Senior Industry Specialist - Retail Job #: req34292 Organization: IFC Sector: Investment Grade: GG Term Duration:ย 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/29/2025 (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, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC is the largest investor in emerging markets private equity and venture capital (PE & VC) funds, with over US$9 billion committed across a portfolio of 400+ funds which in turn have 5000+ underlying portfolio companies. The large majority of these funds are managed out of the Private Equity Funds division (CSFPE) within the Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds Department (CSF). CSFPE is seeking a Senior Portfolio Officer to expand its active portfolio and investment support team. This global team has a broad range of responsibilities related to ensuring the agile and responsive management and administration of the private equity funds portfolio. This team is the nexus between the external face of the PE funds team, and the back-end processes, IT systems, accounting booking, and financial reporting, that provide the internal foundation for portfolio management, and a major area of focus for the team is the introduction and enhancement of tools, technologies, and processes that improve efficiency and reduce operational risk for IFCโs funds portfolio.
IFCโs Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) Department is looking to recruit a Senior Retail Sector Specialist with considerable practical experience in developed and emerging markets in the retail sector. Since 1956, IFC has committed close to $6.3 bn in 160 projects in about 35 countries in space. The current retail investment portfolio comprises investments in Food Retail, Apparel and Sports Retail, FMCG Distribution, DIYs, Consumer Durables, Automotive Distribution, Leasing and Rental, as well as in Electronics and E-commerce.
The Retail Sector Specialist plays a key role in helping IFC to evaluate project investments, identifying areas of advisory value-add, supporting innovation and strategy. The successful candidate is expected to have rich strategic and operational experience in senior management positions in the retail sector, preferably in emerging markets, have sound business judgment, strong financial skills and be able to work in investment teams by providing expert opinion on the technical and operational aspects of investment proposals from across our global network. The selected candidate will be based in Washington DC and will work under the oversight of the Global Sector Manager. The position will have a global focus and ability to undertake regular lengthy travel commitments is expected.
Duties and Accountabilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
โข Participate in business origination activities, build client networks and maintain client relationships;
โข Appraise and assess the technical and commercial feasibility of potential projects and companies that are seeking an investment from IFC (including analysis of key areas such as business model, market, management, and operations);
โข Participate in portfolio management of existing projects while providing value-addition to our clients by providing expert advice to clients on key aspects of their operations and performance;
โข Support the investment officers in developing comprehensive financial projections for all investment cases;
โข Support the development and implementation of IFCโs Retail sector strategy both globally and regionally;
โข Contribute to the development and internal and external dissemination of information, knowledge and benchmarking relevant to the retail sector;
โข Engage and work with colleagues from across the World Bank Group.
โข Extract lessons learned from IFC investment projects and develop best practices to apply on future projects;
โข Develop and support knowledge management and thought leadership;
โข Keep updated on and share as relevant with the team sectoral and industry news, trends and related developments;
โข Hire and supervise consultants where needed to support IFCโs work in the retail sector.ย
Selection Criteria
โข University degree, preferably a graduate level education in a relevant area;ย ย
โข 20+ yearsโ total experience, including experience managing a country operation for an international retailer, or a large regional player. Preference will be given to candidates that have managed at the COO or CEO level. In-depth knowledge of the retail food sector is a prerequisite, non-food retail knowledge is a plus.
โข Good understanding of the e-commerce aspects of the business. Deep understanding of e-commerce trends and competitive landscapes. Ability to benchmark business models, evaluate scalability, and assess risks specific to digital retail platforms.
โข Experience in and knowledge of emerging trends in the sector and new business models such as omnichannel retail, digitally native brands or other online models, with an understanding of digital marketing, customer acquisition will be a plus.
โข Ability to work across different geographies, cultures and organizations and on multiple projects simultaneously is required; Significant international exposure, including experience of working in developing countries, will be a key advantage.
โข Flexible to meet the demanding global travel requirements of the job;
โข Excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of another major business language is an advantage;
โข A strong sense of curiosity and the ability to work both in teams and independently would be strong attributes;
โข Position requires sound business judgment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of retail projects and make recommendations to guide investment decisions;
โข Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in detailed written reports (for example when assessing and appraising potential investment projects)ย
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.