(Chief) Principal Investment Officer

World Bank Group • Washington, DC

2d

About The Position

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: https://www.ifc.org. The Knowledge Bank’s Urban, Subnational & Land Solutions and Impact team is responsible for ensuring that the right mix of best practice, investment and advisory solutions are made available to public and private sector clients and WBG operational teams in the Urban and Land sectors. The team is looking to recruit a Principal Investment Officer (PIO) or Chief Investment Officer (CIO) covering the waste sector. The PIO/CIO will lead the Knowledge Bank input in as the focal investment specialist providing guidance to management and investment teams globally in business development, project structuring, execution and portfolio management. In addition, the PIO/CIO will play a key role in thought leadership, knowledge sharing and dissemination across the WBG, with an emphasis on curated knowledge to support business development, market creation, innovation, and risk management. He or she will take responsibility to ensure best practices from regional operations are shared and where possible replicated in other regions. The PIO/CIO will also lead the development of advisory products which will help teams on the ground in business development, client capacity building and client relationship management. The PIO/CIO will also manage relationships with select global clients. The PIO/CIO will leverage a small, dedicated team with direct people management responsibilities. The selected candidate will be based in Washington DC and will report to the Manager for Urban, Subnational & Land Solutions and Impact. The position will have a global focus and involve regular travel commitments.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of experience in project, public and/or corporate finance analysis. Experience in capital market transactions/sustainability finance would be a plus
• Master's degree in finance, economics, or relevant educational qualifications
• Significant investment and sector experience in municipal/environmental infrastructure
• Proven ability and interest in understanding and synthesizing municipal & environmental infrastructure sector dynamics, challenges, opportunities and active engagement in knowledge creation and dissemination
• Strong transaction experience in project development, origination, structuring, and portfolio management of infrastructure transactions in emerging markets
• Familiarity with multiple financial products ranging from project finance to quasi-equity and equity
• Established industry networks and ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government authorities, industry groups and experts
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and sound business judgment to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions
• Capacity to deal with conflicting, unpredictable priorities in highly responsive manner and deliver high quality work through peer leadership across regional/industry boundaries
• Willingness to engage with E&S counterparts directly to craft solutions that preserve IFC’s standards and cater to the unique needs of municipal and environmental counterparts, including those majority or fully owned by governments
• Collaborative work style, enjoys working with teams
• Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English; Familiarity with social media and willingness to explore all creative avenues to enhance IFC/team profile and establish/consolidate IFC’s branding. Public speaking will be an integral part of the role
• Highly motivated and proactive, committed to highest ethical standards
• Interest in the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values
• Experience of working in emerging economies and willingness and ability to travel extensively
• Fluent in English; other languages a plus

Responsibilities

• Taking on the challenging role of global sector investment lead in waste (and potentially other sub-sectors) and be the focal investment specialist providing guidance to management and investment teams globally in business development, project structuring, execution and portfolio management.
• Establish IFC’s image as the premier financier and thought leader in the waste sector
• Lead global business strategy development and implementation
• Be the client relationship manager for select global clients
• Contribute to thought leadership, knowledge sharing and dissemination across IFC, with an emphasis on knowledge to support business development, market creation, innovation, and risk management
• Work closely with the unit manager and senior colleagues, with other WBG units, and external stakeholders on municipal and environmental infrastructure sub-sector strategies, and implementation plans
• Actively monitor industry and market trends, participate in industry functions, and build sector relationships globally
• Lead a dedicated team of and be responsible for their deliverables, mentoring, coaching and career development.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees