Associate Operations Officer - Country Operations Job #: req34418 Organization: IFC Sector: Operations Grade: GF Term Duration:ย 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Cotonou,Benin Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French Closing Date: 10/7/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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 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, visitย www.ifc.org.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Overallโข To support the Country Manager and Country Head in overseeing IFCโs activities in Benin.โข Work with the Country Manager and Country Head to oversee implementation of IFCโs strategy in the country including preparation of business plan updates.โข Support the preparation of World Bank Group strategy documents including Country Strategies, Country Private Sector Diagnostics, and Country Partnership Frameworks etc.
Business Developmentโข Develop and maintain a good understanding of the country and monitor key economic and political issues.โข Work with investment, advisory, upstream, and relevant WBG teams to roll out the IFC 3.0 strategy and develop the project pipeline.โข Build and maintain strong high-level relationships with the private sector, relevant government officials, key development partners, and WBG colleagues to support business development and portfolio management.โข Participate in client selection and help ensure that IFC is working with appropriate sponsors.โข Assist in project structuring and implementation using local market intelligence.โข Track the projects pipeline and assist in moving transactions forward.โข Help manage development partner relations to support fundraising for advisory projects.โข Track and oversee the preparation of visiting missions/trips to the country.โข Contribute to the preparation of board papers and other project documents as required.
Portfolio Management
โข Develop a good understanding of IFCโs portfolio in the country, assist project teams maintaining good relationships with existing clients, and help to resolve any issues that may arise.
Briefsโข Prepare/coordinate preparation of high-quality briefs for WBG senior management.
Representationโข Provide visibility for IFC through organizing/participating in high profile events (high-level visits, seminars, and conferences).โข Ensure internal and external requests are addressed.โข Act on behalf of the Country Manager and/or Country Head as needed.
Selection Criteria
โข Masterโs degree, preferably in finance, business administration, management, economics, or a similar field.โข 5+ years of solid experience, preferably in areas such as investment or commercial banking, public-private partnerships, or operational experience in an investment and/or advisory role.โข Experience and/or a strong interest in Africa is required, and experience in the West Africa region is an added advantage.โข Ability to assess the viability of business opportunities and risks.โข Ability to think creatively about potential investment opportunities, and to use business development skills to translate such opportunities into bankable projects.ย โข Strong analytical, finance, financial modeling, credit, and transaction structuring skills is an advantage.โข Good understanding of IFCโs investment and advisory business lines, their products, how they complement each other, and how they may be leveraged to match the long-term needs of clients and open new markets.โข Track record in developing and maintaining strong high-level relationships in the private sector, government, and development institutions.โข Team player with strong leadership and influencing skills, and track record in working in a matrix structure.โข Strong client service orientation and an ability to resolve challenging issues.โข Excellent critical thinking, analytical and presentation skills, and ability to work with or supervise the use of data utilizing standard office software Excel, Word, PowerPoint.โข Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English are required.ย
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 theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.