Senior Industry Specialist – TMT

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.

IFC is a leader in the Telecoms, Media, and Technology (TMT) sector in emerging markets. Since 2010, IFC has committed and mobilized over $16 billion for TMT projects. We support mobile network operators, particularly those in challenging and less-developed markets where the digital divide is particularly pronounced. We also finance digital infrastructure with a focus on shared infrastructure models such as carrier-neutral, open-access broadband networks, independent tower operators, and data centers. These shared infrastructure models are examples of the most cost-effective, competition-enabling and environmentally conscious solutions to the challenge of providing high-quality, affordable connectivity, a foundation of the digital economy. More recently, we have also expanded our focus into emerging digital technologies - such as AI, satellites, and energy solutions - and media. Potential investments are made across the capital structure via equity, mezzanine or debt instruments.

IFC’s Global TMT unit (CNGTT) is based in Washington, D.C. and provides TMT sector leadership and expertise across IFC’s global network. CNGTT is recruiting a Senior Industry Specialist to support the continued growth and innovation of IFC’s TMT business by playing a lead role in the technical and operational assessment of investment and strategic opportunities and the furthering of IFC’s expertise in the sector. The Senior Industry Specialist, to be based in Washington DC, Paris, or Dubai, will be an integral member of the Global TMT team and work closely with regional infrastructure teams, supporting business development, project assessment, portfolio supervision, and strategic initiatives across the TMT value chain. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive technical and market experience, especially with the private sector and preferably across both developed and emerging markets, and sound business judgment, and be able to work in multidisciplinary teams by providing expert opinions on the technical, commercial and regulatory aspects of investment, advisory, and strategic opportunities. The position will have a global focus and involve regular travel.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Investment Processing:
•  Working closely with investment teams and clients, provide technical and business input at all stages of the project cycle from business development, screening, appraisal, and processing to portfolio supervision, with the aim of supporting sound, impactful, and well-performing investments. 
•  Project Screening - Support investment teams in identifying and early screening of clients and investment projects, laying out strengths, opportunities, concerns, and areas for further assessment. 
•  Appraisal - Participate in project appraisals for detailed technical and commercial due diligence of investment projects, including review of market, sponsor capabilities, technologies, suppliers and contractors, contractual arrangements, project cost, financial projections, climate considerations, and cybersecurity and supply chain risks. Produce clear, comprehensive, and independent appraisal reports.
•  Portfolio – Participate in portfolio supervision, including site visits as necessary, to help assess technical and business performance, project implementation progress, market and regulatory developments and other factors impacting project success. Help assess potential issues and weaknesses and assist in resolving operational concerns, with constructive engagement.
•  Advisory – Help design, evaluate and implement advisory engagements with clients, sharing in-house expertise and mobilizing external consultant support.  
•  Liaise with IFC current and prospective clients, consultants, co-investors, technology providers, and contractors; and 
•  Hire and supervise consultants and consulting firms to conduct market and technical studies, project analyses, and other support services, as required.

Strategy, Business Development and Knowledge Products:
•  Contribute substantively to market creation, business development, and IFC / World Bank Group strategic initiatives.
•  Assess, identify and opine on industry opportunities, trends, issues and challenges.
•  Lead the development of targeted knowledge products to disseminate internally and externally.
•  Grow IFC business in TMT by providing sector expertise for innovation and business development activities and pitching to potential clients.
•  Contribute to sector and country strategy development, market assessments, and identifying market potential and market creation activities.
•  Work closely with colleagues from other IFC practices and across the World Bank Group to lead initiatives, identify synergies, and harness opportunities.
•  Participate in developing and implementing IFC’s overall sector strategy in TMT.
•  Mentor and develop junior staff.