(Senior) Industry Specialist - Strategy & Innovation Lead - Tourism, Retail & Property

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 www.ifc.org.

The Global Tourism, Retail and Property (TRP) team at IFC is responsible for delivering investment and advisory programs related to retail, hospitality, commercial and housing real estate players globally. Sustainability and Innovation are key pillars of the TRP team’s growth and value-addition strategy.  

The Global Tourism, Retail and Property (TRP) team is seeking an experienced (Senior) Strategy and Innovation Specialist to join its Washington, D.C. based team. The role will be central to driving innovation, developing new programmatic approaches, positioning the TRP work both internally and externally and help in building strategic partnerships that expand TRP’s value proposition. 

The incumbent will play a cross-cutting role, working closely with the sector manager in coordination with sector leads to identify emerging opportunities, design new investment and advisory offerings, advance and shape the TRP playbook, lead the team’s knowledge management and position TRP as a thought leader in areas of impact, innovation and growth in emerging markets. This is an exciting opportunity to join a proactive and energetic team operating in a fast-changing global environment. 

In addition, the position will actively support collaboration with global and regional staff across IFC, the World Bank (IBRD/IDA), and MIGA, ensuring alignment and synergies across the World Bank Group. 

Duties and Accountabilities

 The duties and accountabilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

Industry Expertise, Product Development and Innovation:

•  Lead the design and roll-out of innovative investment and advisory offerings and new program development. 
•  Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges that inform product and strategy development in close collaboration with the sector leads and specialists. 
•  Provide insights to strengthen TRP’s pipeline and portfolio through clear assessments and recommendations.
•  Lead deep dives and benchmarking exercises to capture best practices and ensure IFC remains at the forefront of innovation. 
•  Partner with colleagues across IFC to shape and advance TRP’s strategic roadmap, ensuring alignment with IFC’s broader priorities. 

Strategic Partnerships and Organizational Support

•  Build and manage relationships with global stakeholders, clients, and partners to expand TRP’s influence and support business development.
•  Represent TRP in contributing cross-cutting perspectives while complementing sector-specific initiatives.
•  Lead TRP’s thought leadership and communications agenda, producing knowledge products and positioning IFC as a leader in innovative and sustainable models. 
•  Monitor global developments, policies, and regulations, sharing insights that inform decision-making and strategy. 
•  Support organizational effectiveness by ensuring strong project management and helping the team manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.