The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seeking a Senior Investment Officer (SIO) or Investment Officer (IO) to join its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Transaction Advisory team in Dakar, Senegal. The role involves developing IFC's presence in the PPP business across 16 countries in Western Africa, advising governments on infrastructure transactions, and engaging in business development. The successful candidate will manage project preparation, lead negotiations, and foster relationships with government clients and investors. This position requires strong analytical skills, financial modeling expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams.
Candidate Requirements:
Masters in Business Administration, Finance or Economics
8+ years of relevant experience for IO, 12+ years for SIO
Experience in PPP transaction advisory, investment banking, or project finance
Knowledge of infrastructure sector trends, preferably in Africa
Business development and client relationship skills
Proven track record in structuring and executing infrastructure transactions
Strong grasp of legal documentation related to PPP projects
Ability to manage teams in multiple transactions
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
Excellent communication skills in English and French
Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.
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 more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit: https://www.ifc.org
IFC’s Transaction Advisory Services Department (CPNPA) is housed in the IFC Cross-Cutting Solutions Vice Presidency (CCSVPU). CPNPA offers transaction advisory services to governments to assist them in partnering with the private sector in sustainable long-term infrastructure projects through designing and structuring PPP transactions able to provide high-quality, affordable, and efficient public and social services.
The main sectors of activity are electricity, water, transportation, telecommunications, and social services, such as health and education. CPNPA also collaborates closely with the Corporate Finance Services Department (CFS) which offers three key main products: (1) M&A Advisory: advising on buy-side / sell-side transactions; (2) Equity Mobilization Program (EMP): supporting third-party equity mobilization alongside IFC investment; (3) Asset monetization involving listed or listing public entities.
CPNPA mobilized $4.7B of private investment in FY24, representing about 25% of the IFC’s total core mobilization. Drawing on over 30 years of experience and with over 120 staff across the globe, CPNPA currently manages over 100 active client engagements. Africa has 30 staff distributed in five regional hubs located in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Abidjan, Cairo, and Abuja. The CPNPA department is expected to continue playing a leading role in mobilizing private capital on behalf of the WBG, the FY25 target being fixed at $5.9B.
PPP Transaction Advisory is seeking a Investment Officer (IO)/ Senior Investment Officer (SIO) with significant market and industry experience to integrate the Western Africa CPNPA team based in Dakar, Senegal, with the main objective of developing the presence of IFC in PPP business in the Western Africa sub-region that includes 16 countries: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cape Vert, Mauritania, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Gambia, Mali, Guinee, Chad, Guinee-Bissau, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Niger.
The PPP team focuses on advising governments and government entities on the following types of transactions across all infrastructure sectors: • Public-Private Partnerships e.g. BOT type concessions. • Restructuring and privatization of state-owned enterprises. • Corporate Finance type activities (equity raising, M&A, pre-IPO support).
The IO/ SIO will be strongly engaged in business development and execution of mandates. Both origination activities and the preparation work of complex PPP transactions may require close collaboration within the World Bank Group to ensure consistency with the countries’ strategy, access to expertise in institutional and sector reforms, and the development of legal and regulatory frameworks (tariff structures, and others), as may be necessary. The work of the IO/SIO will be carried out under the supervision of and in close collaboration with the Western Africa Hub Leader. Further to the activities developed in the Western Africa region, the IO/ SIO could also be required to work across the broader Africa region, depending on business needs.
The position is based in Dakar, Senegal and the IO/ SIO will report to the Western Africa Hub Leader based in Abidjan.
The IO/SIO’s work will involve business development and the implementation of advisory mandates of a variety of PPP types. These activities require, among others, strong interactions with government clients aimed at signing new mandates and execution of the same. Duties will include, but will not be limited to:
• Actively contribute to the business targets for the Hub, in terms of increase of pipeline of projects, closings and yearly mobilization targets.
• Develop client relationships and project leads in the Western Africa region and carry marketing activities with out of the box thinking in assigned countries/strategic infrastructure sectors.
• In developing marketing activities, the IO/SIO will collaborate with other WB/IFC teams to identify opportunities based on country strategies and market creation potential.
• Lead in the negotiation of the mandates with clients and ensure supervision of the preparation of commercial proposals, etc.
• When appropriate, undertake project scoping to assess the feasibility of potential projects.
• Prepare/review memos and documentation for internal approval and consultant procurement processes and manage the projects’ budget.
• Foster strong relationships with World Bank Group counterparts to identify collaboration opportunities while enhancing business delivery at the country level.
• Understand the political, legal, and regulatory impediments permitting private sector participation in the working countries and work closely with the other parts of the WBG to overcome these.
