Investment Officer Job #: req33607 Organization: IFC Sector: Investment Grade: GF Term Duration:ย 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Baghdad,Iraq Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Arabic Closing Date: 7/9/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
IFCโa member of the World Bank Groupโis 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 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.ย The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working โupstreamโ to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.
To support this strategy, IFC is seeking an Investment Officer to be based in Baghdad, Iraq. The selected candidate will focus on business development, origination, execution, and portfolio management in the Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services (MAS) sectors. This role requires an experienced investment professional with strong relationship management skills and a deep understanding of private sector development in Iraq.
Roles and Responsibilities:
-ย Support IFCโs business development efforts in Iraq by identifying and engaging with high-potential private sector clients and investment opportunities in the MAS sectors.-ย Develop and maintain a pipeline of investment opportunities, ensuring alignment with IFCโs strategic priorities.-ย Structure, negotiate, and execute investment transactions, including debt, equity, and blended finance solutions.-ย Conduct industry and market research to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for private sector investment in Iraq.-ย Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional stakeholders, including private sector firms, financial institutions, and government entities.-ย Conduct financial and risk analysis, develop financial models, and evaluate project feasibility.-ย Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including legal, environmental and social, treasury, insurance, and technical experts, to evaluate and process projects.-ย Support portfolio management activities by monitoring investment performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and implementing value-creation strategies for portfolio companies.-ย Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives by extracting lessons learned from past investments and disseminating best practices within IFC.-ย Represent IFC at industry events, conferences, and high-level meetings to promote IFCโs investment approach and objectives in Iraq.
Selection Criteria
-ย Masterโs degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field.-ย At least 5 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, development finance, or a related field, with a focus on originating, structuring, and executing investments.-ย Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, with a proven track record in evaluating investment opportunities.-ย Deep understanding of corporate and project finance, including debt and equity transactions.-ย Demonstrated ability to develop client relationships, negotiate investment agreements, and manage complex transactions.-ย Experience working in emerging markets, particularly in Iraq or the MENA region, is highly desirable.-ย Knowledge of MAS sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness, and services, is preferred.-ย Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior executives and government stakeholders.-ย Ability to work in a multicultural team environment and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.-ย Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in Arabic is strongly preferred.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of Urgency โ Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking โ Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability โ Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful 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.