(Senior) Industry Specialist - Mining Engineer/Metallurgist

Description

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 WBG Infrastructure Vice Presidency is responsible for getting the right public and private sector solutions to our operational teams and to our clients, and to produce scalable impact.  Its mandate is to deliver knowledge for impact to enable and support the WBG to achieve its goals in support of our mission and specifically: providing guidance on creating more and better jobs; supporting foundational infrastructure and human capital, policy environment, and private sector mobilization; focusing on agribusiness, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism; and support and accelerate specific targets such as M300, Health 1.5bn, and SP 500. The VPU’s objectives in driving outcomes include replicating and scaling effective solutions, enhancing thought leadership and innovation, and delivering timely knowledge to client teams.

The Knowledge Bank’s Minerals & Metals Solutions and Impact team is responsible for ensuring that the right mix of best practice, investment and advisory solutions are made available to our clients and WBG operational teams in the Minerals & Metals sectors. To support the growth of this business, we are seeking an experienced candidate with a solid technical background and sound business judgment for the position.

The (Senior) Industry Specialist (Mining Engineer/Metallurgist) will contribute to the strategic planning and execution of IFC's involvement in the Minerals & Metals sector and its sustainable development strategy. The role will involve fully participating in new business development, investment appraisal and portfolio supervision activities, keeping updated with latest industry and market trends, and producing research articles related to the industry. As a (Senior) Industry Specialist in the Minerals & Metals team, the individual will play an important role in helping IFC identify investment opportunities, meet client needs, and manage assets, while promoting positive and sustainable development outcomes. 
The position will be based in Washington, DC and will report to the Director/Manager for Minerals & Metals Strategic Themes & PCM, Infrastructure 

Duties and Accountabilities:

The successful candidate will work closely with the Minerals & Metals team in coordination with the Principal Industry Specialist:
•  As a member of multi-disciplinary teams, the successful candidate will look for, screen, appraise, and supervise metals and mining projects in the exploration, development, operation and expansion stages.
•  Work with the Minerals & Metals team, to develop business strategies including target commodities (e.g., bulk commodities, base metals), regions and clients, as well as potential midstream and downstream opportunities in the value chain (such as smelters).  
•  Participate in business development to build a strong pipeline of investment opportunities including leveraging networks and helping to build client relationships.
•  Assess the technical and commercial merits of Minerals & Metals projects, as well as the quality of potential investee management and technical teams, to assist in the early-stage screening and detailed due diligence of investment proposals.
•  Help recruit and supervise Lenders' Independent Engineering firms to support investment decisions, including drafting terms of reference and review reports produced by them.
•  Assist in the Minerals & Metals portfolio management, through monitoring and supervision of projects which IFC finances including periodic site visits and regular review of project progress.
•  Work with investment colleagues to ensure technical risks are captured in financial models, including reviewing commodity price projections and markets.
•  Work with other specialists, e.g. environmental and social development specialists, to ensure technical risks are captured in their respective disciplines.
•  Work with teams and specialists on climate mitigation solutions, including adaptation and climate-resilient operations, support resource efficiency efforts in mining operations.
•  Contribute to knowledge management to support the Minerals & Metals team including commodity analysis and technical presentations, compile and disseminate relevant sector knowledge.

Selection Criteria

•  Graduate degree in engineering or metallurgy (or related discipline) with emphasis on mining, mineral processing, smelting and refining.
•  Broad experience (10+ years minimum) in the metals and mining and metallurgical industry combining operations and project development, with a deep understanding of the interface between technology, operations management, technical parameters, and financial viability of mineral and metallurgy projects.
•  Expertise in some of the following areas: ore resources/reserves, mining techniques, mine planning, mineral processing, midstream and downstream operations such as smelting and refining, project development, environmental and social considerations, cost estimation (capital and operating), project engineering and construction, feasibility studies, competitive positioning and benchmarking, and markets for metals and industrial minerals.
•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English; fluency in one or more of other major languages is a plus.
•  Computer literacy is required.
•  Prior experience in working for a bank / investment fund in appraising metals and mining investments is a plus.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.