Job Abstract

Strategy Officer

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.

IFC’s Corporate Strategy Unit (CSMCS) is one of five units in the Strategy and Operations Management Department (CSM), reporting to the VP of Corporate Support (COSVP). CSMCS supports Senior Management and Operations on the formulation, execution and reporting of corporate strategy. This includes (i) developing IFC’s position on key strategic issues for the institution including the Strategic Business Outlook, (ii) providing institutional thought leadership and evaluating operational implications, and (iii) communicating effectively ‘IFC’s story’ to key external and internal stakeholders.

IFC is looking for a pro-active, can-do Strategy Officer with strong capabilities in strategy articulation and development, program management, market research, writing and data analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and accountabilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

Leading role in IFC strategy formulation

• Lead the development of sector roadmaps, strategy updates, and strategy briefs. These efforts require proactive and independent content development (i.e., performing market and data analysis, synthesizing information from individual WBG and external subject matter experts, and facilitating engagements and workshops) and efficient coordination and communication across the WBG and with Senior Management.
• Plan and lead engagements that support a One WBG Approach, including through the Global Challenge Program (GCP). These efforts will require identifying initiatives that combine public and private sector operations and business models by engaging with WBG staff, including IFC industry specialists and investment officers, and building strong working relationships with IBRD /IDA and MIGA counterparts. Activities will include organizing One WBG workshops and strategy roundtables to identify opportunities and develop action plans that can support implementation.
• Engage senior management to obtain direction and inform decision-making. This will require the Strategy Officer to carefully prepare meeting agendas, talking points, and briefs for senior management to support decision making, often on short notice.

Operational catalyst and strategic intelligence

• Lead multi stakeholder engagements (private and public sector, academia, partners, and other MDB/IFIs), including working closely with operational teams to identify and seize opportunities with concrete line of sight of corporate objectives. This is especially important in view of the Evolution Roadmap’s need to scale private capital mobilization and leveraging partnerships.
• Foster strong relationships with industry teams to support establishing the Unit as the go-to hub for all strategy-related engagements. Help create feedback loops between strategy and business development for select industries by developing benchmarking exercises, custom indexes, attending select conferences, and by participating in client calls and investment review meetings as needed.
• Provide leading support to corporate-level sectoral engagements that can catalyze a One WBG Approach such as the Global Challenge Program (GCP). This would include developing IFC’s position and investment approach on key sectors and themes, providing advice to industry teams throughout the implementation process, and engaging internal and external stakeholders to build corporate and sector champions that can enable implementation.
• Lead the development of the Strategic Intelligence Lab (SIL) which includes building a comprehensive view of WBG projects and MDB portfolios. This will require strong analytical skills and a strategic mindset to leverage the SIL as a value-added engagement tool for IFC industry teams (e.g., identify comparative advantage, engagement gaps, business development opportunities, lessons, and synergies within WBG and with external partners).
• Mentor and coach junior staff, especially on methods and analytical approaches.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in economics, international economic development, MBA/finance, or other related fields
• Minimum eight years of experience that is relevant for the mandates and work programs of Multilateral Development Banks. For example, International Organizations, national Development Financial Institutions, public sector practices of major consulting companies, or transferable skills from private sector experience.
• Strong understanding of the World Bank Group product offering.
• Deep experience with incubating and driving data initiatives to success, including proven track record in data analysis (advanced MS Excel, proficient in at least one programming language [e.g., STATA, R, or Python] and visualization tools [e.g., Tableau, PowerBi])
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to distill, integrate, and translate complex issues and information into clear, crips and strategically relevant insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Superior soft skills, including proven ability to steer multi-stakeholder initiatives towards concrete and impactful deliverables, and engaging with Senior Management with tact and diplomacy to drive outcomes.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Sector expertise is a plus.
• Ability to work and integrate into changing project teams and carry out supporting analysis with minimal supervision.
• Ability to get up to speed with new topics quickly and deliver in a fast-paced environment.

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.