Performs essential duties and fulfills key accountabilities with precision and accountability.
This position calls for a highly motivated individual with a strong passion for private equity and venture capital investments, global business operations, emerging markets, and developmental outcomes. The Senior Investment Officer will oversee a diverse range of duties spanning new business development, portfolio oversight, program execution, and strategic corporate initiatives.
Develop and execute the comprehensive strategic plan for CPV’s funds platforms, specifically SME Ventures and Start-up Catalyst, while providing data-driven recommendations to refine strategic objectives and necessary adjustments.
Drive the identification and pursuit of new business prospects, conducting comprehensive due diligence, negotiating terms, and architecting transaction structures while fostering close collaboration with regional and industry-specific stakeholders.
Acquire comprehensive knowledge of the target countries for the platforms, gather and analyze market intelligence, and cultivate robust business networks to support strategic objectives.
Conduct comprehensive market research to identify and assess potential fund investment opportunities for the platforms. Perform in-depth analysis to evaluate the level of activity and attractiveness within the fund landscape, while defining emerging trends and pinpointing top-tier fund managers capable of fulfilling the stated mandate. Additionally, review and monitor the forward fundraising calendars of active fund managers to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Translate IFC’s strategy for SME private equity and early-stage venture capital funds—along with the reasoning behind targeted investments—into clear, compelling narratives for both internal teams and external partners.
Develop strategic investment strategies for SME private equity funds and early-stage venture capital funds through meticulous due diligence of potential fund opportunities.
Review current fund investments and associated companies, serve as a representative for IFC on funds’ advisory committees, and evaluate potential strategies to address any fund-related concerns that require resolution.
Oversee the global SME private equity and early-stage venture capital fund portfolio, empowering portfolio companies to maximize the strategic resources and specialized expertise available through IFC and the wider World Bank Group network.
Evaluate macroeconomic indicators, corporate financial metrics, and pertinent industry insights to detect and track potential risks that could impact IFC’s investment portfolio, and propose appropriate measures as required.
Support the development of market creation and expansion initiatives aimed at promoting private capital markets and investments in SMEs and early-stage venture capital funds within key frontier markets. This role involves aligning these efforts with country-specific, sectoral, and IDA and FCS strategic priorities to maximize impact and effectiveness.
A critical responsibility involves cultivating and sustaining robust relationships with global stakeholders within the SME Private Equity and early-stage Venture Capital fund ecosystem, enabling the expansion of professional networks, the discovery of new investment opportunities, the mobilization of capital, and the effective management of existing portfolio companies, while also fostering connections to support commercial and strategic collaborations.
As the liaison for IFC’s Private Equity and Venture Capital teams, you will engage in both internal and external events to champion corporate initiatives, forge strategic partnerships, and cultivate stakeholder relationships specific to PE and VC operations. Your role will further strengthen IFC’s market influence and competitive advantage within the global PE and VC landscape by driving targeted engagement and expanding business opportunities.
Organize and facilitate the yearly SME Ventures Forum as well as other key program events.
Partner with advisory colleagues to pinpoint and execute pertinent programming initiatives within the cross-cutting solutions team, fostering value creation, institutionalizing general partners, and enhancing limited partner engagement across the platforms’ funds.
Oversee a team of investment professionals operating across various platforms to ensure cohesive strategy execution and optimal performance.
Selection Criteria
A minimum of 12 to 15 years of professional experience is required, including at least six to eight years specifically in investment banking, private equity, and/or venture capital investing, with demonstrated transaction experience across emerging markets in diverse geographic regions.
An MBA or equivalent degree from an accredited institution is required, with preference given to candidates holding qualifications from a top-tier international university.
Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the private equity and venture capital landscapes across diverse emerging and frontier markets.
Experienced in collaborating with private equity and venture capital fund managers, with a proven track record in cultivating a robust pipeline of prospective fund opportunities and thoroughly assessing fund strategies.
Analytical expertise and practical experience in limited partnership investing are essential qualifications for this role.
A robust and well-established network spanning private equity and venture capital funds, research organizations, private enterprises, and financial and strategic investors is essential—these connections span diverse emerging market private equity and venture capital ecosystems.
Professional Rewriting:
A proven track record in funds portfolio management is required, complemented by prior involvement as a member of a Limited Partner advisory committee.
Capable of rapidly grasping the fundamental drivers of diverse businesses, identifying issues, and developing strategic solutions within the realms of private equity and venture capital investing.
Possesses broad expertise and deep understanding of collaborating with SMEs and early-stage startups within frontier markets, equipping fund managers with the insights and strategies needed to enhance operational efficiency and foster value creation.
Seeking applicants with a demonstrated capacity to concentrate on complex markets, along with prior experience in frontier economies and regions characterized by fragility and conflict, which are prioritized by the platforms.
With a proven track record in event coordination and hosting, you will apply advisory expertise to oversee budget management, design and monitor performance metrics to evaluate outcomes, and ensure compliance with reporting and audit obligations.
Professional integrity and sharp business acumen are essential for evaluating potential fund investments and selecting suitable fund manager partners.
Proficient in both verbal and written English communication, with a strong ability to engage and build trust with CEOs and GPs worldwide, supported by exceptional interpersonal skills; fluency in additional languages is advantageous. Capable of effectively representing IFC with clients and senior-level stakeholders with credibility and professionalism.
A forward-thinking professional capable of grasping the comprehensive landscape of country-level, regional, and global private sector development obstacles while proactively uncovering high-impact opportunities for transformation.
Demonstrated capability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high productivity under tight deadlines, adapt to rapidly changing client demands, and navigate ambiguous or unstructured scenarios with professionalism and flexibility.
Capable of thriving within a matrix organizational framework while effectively guiding and inspiring a diverse, multicultural team spanning multiple geographic locations.
Demonstrated proficiency in analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills, complemented by sound business judgment, to effectively identify challenges and devise innovative yet practical solutions; additionally, strong interpersonal abilities are required.
Demonstrates a robust commitment to client service, actively seeks and values constructive feedback, and remains receptive to innovative suggestions.
Individuals should demonstrate a sincere dedication to and alignment with the World Bank Group (WBG) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) mission, strategy, and core values.
Proven capability and readiness to undertake frequent travel and collaborate effectively across diverse global time zones.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
12 - 15 years
