Senior Operations Officer

World Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 750 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A global financial institution based in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Operations Officer to deliver market-creating solutions and engage with government and private sectors to improve the investment climate. The ideal candidate will have 12–15 years of experience in private sector development, particularly in regulatory reform and investment improvement. They will also possess excellent communication skills and proficiency in tools like Word and Excel, with the ability to lead and mentor staff effectively.

Benefits

Retirement plan

Medical insurance

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing and infrastructure sectors is a plus.
• Ability to lead client offerings with thematic knowledge.
• Excellent written and verbal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver market-creating solutions responsive to strategic priorities.
• Engage with government and private sector for investment potential.
• Oversee staff and consultants, ensuring quality and mentoring.

Skills

Private sector development

Regulatory reform

Investment climate improvement

Excellent communication

Analytical capabilities

Education

12–15 years of relevant experience

Fluency in English

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Project management systems and IFC tools

Job description

Overview

Senior Operations Officer - Country Advisory and Economics Team. Location: Johannesburg, South Africa. Term: 3 years. Organization: IFC, World Bank Group (WBG). Language: English required.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Deliver market-creating client solutions by leveraging local and regional resources; ensure CAE programs are responsive to IFC’s strategic priorities and focused in countries and sectors to enable and create private investment opportunities.
• Be part of the CAE sub-regional leadership team and work across core CAE functions.

• Client and Stakeholder Management

• Deliver ongoing engagements and develop new business aligned with country and market needs; analyze key constraints and support reform implementation through active public-private dialogue and hands-on technical advisory support.
• Engage with senior levels of government and private sector to articulate cases for improvements to the business environment to unlock investment potential and promote private investments.
• Provide technical oversight of CAE programs in South Africa and other regional countries for quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with IFC’s Investment/Advisory Anchors to develop a pipeline of private investment opportunities and work with government to enhance enabling environments for priority sectors.

• Design and Operationalize Solutions

• Review and contribute to development and approval of project documents and client deliverables to meet IFC Advisory Governance standards.
• Participate in senior-level client meetings to provide technical advice and monitor reforms to improve the business environment.
• Improve design and delivery of client solutions by incorporating global good practices and lessons learned; develop theories of change, results frameworks, and indicators.
• Ensure high-quality supervision and completion documents; provide quality control over deliverables and efficient use of resources; support clients in implementing recommendations and communicating reform impact.

• Create and Share Knowledge

• Identify and participate in conferences to showcase IFC offerings; serve as panelist/moderator for internal and external events.
• Host knowledge transfer sessions across the region; develop reform communication materials and guidance incorporating best practices, including client testimonials.

• Build Capacity

• Design and deliver training and communication strategies for Investment and Advisory staff to advocate CAE programs; engage external stakeholders to generate interest in investment climate reforms.
• Strengthen the value proposition of Advisory products through partnerships; build a bench of regional experts and consultants.

• Staff Supervision

• Oversee and supervise assigned staff and consultants; develop technical capabilities through mentoring, coaching, and on-the-job learning.
• Ensure quality control of work products; determine resources and oversee donor reports; manage project budgets and staffing.

• Selection Criteria

• 12–15 years of experience in private sector development, working with governments at senior levels to deliver advisory programs, with emphasis on regulatory reform and investment climate improvement. Experience with manufacturing and infrastructure sectors is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver impact through advisory engagements in business enabling/regulatory reform; sector-specific experience in infrastructure and advanced manufacturing is advantageous.
• For internal applicants, understanding of IFC and WBG products and cross-organizational collaboration; experience leading or supporting cross-industry engagements.
• Ability to design, negotiate, and lead client offerings with deep thematic knowledge and a clear business case for improving client outcomes.
• Ability to identify opportunities for private investment arising from market, regulatory, or climate changes; capability to design research and analytical projects that uncover new markets or opportunities.
• Strategic mindset to develop innovative programs across industries and forge internal/external partnerships.
• Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint; ability to learn new systems; project management system proficiency is a plus. Proficiency in IFC tools such as RfX and Iportal is an asset.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; fluency in English required.

WBG Culture Attributes

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to stakeholder needs.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed risks to push for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave including parental leave; and 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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.