• Lead the day-to-day management of project preparation, leading teams working on sell-side PPP mandates, including managing legal, technical, environmental, and other consultants; review the consultants’ outputs, reports, analysis, financial models, etc.
• Demonstrate mastery of financial modeling and project finance related analyses to assess bankability of potential projects and be able to supervise teams / juniors undertake financial analyses to support structuring of projects.
• Develop transaction structure options for the PPP projects being implemented providing innovative and practical solutions to address the client’s problems, while ensuring the Projects’ bankability and long-term sustainability. Present and negotiate the proposed project structure with the Client after obtaining IFC approval.
• Assist in the organization and management of the tendering process of projects, including marketing of projects, participating in road shows, and preparation of Prequalification and Request for Proposals documents. Assist during the selection and project award processes and final negotiation of project agreements leading to deal closing. Strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in transactions is paramount.
• Participate/lead meetings with government clients and investors.
• In the preparation of the Projects, coordinate closely with other parts of IFC including environmental, social, legal, or other advice, and if appropriate, investment and World Bank colleagues to provide bespoke solutions to ensure Projects achieve expected sustainable development impact.
• Develop, coach, motivate, and manage junior members of the team.
• As appropriate, participate in the development and implementation of upstream activities in line with IFC 2030 to create, deepen, and expand markets with the regional and global teams from across IFC and the WBG.
• As appropriate, contribute to the elaboration of the sub-regional strategy.
• Support Corporate Finance mandates, both in terms of origination and execution that may include the preparation and delivery of pitch presentations to companies, reviewing and advising on corporate structure, balance sheet structure, valuation, prospectus review, corporate governance, etc.
• As requested, participate in the preparation of the regional strategy for the PPP advisory business, with a focus on strategic priorities, mobilization of private investment, and development of climate-friendly and high-impact projects.
• Support knowledge management by helping to disseminate PPP and CFS knowledge and experience and,
• Assist in other PPP projects across the larger region or strategy-related activities, as the need may arise
Selection Criteria
• Masters in Business Administration, Finance or Economics or similar relevant education.
• Minimum of 8+ years for the IO position and minimum of 12 years for the SIO position of relevant experience in PPP transaction advisory on buy and/or sell side, investment banking, project finance or corporate finance with a leading institution. PPP transaction advisory work experience in the region is desirable.
• 4-5 years of experience of sell//buy-side M&A advisory is a plus;
• Knowledge of overall infrastructure sector trends and experience in infrastructure transactions/PPPs preferably in Africa;
• Business development and client relationship skills with ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively;
• Proven track-record in originating, advising, structuring, and executing infrastructure transactions
• Strong grasp of legal documentation including risk allocation related to PPP projects including concessions and privatizations, ensuring prudent and sustainable risk sharing among all parties.
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business and development partners and other key stakeholders and ability to interact directly and independently with senior government officials, and potential investors. Strong existing relationships with government officials and investors in the infrastructure space in Western Africa is preferred;
• Ability to manage teams in multiple transactions
• Strong analytical and financial modeling/structuring skills and demonstrated ability to lead a variety of transaction advisory, including debt, and equity transactions;
• Proactively address and resolve client challenges with a solution-focused approach, effectively engaging decision-makers when necessary
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently (written and oral);
• Ability to operate in large, culturally diverse, and geographically dispersed teams;
• Proven experience building productive relationships and fostering open communication across diverse teams and organizations to share knowledge and resources.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated record of accomplishment in leading, motivating and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Strong commitment to project success, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, while overcoming obstacles.
• Building organizational capacity through system and process improvements
• Ability to work under pressure, travel on short notice and frequently, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives;
• Highly motivated, committed to the highest ethical standards, and aligned with the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy, and values, and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, mastery of the French language (oral and written) is required, Portuguese is a plus.
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.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
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Summary by Impactpool
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seeking a Senior Investment Officer (SIO) or Investment Officer (IO) to join its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Transaction Advisory team in Dakar, Senegal. The role involves developing IFC's presence in the PPP business across 16 countries in Western Africa, advising governments on infrastructure transactions, and engaging in business development. The successful candidate will manage project preparation, lead negotiations, and foster relationships with government clients and investors. This position requires strong analytical skills, financial modeling expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams.
Candidate Requirements:
Masters in Business Administration, Finance or Economics
8+ years of relevant experience for IO, 12+ years for SIO
Experience in PPP transaction advisory, investment banking, or project finance
Knowledge of infrastructure sector trends, preferably in Africa
Business development and client relationship skills
Proven track record in structuring and executing infrastructure transactions
Strong grasp of legal documentation related to PPP projects
Ability to manage teams in multiple transactions
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
Excellent communication skills in English and French
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