Principal Investment Officer, Manufacturing Agribusiness and Services

international finance corporation

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. 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.

Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) is one of IFC's key industry groups responsible for a significant portion of IFC's business volume, profitability, and development reach. MAS engages in a wide range of sub-sectors, including manufacturing, chemicals, healthcare, education, property, retail, tourism, agribusiness, and forestry, among others, with investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC's clients through its global network. 

The MAS Latin America and the Caribbean (MAS LAC) team is looking for a qualified and experienced Principal Investment Officer. This role involves leading MAS business development efforts in Central America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Principal Investment Officer will have country-specific responsibilities and will work in closely with the IFC Country Managers on relevant MAS issues in Central America and the Caribbean. With 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 for MAS, gaining a deep understanding of the local and regional business environment, which is core to this position. 

The position will be based in Panama City, Panama.

Duties and Accountabilities

Business development for MAS

•  Establish, lead and coordinate business development efforts for the MAS sectors in Central America and the Caribbean.

•  As the MAS country lead for Central America and the Caribbean, act as a central figure in aligning and executing the strategic vision for the MAS sectors within the designated countries. This role requires a keen understanding of country dynamics, the ability to integrate local insights into broader strategic frameworks of the MAS sectors, and the ability to function as a focal point for MAS in the respective countries. 

•  Proactively identify potential investment partners and opportunities based on industry experience, reputation, market potential, financial capability, and strategic fit. 

•  Lead the scoping process and identify priority sectors and companies to target as desired IFC clients in Central America and the Caribbean, considering the strategic focus areas in the region.

•  Actively develop a local network with target companies, financial institutions, financial advisors, accounting firms and credit agencies.

•  Engage in local MAS sector events to represent IFC as part of the business development activities.

•  Build and maintain strong relationships with target companies in MAS as well as with banks and multilateral partners operating in the region.

•  Considering the potential client's needs and IFC priorities, structure bankable transactions, and prepare and present IFC investment proposals to clients.

•  Negotiate, suggest required modifications, and ensure the signing of new mandate letters for bankable and impactful transactions.

•  Assess the attractiveness of specific investment opportunities with a strong focus on credit quality and development impact and make recommendations to IFC's management to build an overall strong MAS portfolio. Periodic knowledge management sessions to develop team capacity in assessing opportunities.

•  Work independently and with more senior staff to develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities.

•  Support the team in developing strong relationships with key counterparts in the private and public sector as well as development partners and manage key strategic client relationships.

•  Work closely with the sector leads and managers of the MAS LAC team to jointly develop a strong business pipeline. 

Process investment projects 

•  Lead the structuring, negotiation, and processing of MAS transactions, from mandate to disbursement, including client relationship management.

•  Lead the presentation of PDS-Concepts through the approval process.

•  Support pipeline delivery to meet established targets and KPIs across MAS Central America and the Caribbean.

Undertake project supervision

•  Provide financial analysis, market and industry assessments and make recommendations on selected transactions.

•  Identify and monitor relevant issues that may affect IFC's portfolio quality.

Act as a MAS focal point for Country and WBG engagements in the designed countries

•  Act as the Hub Leader for MAS in Central America and the Caribbean.

•  Act as the MAS focal point for engagement with the IFC Country Manager on issues such as Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSD), Country Partnership Framework (CPF), Senior Management Briefs, Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDR), etc.

•  Coordinate closely with IBRD, upstream and advisory teams to add value to IFC clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.

Support and mentor more junior staff and new appointments 

•  Coach and mentor investment officers and analysts in the region.

•  Guide more junior staff in IFC career management with the goal of making colleagues bring their best delivery and make the most professional development while at IFC.

•  Support dissemination of best practices within the team.

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or Master's degree in a related field and at least 12–14 years of relevant experience in finance with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments, preferably across MAS sectors.

•  Existing relationships and credibility across a broad range of manufacturing, agribusiness, and/or services industry sectors.

•  Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments and process complex transactions.

•  Business development and client relationship skills, track record, and ability to effectively focus on client's needs.

•  Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of clients and prospects.

•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. 

•  Fluency in Spanish required.

•  Expertise in the real sector is a plus. 

•  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.

•  Ability to mentor more junior staff.

•  Genuine commitment to sustainable development and highest ethical standards.

•  Willingness to travel extensively.

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.

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Sector:

Función:

Porcentaje del trabajo: 80-100% / 100%

Tipo de empleo: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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