibilities. He/she will also assist in business development and portfolio work, including restructurings, rescheduling and equity supervision. Through an extended local presence, MAS LAC aims to increase the level of investments and engagements with new clients through comprehensive value-added propositions, including mainstream, advisory, and upstream initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop local relationships and gain a deep understanding of the local business environment, which will be core to this position. The candidate should have demonstrated track record in leading the commitment of projects, preferably across MAS sectors.
The position will be based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Support business development efforts across all MAS sectors in LAC, assisting MAS Sector Leads in the scoping and identification process of priority companies to target as IFC clients in the region, considering the strategic areas of focus for MAS.
- Structure bankable transactions, aligned with client needs and IFC priorities, and present investment proposals to clients.
- Negotiate, suggest required modifications, and ensure the signing of new mandate letters for bankable and high-impact transactions.
- Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new MAS transactions, portfolio restructurings, rescheduling, capital increases, equity sales, etc.
- Lead the structuring of investment or advisory transactions incorporating lessons of project evaluations and portfolio management experience.
- Ensure timely processing of transactions and client requests, through due diligence and client satisfaction.
- Thoroughly review work provided by clients and prepared by team members to ensure solid investment structures and consistency of legal documents with agreed upon terms.
- Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
- Participate or lead negotiations as appropriate; use financial competencies and personal influencing skills to overcome impasses and lead negotiations to reach successful outcomes.
- Work independently and with more senior staff to develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities.
- Mentor junior staff.
- Maintain clients and other stakeholders relationships (government, development partners, WBG, industry associations etc.) who are at a level where they can influentially participate in developing immediate and future business opportunities.
- Coordinate closely with advisory and environmental and social teams to enhance client value, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
- Collaborate with the upstream team to design strategies for market creation and contribute to Country Private Sector Diagnostics.
Selection Criteria
- MBA or Master's degree in a related field and at least 8 – 14 years of relevant experience. Related fields of education include business, finance, or economics or an area of expertise specific to a sector, subject matter, or industry specialty.
- Relevant experience with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments, preferably across MAS sectors.
- Extensive experience in financing, processing and supervision work.
- Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments and to process complex transactions.
- Business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on client’s needs effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to describe complex issues, approaches, and lessons in a manner that is relevant and understandable to clients/stakeholders.
- Fluency in Portuguese and/or Spanish is required.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic client relationships, understanding their needs and aligning investments accordingly.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to guide, advise, mentor, and coach junior staff and peers to develop and broaden their scope of skills, including providing on-the-job learning opportunities. Critical for FCS and other challenging markets.
- Genuine commitment to sustainable development and to highest ethical standards.
- Willingness to travel extensively.
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.
