(Associate) Operations Officer - Business Development

(Associate) Operations Officer - Business Development

Job #: req32534

Organization: IFC

Sector: Investment

Grade: Term

Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Rome, Italy

Required Language(s): English, Italian

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date: 4/4/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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.

IFC Western Europe (CWE) covers relations with companies, governments and Development Finance Institutions in 27 countries in the region, as well as with the European Union. These countries hold about a third of IFC's capital, while companies, financial institutions and investors in the region are strategic investment partners for IFC in emerging markets.

CWE works with Western European companies to help them expand their operations or start new ventures in emerging markets through mainstream and innovative financial products. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed $5.5 billion in long-term investments with clients and mobilized an additional $3.2 billion from lenders in Western Europe. CWE’s business development includes a wide array of activities from research and mapping of target audiences for IFC investments, reaching out to establish contacts and following up with companies and intermediaries such as business associations, speaking at events and organizing industry- and sector-specific knowledge-sharing ones for Western European companies interested in investing in emerging markets, to making introductions to and liaising with Mainstream Investment and Upstream colleagues, and following through to investment decision processes.

CWE is seeking an Operations Officer to support Business Development activities in Italy and support the Business Development activity of CWE. The position is based in Rome, and reports to the Head of Western Europe and will work and support private sector activity with the Joint Country Representative for Italy.

Responsibilities:

The Operations Officer develops new business across a range of sectors. He/she will work closely with sector teams across IFC and the Western Europe team to expand IFC’s client base and originate transactions. (S)he will manage relationships with existing and prospective clients, intermediaries and other parties, and raise IFC’s visibility, particularly in Italy. The overall goal of the position is to maximize the impact of IFC’s intervention and its corporate goals by developing innovative, developmental, and profitable investments.

This role requires interaction with various external parties in Western Europe as well as with other departments at IFC’s headquarters in Washington DC and across the globe.

Duties and Accountabilities:

1. Conduct business development activities in several, mainly, MAS and INR sectors.
2. Conduct industry and market research by extracting information from internal databases and external sources.
3. Maintain a pipeline of projects with sponsors and prepare mapping of potential clients for IFC.
4. Perform desktop reviews of potential prospective clients, including background checks and preliminary financial analysis.
5. Identify relevant prospective clients; establish contact with key executives; build and maintain relationships with potential clients.
6. Originate investment opportunities for IFC and provide continuing client relationship support for the originated deals through deal closure and beyond as needed.
7. Coordinate with IFC industry teams to develop and maintain relationships with clients.
8. Analyze operational and financial performance of potential client companies; review investment proposals, evaluate the benefits and risks of new transactions.
9. Actively manage relationships with key partners and intermediaries and position IFC on relevant private sector initiatives/events and conferences on the Italian market.
10. Organize business development webinars, roundtables, and conferences.
11. Assist in preparation and execution of IFC Management visits, and other activities as requested.

Selection Criteria:

1. MBA or equivalent qualification.
2. 5-8 years of experience in finance, including project, structured or corporate finance.
3. Understanding and first-hand experience of the challenges of investing in emerging markets predominantly in MAS and INR sectors.
4. Demonstrated interest in business development and client relationship management; ability to focus effectively on client needs.
5. Knowledge of IFC products and services, risk appetite, and financing requirements.
6. Financial and credit skills; ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (senior/junior debt, equity, etc.).
7. Sound business judgment to identify potential business partners.
8. Ability to interact directly and independently with the management of potential clients, business partners, as well as other stakeholders.
9. Ability to guide and mentor Analysts in CWE.
10. Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule; facility to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries.
11. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Italian, French will be a plus.
12. Genuine commitment to highest ethical standards and to sustainable development.

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.