Role & Responsibilities
- Contribute to origination and marketing activities across Southern Africa (SA), supporting marketing activity in assigned countries/sectors, and that may include the preparation of pitch books, and collaboration with IFC regional management and WBG teams to identify opportunities based on country strategies and market creation potential.
- Support the development of client relationships, undertaking project scoping, as needed, to assess the feasibility of potential projects, and prepare commercial presentations, engage in mandate negotiation, etc., towards securing a strong portfolio.
- Prepare/review memos and documentation for the project’s internal approval and consultant procurement processes, and manage the project budget.
- Develop an understanding of the project-specific legal, regulatory, and/or financial impediments for private sector participation and, as appropriate, work closely with other parts of the WBG able to support regulatory framework development or enabling financing mechanisms.
- Lead the day-to-day management of the project’s teams working on sell-side PPP mandates, including review of technical outputs, documentation, and financial models.
- Develop transaction structure options for specific project(s), providing innovative solutions, and present the recommendations to IFC management and government clients.
- Participate in meetings with government clients and investors supporting the project lead.
- Support and manage the project(s) tendering process, including marketing activities, prequalification process, issuance of requests for proposals, selection, project award, and the final negotiation of project agreements leading to commercial closing.
- Develop, coach, motivate, and manage junior members of the team.
- Actively participate in the development and implementation of upstream activities in line with IFC 3.0 to create, deepen, and expand markets with the regional and global team from across IFC and the WBG.
- If required, support the SA Hub Lead on developing the sub-regional strategy, origination activities, etc.
- If required, support the Corporate Finance mandates, both in terms of origination and execution.
- Assist in other projects or strategy-related activities as the need may arise.
Selection Criteria / Qualifications
- Minimum Requirement: MBA or equivalent Post-Graduate degree in business, finance or economics and solid 6 years of experience gained either in project finance, corporate finance, M&A and privatizations, or private equity funds in infrastructure.
- Knowledge and experience in infrastructure transactions/PPPs advisory or project financing, preferably in Africa.
- Experience in business development, particularly in the preparation of background research, commercial proposals, and concept notes to seek project mandate approval.
- Demonstrate client relationship skills, track record, and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively.
- Track record of contractual and/or financial closings of infrastructure transactions is preferred.
- Demonstration of understanding of aspirations, needs, and constraints of government officials, project developers, investors, and technical and legal consultants in the infrastructure space in Africa is preferred.
- Ability to manage teams, delivering high-quality work within deadlines.
- Strong analytical and financial modeling in project finance, as well as structuring skills.
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and operate under pressure; independently develop financial models and sound financial analysis of the same; structure or restructure transactions for prudent risk sharing among all parties.
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills and ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, both in written and oral form.
- Ability to operate in large, culturally diverse, and geographically dispersed teams; interact with consultants, government officials, and investors.
- Willingness and ability to travel on short notice and frequently, as required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Portuguese or French is desirable.
WBG Culture Attributes
- Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
- Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
- Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
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 and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
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