Equity Risk Officer - GG - international finance corporation

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.

The successful candidate would join IFC's Investment and Credit Risk Department (CIR), part of the Risk and Financial Sustainability Vice-presidency. CIR is responsible for providing an independent risk-reward assessment for all new investment transactions and material portfolio events and providing clearance for such transactions at various stages of the investment cycle. CIR works to strengthen IFC's credit culture, investment quality, and impact by working closely with investment and supporting departments across the Corporation. 

The CIR Equity Risk Officers are specialized and experienced risk professionals who are part of the independent risk oversight system. They are responsible for reviewing and approving equity, quasi-equity, and debt with upside investment proposals and material portfolio actions submitted by the IFC's Investment and portfolio teams. In addition, working with investment teams on identifying and mitigating equity risk, they ensure that the investment transactions meet IFC's minimum investment standards as required by any applicable policies, procedures, or guidelines, as well as the risk-reward appetite established by senior management. 

Equity Risk Officers also play an important role in maintaining an investment culture within the IFC by disseminating mezzanine and equity expertise and best practices through various knowledge management activities and mentoring Investment Officers in the context of transactions and portfolio actions. 

IFC is seeking an Equity Risk Officer to join the specialized equity risk unit (CIREQ) in the Investment and Credit Risk Department. 

The Equity Risk Officer will be based in Washington, D.C., and report to the head of CIREQ. The Equity Risk Officer will also be expected to work on corporate initiatives under the guidance of the CIR Director and/or the Head of the CIREQ unit.

Duties and Accountabilities: 

•  The Equity Risk Officer work allocation will cover distinct portfolios at the sector level (Infrastructure, MAS, Financial institutions) and/or the product level (co-investments, funds, early-stage equity), assisting as needed the Chief Equity Risk Officer responsible for such sector or product via preidentified tasks to be carried out with a high degree of independence. Tasks assigned will reflect the demonstrated level of experience and knowledge of the sector and product, and the level of responsibility is expected to increase over time.

•  With guidance from the relevant Chief Equity Risk Officer, review investment concepts and investment proposals, including financial models, equity valuations, transaction term sheets, and other documents prepared by investment teams and support the Chief Equity Risk Officer in discussions with transaction teams and decision-making process (and independently carry out such discussions and decision making for distinct aspects of project cycle and portfolio decisions as assigned by the Chief Equity Risk Officer depending on demonstrated level of experience and knowledge of sector and product).

•  Lead review of all aspects of equity valuation analysis for new business and portfolio investments in support of the Chief Equity Risk Officer. 

•  Work directly with transaction teams to facilitate the incorporation of CIR feedback in the analysis and presentation of the investment materials, which will support a more efficient and effective decision-making process. 

•  Support data analytics, including tracking the pipeline of new business and upcoming portfolio actions, commitment, T3PC submissions, and IRM outcomes. Leverage relationships with operations (and established procedures where achievable) to maximize the visibility of upcoming CIR workflow.

•  Support analysis of major macro, sectoral, and portfolio trends, focusing on early warning signals and integrating these views into pipeline and business development discussions. Summarize insights and present key findings to business stakeholders and senior management.

•  Actively participate in quarterly equity portfolio reviews, including reviewing materials, preparing questions, participating in and summarizing discussions, and ensuring relevant feedback is transmitted to CPM, CSO, and CIRVA and relevant information is incorporated in equity valuations, follow-up items, and watch list meetings. Ensure follow-up on material portfolio actions. 

•  Support or carry out independently as assigned by the Chief Equity Risk Officer. concurrences of changes and waivers to shareholder agreements and/or rights issues and/or other portfolio matters.

•  Under the guidance of the relevant Senior Equity Risk Officer, support the processing of fund investments as needed. Under the guidance of the Head of CIEQ, support DFP early look committee activities as needed. 

•  Preparation and delivery of training materials, lessons learned, case studies, CIR FAQ, and other knowledge management materials for the sectors and products of responsibility (including internal e-mail notes disseminating material knowledge management from each key decision point of a transaction or portfolio project). Coordinate with CLED and Equity units in operations the incorporation of structuring lessons learned in a standard term sheet.

•  Assist in the preparation of corporate guidelines for equity, quasi-equity, mezzanine, and debt funds. 

•  Collaborate with other IFC Credit and Investment teams globally and regionally. Assist, if needed, other Chief Credit Officer on debt products.

Selection Criteria

•  Education: A master's degree in a relevant field.

•  Professional Experience: A minimum of 8 years as an investment/risk professional in risk management and/or investments, particularly in equity, quasi-equity, mezzanine, and debt products within emerging markets. A strong passion for risk assessment and a commitment to IFC's mission is essential.

•  Credit Risk Management: Significant experience in credit risk management with exposure to various subsectors and products. A high level of technical knowledge in equity, quasi-equity, mezzanine, and debt products is a distinct advantage, along with experience in equity portfolio construction and managing challenging portfolio situations.

•  Responsiveness and Independence: Proven ability to work independently while being results-oriented, producing consistently high-quality results under tight deadlines. Strong capability to manage multiple tasks in a multicultural and complex matrix organization, along with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

•  Product and Sector Knowledge: Prior experience with investment products (such as venture capital, co-investments, and funds) and sectors (including infrastructure, MAS, and financial markets) is a plus.

•  Self-starter: A self-motivated individual who requires minimal supervision, demonstrating the highest standards of integrity and independence of thought. Ability to express candid yet balanced opinions.

•  Analytical Skills: Strong ability to absorb information and critically review credit assessments in line with IFC's risk policies. Competence in evaluating macroeconomic risks and assessing investment fit from a portfolio perspective.

•  Risk Procedures: Previous experience in understanding, analyzing, and updating risk procedures on a case-by-case basis is strongly preferred.

•  Numerical and Communication Skills: Excellent numerical and analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills to synthesize complex information effectively.

•  Deal Sense and Analytical Acumen: Well-developed "deal sense" and strong analytical skills, with knowledge of IFC investment products and underwriting standards, especially in equity, quasi-equity, and mezzanine products.

•  Valuation Expertise: Expert knowledge of equity valuation techniques and methodologies.

•  Understanding of Risk Tools: Familiarity with IFC risk rating tools, methodologies, and policies is a plus.

•  Market Exposure: Exposure to IFC's strategic and challenging markets, including field experience and fluency in additional languages, is an advantage.

•  Knowledge Management: Interest and experience in knowledge management, with the ability to prepare and deliver knowledge management materials and courses independently.

•  Positive Energy: A positive attitude and personality (e.g., a "glass half full" perspective) with interests outside of work.

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: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)