Associate Operations Officer

World Bank

Cotonou, Benin

Experience: 3 to 5 Years

Skill Required: Accounts and Finance

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 work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain a good understanding of the country and monitor key economic and political issues.
  • Work with investment, advisory, upstream, and relevant WBG teams to roll out the IFC 3.0 strategy and develop the project pipeline.
  • Build and maintain strong high-level relationships with the private sector, relevant government officials, key development partners, and WBG colleagues to support business development and portfolio management.
  • Participate in client selection and help ensure that IFC is working with appropriate sponsors.
  • Assist in project structuring and implementation using local market intelligence.
  • Track the projects pipeline and assist in moving transactions forward.
  • Help manage development partner relations to support fundraising for advisory projects.
  • Track and oversee the preparation of visiting missions/trips to the country.
  • Contribute to the preparation of board papers and other project documents as required.
  • Provide visibility for IFC through organizing/participating in high profile events (high-level visits, seminars, and conferences).
  • Ensure internal and external requests are addressed.
  • Act on behalf of the Country Manager and/or Country Head as needed.

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree, preferably in finance, business administration, management, economics, or a similar field.
  • 5+ years of solid experience, preferably in areas such as investment or commercial banking, public-private partnerships, or operational experience in an investment and/or advisory role.
  • Experience and/or a strong interest in Africa is required, and experience in the West Africa region is an added advantage.
  • Ability to assess the viability of business opportunities and risks.
  • Ability to think creatively about potential investment opportunities, and to use business development skills to translate such opportunities into bankable projects. 
  • Strong analytical, finance, financial modeling, credit, and transaction structuring skills is an advantage.
  • Good understanding of IFC’s investment and advisory business lines, their products, how they complement each other, and how they may be leveraged to match the long-term needs of clients and open new markets.
  • Track record in developing and maintaining strong high-level relationships in the private sector, government, and development institutions.
  • Team player with strong leadership and influencing skills, and track record in working in a matrix structure.
  • Strong client service orientation and an ability to resolve challenging issues.
  • Excellent critical thinking, analytical and presentation skills, and ability to work with or supervise the use of data utilizing standard office software Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English are required.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/34418?c=worldbankgroup&sq=req34418