Senior Industry Specialist – TMT

Senior Industry Specialist – TMT Job #: req33288 Organization: IFC Sector: Investment Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Paris,France Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish Closing Date: 6/13/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

IFC is a leader in the Telecoms, Media, and Technology (TMT) sector in emerging markets. Since 2010, IFC has committed and mobilized over $16 billion for TMT projects. We support mobile network operators, particularly those in challenging and less-developed markets where the digital divide is particularly pronounced. We also finance digital infrastructure with a focus on shared infrastructure models such as carrier-neutral, open-access broadband networks, independent tower operators, and data centers. These shared infrastructure models are examples of the most cost-effective, competition-enabling and environmentally conscious solutions to the challenge of providing high-quality, affordable connectivity, a foundation of the digital economy. More recently, we have also expanded our focus into emerging digital technologies - such as AI, satellites, and energy solutions - and media. Potential investments are made across the capital structure via equity, mezzanine or debt instruments.

IFC’s Global TMT unit (CNGTT) is based in Washington, D.C. and provides TMT sector leadership and expertise across IFC’s global network. CNGTT is recruiting a Senior Industry Specialist to support the continued growth and innovation of IFC’s TMT business by playing a lead role in the technical and operational assessment of investment and strategic opportunities and the furthering of IFC’s expertise in the sector. The Senior Industry Specialist, to be based in Washington DC, Paris, or Dubai, will be an integral member of the Global TMT team and work closely with regional infrastructure teams, supporting business development, project assessment, portfolio supervision, and strategic initiatives across the TMT value chain. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive technical and market experience, especially with the private sector and preferably across both developed and emerging markets, and sound business judgment, and be able to work in multidisciplinary teams by providing expert opinions on the technical, commercial and regulatory aspects of investment, advisory, and strategic opportunities. The position will have a global focus and involve regular travel.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Investment Processing:
•   Working closely with investment teams and clients, provide technical and business input at all stages of the project cycle from business development, screening, appraisal, and processing to portfolio supervision, with the aim of supporting sound, impactful, and well-performing investments. 
•   Project Screening - Support investment teams in identifying and early screening of clients and investment projects, laying out strengths, opportunities, concerns, and areas for further assessment. 
•   Appraisal - Participate in project appraisals for detailed technical and commercial due diligence of investment projects, including review of market, sponsor capabilities, technologies, suppliers and contractors, contractual arrangements, project cost, financial projections, climate considerations, and cybersecurity and supply chain risks. Produce clear, comprehensive, and independent appraisal reports.
•   Portfolio – Participate in portfolio supervision, including site visits as necessary, to help assess technical and business performance, project implementation progress, market and regulatory developments and other factors impacting project success. Help assess potential issues and weaknesses and assist in resolving operational concerns, with constructive engagement.
•   Advisory – Help design, evaluate and implement advisory engagements with clients, sharing in-house expertise and mobilizing external consultant support.  
•   Liaise with IFC current and prospective clients, consultants, co-investors, technology providers, and contractors; and 
•   Hire and supervise consultants and consulting firms to conduct market and technical studies, project analyses, and other support services, as required.

Strategy, Business Development and Knowledge Products:
•   Contribute substantively to market creation, business development, and IFC / World Bank Group strategic initiatives.
•   Assess, identify and opine on industry opportunities, trends, issues and challenges.
•   Lead the development of targeted knowledge products to disseminate internally and externally.
•   Grow IFC business in TMT by providing sector expertise for innovation and business development activities and pitching to potential clients.
•   Contribute to sector and country strategy development, market assessments, and identifying market potential and market creation activities.
•   Work closely with colleagues from other IFC practices and across the World Bank Group to lead initiatives, identify synergies, and harness opportunities.
•   Participate in developing and implementing IFC’s overall sector strategy in TMT.
•   Mentor and develop junior staff.

Selection Criteria

•   Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Telecommunications, Electrical or Network engineering or related field.
•   Extensive technical and commercial expertise in the Telecommunications sector with at least 15 years of operational experience.
•   In-depth experience in IFC’s core TMT sectors of mobile network operators, towers, broadband, and datacenters and solid understanding of emerging areas including media, small cells, satellites, AI-enabled networks, edge computing, and energy solutions. 
•   Deep understanding of technologies used and their applications including: radio, fixed networks, IP networks, signaling standards, IT architecture, NFV/SDN, electrical power, software development, civil engineering, 2G/3G/4G/5G, radio architecture xDSL/DOCSIS/GPON/FWA fixed access, carrier ethernet/DWDM long haul, OSS, BSS, datacenter and Cloud architectures.
•   Significant work experience in the private sector across a range of developed and emerging markets. Experience as lenders’ or sponsors’ engineer and/or consultancy background a plus.
•   Strong understanding of market dynamics and business models, project management and construction models, network and service technologies, operations, performance-based contracts, and economics.
•   Ability to evaluate capital and operational cost parameters for different technologies, with knowledge of industry benchmarks and best practices.
•   Experience with a broad range of responsibilities including: commercial feasibility and market studies, business plans, commercial bids, network and solution design, project management and procurement, supply contract management, project commissioning, telecommunications network and service operations, licensing, and tariffs.
•   Track record of working across organizational boundaries and interacting directly with senior private sector, industry, and government counterparts.
•   Extensive relationships in the TMT industry, including with project sponsors, technology providers, contractors, consultants, and industry associations.
•   Familiarity working with finance institutions and investment projects from a financing perspective.
•   Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English; additional languages skills in IFC’s markets of operation a plus.
•   Team player, sensitivity for working in a multicultural environment, passion for sustainable development.
•   Proven ability to provide guidance, supervision, professional development and quality control for junior team members and their work.
•   Willingness and ability to travel internationally.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – 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 the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.