Chief Banking Specialist

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.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG’s strategy and implementation work focuses on 3 main pillars: (i) increase financial access and inclusion; (ii) scale sustainability and climate finance; and (iii) make financial systems more efficient, resilient, and sophisticated.

IFC's priorities in FIG as an industry group are: (i) grow investment and advisory solutions in all regions it operates in, while achieving strong profitability and development impact (ii) build new and nurture existing client relationships to make IFC the preferred partner for key clients (iii) manage portfolio of assets for strong profitability and impact; (iv) support local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (v) catalyze foreign investment, including mobilizing B loans, parallel loans, and other forms of capital mobilization; (vi) introduce and develop new financial solutions, products and platforms; (vii) build long-term partnerships with strong regional players; (viii) develop client, sector and country-level solutions through upstream and downstream interventions that can be scaled and replicated; and (ix) be a thought leader and innovator of products and client solutions globally.

IFC seeks to deepen its financial sector expertise with more resources to meet our growing mandate and increasingly demanding requirements from our investment services and advisory streams. IFC aims to hire Chief Banking Specialist with DFS Focus who will complement the existing group of technical expertise housed in IFC’s Financial Institutions Group (FIG) Global Industry Unit (CFG). The Chief Banking Specialist is expected to be located in Washington DC but will be considered as a global resource reporting to the FIG Global Manager for Financial Inclusion.

Beyond the Banking Specialist’s traditional role of taking a leading role in investment appraisals and loan portfolio reviews, the new IFC FIG model demands greater value-added services for existing and potential clients. Specialists are expected to i) contribute to development of FIG’s global strategy, ii) support regional management teams in the development and implementation of their regional strategy, iii) support clients in capacity building through technical assistance and workshops, iv) assist in the supervision of existing/portfolio exposures, and v) contribute to global knowledge development and dissemination.

The ideal candidate should have considerable hands-on, operational experience in consumer or SME banking and/or credit, with responsibilities for credit risk management and overall risk management including liquidity, market and non-financial risks.

The candidate should have a very firm understanding of data analytics and statistical score modeling and be able to convert such expertise into due diligence on target financial institutions (whether traditional or fintech). Overall strong business acumen and deal making inclination is a must, given the role and nature of IFC’s business.

She/he will be part of FIG’s Global Financial Inclusion team. Specialists will be required to work anywhere in the world and be based in Washington DC or elsewhere. Women and emerging markets candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Duties And Accountabilities

Innovation and disruption of financial services remains a priority for FIG and more broadly for IFC. We are looking for new eligible partners to invest in and increase financial inclusion. The position requires the selected candidate to execute a business plan with realistic targets and a clear outline of the types of investments IFC should target.

The ideal candidate will help develop Deal Acceptance Criteria and communicate that across FIG to help with our business development. When assessing a particular opportunity, the candidate will develop the framework for the industry specialist report and use that framework to assess the client’s operational capacity and validate IFC’s investment thesis.

As part of this engagement, the candidate will be expected to build partnerships and assist with mobilization with other investors active in this space.

• Help Implement regional industry strategy and the delivery of business targets.
• Build the impact measurement indicators for this line of business and document development outcomes through participation in appraisals, including but not limited to loan portfolio reviews.
• Provide assistance in developing a sound regional industry strategy in the area of debt solutions for late stage Fintechs and data-based lenders.
• Identify resource needs for Global FIG and the regional teams.
• Support business development for both Investment and Advisory services in the Region.
• Support the regional FIG Managers to ensure high quality, performance and compliance of portfolio in the region.
• Disseminate IFC's Industry lessons and experience in the region, contribute to the global knowledge bank for Industry and share experience through design and delivery of internal formal and informal learning.
• Ensure quality control of work performed by investment officers, consultants and other team members.
• Collaborate with Credit and Risk to identify and manage industry risks.
• Mentor and develop junior staff in the region.
  
  

Selection Criteria

• Minimum required experience to include:
• A Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business,
• A minimum of 20 years relevant operational private sector banking experience.
• Substantial banking experience at senior management level including decision-making responsibility and influence over the results of the entity.
• Experience and expertise to include but not limited to:
• Credit and risk management,
• Consumer Banking and SME,
• Asset/Liabilities management,
• Working knowledge and analytical skills in financial analysis. statistical score modeling, vintage analysis and big data,
• Knowledge in Fintech and disruptive business models in financial products.
• Due diligence of financial institutions (debt and equity) – Banks and NBFCs.
• Due diligence of Fintech and embedded finance players (debt and equity).
• Ability to represent IFC externally and to develop and manage relationships with clients, government, media, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Strong sense of service to clients and demonstrated private sector business development aptitude. Proven success in developing client relationships and executing quality investments;
• Ability to work in the matrix as an integral part of the Regional and Industry Department, and deliver high quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives;
• Ability to collaborate closely with World Bank and other financing institutions and banks;
• Good 'deal sense' based on demonstrated strong analytical skills and sound business judgment;
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo in order to build the business;
• Excellent people management skills and openness to feedback; new ideas and ability to guide staff to solutions to problems;
• Strong written and verbal communications skills;
• Recognized as a team player and leader, ability to manage and resolve conflict;
• Highest standards of ethical integrity, transparency
• Fluency in English and ability to speak Spanish and/ or French would be a plus
  
  

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.

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