Senior Industry Specialist, Agri-Finance

The World Bank Group

288d

About The Position

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. The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC's overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Agri-Finance, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC's clients through its global network. Within FIG - Non-Banking and Alternative Finance Department, the Initiatives, New Products and Business Support unit aims to deepen FIG's reach across the real sector through the implementation of new products as well as strategic initiatives in partnership with the two other major industry groups: Infrastructure and Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS). FIG is seeking a Senior Industry Specialist focused on Agri-Finance with significant market and industry experience in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), Agricultural Finance (AgF) and AgTech, and act as the FIG anchor to develop its Agri-Finance related business and investments and support FIG's clients to finance more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural practices as well as support smaller players along the agribusiness value chain. The Senior Industry Specialist will be the primary FIG IO to support both FIG and MAS in identifying new investment opportunities to support lending to farmers through traditional and non-traditional financial sector entities. The position will be based in Washington, DC.

Requirements

• Masters' degree or equivalent professional qualification in finance or business and a minimum of 8-10 years of relevant work experience, with a proven track record of investments in agribusiness and market development, rural finance, and climate smart agriculture finance in emerging markets.
• Proven experience sourcing Agri-finance transactions with strong track record in developing client relationships and processing quality investments.
• Good network of financial intermediaries and digital players as well as deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of agrifood systems and climate smart agri solutions in emerging markets.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, challenge the status quo and make sound decisions to build IFC business.
• Excellent business judgment and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues and present creative, practical solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages (French or Spanish) is highly desirable.
• Unquestionable integrity, strong work ethic and commitment to diversity.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives.
• Ensure quality control of work products and the efficient and effective use of resources.
• Good 'deal sense' backed by exceptional financial and credit skills and sound business judgment with demonstrated ability to structure a variety of sophisticated financial instruments.
• Lead by example and serve a strong mentor with a proven track record of supervising and motivating staff across different locations.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Recognized as a team player, leader, strategic thinker and thought leader.
• Ability to represent IFC externally and to develop/manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC's mission, strategy and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and implementation of a strategy to double Agri-finance provided to Financial Intermediaries (FIs) by 2030 through CSA, AgF and AgTech with a specific focus on developing new tools and channels to scale up investments.
• Possess a deep and existing Agri-Finance network of clients to originate new business and assess how IFC's existing network of banks and NBFIs can be leveraged for new business origination.
• Develop and disseminate a comprehensive business plan for IFC to deepen its role in the Agri-finance space and support FIs to promote increased lending in the agri space.
• Support FIG and MAS in identifying new opportunities to support lending to farmers through FIs and offtakers, including supply chain platforms and new technologies in farming that support food security and job creation.
• Coordinate across CFN and CFB units including financial inclusion, climate, gender, etc.
• Prepare and execute a fundraising strategy with donors and other partners to drive new business opportunities, including funding for performance-based incentives, capacity building, and de-risking tools, among other.
• Help establish and maintain IFC's sector leadership through innovation, including the development and rollout of new business lines/products, keeping with evolving trends.
• Work with other industry departments to identify AgTech and FinTech players with cutting-edge solutions to finance stakeholders across the Agri value chain and develop new partnerships with existing Infrastructure and MAS clients to amplify IFC's value addition.
• Catalyze a joint IFC/WB/MIGA Community of Practice on CSA and AgF through FIs, including IFC Regional FIG and MAS teams as well as WB Ag and FCI GPs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan
• Medical, life and disability insurance
• Paid leave, including parental leave
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Master's degree