Job Abstract

Investment Officer - Global Agribusiness and Forestry

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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC’s Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) team provides investment and advisory services, including early-stage project development support (upstream), across a range of sectors that include manufacturing, agribusiness, forestry, health, education, tourism, retail and property. We help clients to achieve their business goals and find solutions to new and emerging issues, with a focus on sustainability.
Within MAS, the Agribusiness and Forestry team focuses on supporting investments in (i) the food production value chain, including suppliers of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, irrigation), crop plantations, sustainable animal protein and aqua-farms, food and bio-fuel processors, agri-commodity traders, and food distributors, and (ii) the forestry value chain, including plantations and downstream operations in the processed wood and paper sectors (pulp, paper, packaging, sawn wood, panelboards, biomass, etc.).

The Global Agribusiness and Forestry team is seeking an Investment Officer based in Washington, DC, to contribute to identifying, evaluating, processing, implementing, and reporting on global Agribusiness and Forestry investment and early-stage project development (upstream) related activities. The selected candidate will also support the Global Agribusiness and Forestry team in knowledge management, working closely with the Global Sector Manager and Investment Sector Leads, Industry Specialists and Advisory Platform Leads. The selected candidate will report to the Global Agribusiness and Forestry Manager.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential investment opportunities in the agribusiness and forestry sectors.
• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities through proactive origination/business development in coordination with Sector Leads and Industry Specialists.
• Contribute to building and maintaining strong relationships with global clients and multilateral partners to further develop investment opportunities in the Agribusiness and Forestry sectors.
• Lead global upstream work to enhance business enabling environment of selected sectors collaborating with Sector Leads, Industry Specialists, Advisory Platform Leads, World Bank, and other development partners, to create medium/long-term investment opportunities for IFC (“IFC 3.0”).
• Lead or assist in designing and implementing scalable upstream and investment solutions and platforms that can be replicated across different regions.
• Assist in preparing sector strategies and lead the preparation of client pitchbooks.
• Evaluate investment proposals, including financial analysis, risk assessment and due diligence.
• Support the negotiation and structuring of investment transactions, including equity, debt and mezzanine financing.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Assist in the implementation, monitoring and updating of IFC’s Agribusiness and Forestry strategy, working with IFC’s industry and regional departments.
• Proactively track Agribusiness and Forestry upstream project pipeline to identify business models/initiatives which can be replicated across different regions.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent qualification.
• At least 6 years of experience in corporate and/or project finance with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments.
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities, products and services (including upstream), particularly those relevant to Agribusiness and Forestry.
• Excellent financial, credit and equity skills; demonstrated ability to creatively structure a variety of complex debt and equity instruments.
• Expertise in the Agribusiness and Forestry sectors.
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on portfolio of projects/programs/initiatives.
• Proactiveness, strong business development and client relationship skills, and ability to focus on client needs effectively.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners.
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners and investment opportunities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Other languages are a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Team player. Ability to work sensitively and effectively in a multicultural setting.
• Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
• Willing to travel to various regions.
• A genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy and values.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong research, quantitative, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong Computer skills to develop user-friendly/punchy analyses/presentations (word, excel, and PowerPoint)?

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.