Financial Sector Development Specialist

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a leading global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. With over 100 countries, we leverage our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities.

Our mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. We achieve this by developing efficient financial systems that increase financial inclusion and fuel economic growth in client countries.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) supports projects in various financial sectors, partners with local financial institutions, develops domestic and regional equity and debt markets, and introduces new financing instruments. This includes supporting upstream advisory (US/AS) projects in the financial sector in Central Asia and Türkiye (CAT).

• Business Development & Client Delivery:
  • Support business development activities, including project design and implementation across initiatives carried out by the FIG Upstream Advisory team in CAT.
  • Assist with business development activities in CAT by conducting market research and contributing to business development strategies.
  • Undertake comprehensive research and analysis on relevant sectors, markets, and companies within CAT, including market mapping, peer analysis, and preparing sector and company financial projections or models.
  • Prepare high-quality presentations, client pitch-books, briefs, and other outreach materials tailored for various audiences.
  • Support the organization of workshops across the CAT region, including logistics and material preparation.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous engagement with regional and global teams, as well as relevant experts within IFC and the broader World Bank Group (WBG).
  • Support the mapping and prioritization of prospective clients by appraising clients in terms of credit worthiness, integrity due diligence, relevance for investment pipeline, etc.
• Project Management:
  • Assist Project Leads with various project management tasks, such as preparing concept notes for new projects, drafting supervision reports for ongoing projects, and compiling completion reports for finished projects across CAT.
  • Backstop consultants implementing technical workstreams with analytical support, client interaction, and logistical support as needed.
  • Ensure all new projects within the CAT region adhere to portfolio quality requirements, manage internal project approval processes, oversee project budgets, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for each project.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data related to IFC projects, portfolio performance, and financial indicators, providing insights and recommendations to management.
  • Assist in monitoring the progress and impact of IFC projects, ensuring they meet set objectives and timelines, and track KPIs.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and other IFC departments, to support project execution and resolve operational issues.
  • Maintain high standards of quality and compliance, ensuring all projects adhere to IFC policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
  • Facilitate the procurement and management of professional service providers, overseeing deliverables, payments, and participation in operational missions.
  • Handle additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to ensure successful execution and achievement of objectives for the FIG Advisory Services (AS) and Upstream (US) programs in the CAT region.
• Portfolio Support:
  • Collaborate closely with the FIG investment team to ensure successful conversion from upstream/advisory projects to investment transactions.
  • Support investment teams on both new transactions as well as portfolio monitoring activities as required.

• A bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, International Relations, Science, Engineering, or other relevant field. An MBA or Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of work experience with a leading management consultancy, financial institution, or international organization.
• Genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy, and values.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, research abilities, problem-solving skills, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to develop complex financial models.
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and database skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to thrive under pressure, function effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, and work on multiple projects.
• Excellent teamwork skills, ability to take initiative, and work across organizational boundaries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Russian. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus but not critical.
• Familiarity with the World Bank Group/IFC will be an advantage.