Central Asia Financial Sector Specialist

The International Finance Corporation (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 over 100 countries using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities.

We leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. Our ambitious new growth strategy (IFC 3.0) aims to stimulate more investment activity, especially in Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS).

We are seeking an experienced Investment Officer with a solid understanding of the banking and financial sector, preferably with knowledge of one or more sectors such as SME Banking, Microfinance, digital financial services, and climate finance. The selected candidate will focus on supporting the development of a high-quality pipeline in Central Asia under the supervision of the Regional Industry Manager.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of banking, financial institutions, and related industry knowledge, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Support the identification and assessment of FIG advisory and investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Contribute to project development, including market studies and client diagnostics, designing and implementing sector and client-level engagements leading to future investments or supporting current FIG clients.
• Help identify game-changing trends, technologies, and business models that can bring solutions to emerging markets, emphasizing inclusion, digital, and climate finance solutions.
• Produce regular reports on the assigned portfolio, monitoring progress against project milestones and KPIs.
• Contribute to sector-specific data analysis and stress-testing of various operating models to generate ideas for new projects, products, and platform businesses.
• Support investment transactions from initiation to completion, handling key work and coordinating with team members across multiple departments.

• Masters degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or other relevant field.
• At least 8 years of experience in project/program development, feasibility studies, advisory functions, and/or consulting in emerging markets.
• Strong experience in project management, executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones.
• Operational understanding of commercial banks and other financial entities in emerging markets, with a track record of supporting origination, structuring, processing, negotiating, and closing investments.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills, innovative capacity, and ability to link policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver solutions at a country level via the Cascade approach.
• Ability to engage with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects/programs/initiatives.

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.