Principal Investment 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. For more information, please visit www.ifc.org.
The Europe Infrastructure department is a dynamic and growing team, across the power, transportation, telecom, technology, subnational infrastructure and natural resources sector. We have operations in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. Equity teams in IFC are expected to: (i) formulate IFC’s strategies for investing equity and mezzanine financing, (ii) engage in business development, (iii) execute transactions, (iv) manage assets from origination until exit, and (v) lead knowledge management on equity and mezzanine investing.

IFC seeks a Principal Investment Officer for its Europe Infrastructure team to be based in Vienna, Austria, and report to the Regional Industry Manager.

The selected candidates will provide leadership and expertise to IFC’s equity & mezzanine business. This role requires strong and demonstrated technical skills in structuring, negotiating, and executing equity & mezzanine transactions, asset management, leadership, and interpersonal skills. They will also have a significant role in setting equity strategies, day-to-day business operations, business growth, and portfolio management.

The selected candidate will have a strong, demonstrated track record of business development, deal execution, and management of a variety of equity and equity-like investments across Infrastructure and Energy subsectors in emerging markets. Experience in/knowledge of the emerging Europe region, and informed views on the unique role IFC can play in the region, is a strong plus.
Duties and Accountabilities :
The role and responsibilities of the Principal Investment Officer will include, but will not be limited to:

New Business

• Responsible for coordinating and providing substantive input to the development of equity strategies and investment themes to target and grow IFC’s equity & mezzanine business based on its current equity portfolio, trends in countries and sectors, and IFC strategies (corporate, industry, and country), under the overall direction of the Regional Industry Manager;
• Participate in and lead equity & mezzanine business development activities in the region in line with investment themes;
• Lead and/or provide expertise and guidance to teams executing equity and mezzanine investments;
• Reinforce quality standards and set profitability targets for transactions and overall portfolio.

Asset Management

• Take leadership and responsibility for high-value/complex equity investments, in particular exit strategy formulation in the region, working closely with deal teams and regional leadership;
• Ensure IFC delivers value creation at investee companies;
• Provide expertise and guidance to teams managing smaller equity investments in the regional equity portfolio;
• Support deal teams and management to devise and execute equity sales, ensuring consistency with portfolio strategy;
• Work with deal teams and management to identify, appoint and support IFC’s nominee directors to the boards of IFC investee companies.

Leadership and Knowledge Sharing

• Engage in mentoring and coaching of junior staff, provide on-the-job learning opportunities, and ensure efficient and effective use of resources;
• Ensure quality control of work products;
• Support a comprehensive program for increasing the knowledge and learning of equity & mezzanine investments execution and asset management
• Disseminate equity culture and lessons learned throughout CELVPU

Selection Criteria

• 15+ years of relevant work experience;
• A Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business
• Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy, and values;
• Significant experience in sourcing, negotiating and executing equity & mezzanine transactions; Deal experience in the region a plus;
• Strong network of contacts among companies in Infrastructure and Energy sectors, private equity, and institutional investors;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and openness to feedback;
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build the business;
• Recognized as a team player, strategic thinker, and thought leader;
• Strong written and verbal communications skills; Fluency in English essential;
• Fluency in a language relevant to the region is a plus;
• Ability to collaborate closely with the World Bank and other development finance institutions, commercial financial institutions, and institutional investors;
• Ability to develop and manage relationships with C-Suite, board, and shareholders of investee companies, and ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, and other stakeholders;
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines and to meet team objectives;
• Sound business judgment, demonstrated ability to deliver results under stressful timelines and environment;
• Strong “deal sense” based on a demonstrated track record in executing, managing, and exiting equity & mezzanine investments;
Willingness and ability to travel and work across time zones

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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.