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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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.

The Creating Markets Advisory (CMA) Unit of IFC works in close collaboration with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to effectively unlock private sector potentials as well as create markets and opportunities through the realization of reforms.    

IFC’s CMA Unit in Ethiopia/Addis Ababa is currently implementing an Investment Climate Reform Advisory Program which is designed to strengthen Ethiopia's capacity to create an enabling environment for private sector development. The Advisory program aims to do this by generating evidence and benchmarks for reform identification and advocacy as well as through hands-on capacity building and implementation support among relevant government institutions. 

IFC is currently implementing Phase II of Ethiopia’s Investment Climate Reform Advisory Program covering components such as Trade Logistics and Facilitation, Subnational Investment Climate, Investment Policy and Promotion, Doing Business Reform and Tourism Sector Competitiveness.    

IFC is recruiting a Private Sector Specialist, as an Extended Term Consultant, who can lead multiple ongoing projects, support new business development efforts and manage stakeholder engagements in the area of investment climate improvement and market creation.

Duties And Responsibilities:

Program management  

The candidate will be Task Team Leader (TTL) for multiple investment climate projects including Trade Logistics and Facilitation as well as Subnational Investment Climate Improvement. In particular, the candidate will:   

Lead effective implementation of the above-stated projects on the ground with guidance and supervision from CMA management and IFC Country Office;

Lead client engagement and relationship management on the ground to ensure high client satisfaction and IFC relevance with ongoing advisory engagements;

Effectively coordinate and collaborate with global product specialists and experts for high-quality output and outcomes;

Form and manage the successful team on the ground for the smooth operation of project activities including selection and recruitment of STCs, firms etc;

Regularly report on project progress to management, donors and other stakeholders – deliver timely and high-quality project supervision reports every six months and completion reports at the end of the project timeline;

Work with the results measurement team to ensure project progress, reforms and lessons are captured in a timely manner;

Lead mid-term and end-line impact evaluations in collaboration with the results measurement team and leveraging independent evaluators, as needed; 

Work with the financial management team to ensure the project budget is updated and well-managed; 

Constantly scan the investment climate and reform opportunities in the country and beyond to allow the development of new engagements and optimize opportunities on existing work.

Co-lead the development of any new CMA advisory program as per IFC country strategy.   

Relationship management 

The candidate is expected to lead stakeholder engagements and coordination in the areas of investment climate reforms and represent CMA Unit as well as the broader IFC on the ground. In particular, the candidate will:   

Manage donor relationship on the ground, representing CMA Unit, including the Multi-donor Initiative platform and beyond;  

Collaborate with various teams in IFC including industry, upstream and investment teams for optimization of business enabling environment reforms impact and CMA’s offering; 

Lead collaborations with relevant engagements of the WB. This includes, for example, collaborating in the identification of Investment Climate-related prior actions for DPOs and supporting their implementation;

Create and manage relationships with broader stakeholder groups, both public and private for an improved business environment and increased visibility of IFC offerings. 

World Bank Group Core Competencies 

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.

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

Job requirements

• Master’s degree in business law, development policy, economics, public policy or related field

• 10 years of work experience, preferably in investment climate improvement, private sector development, economic reform advocacy and related areas;

• Proven project management experience with sound stakeholder engagement capabilities; 

• Good understanding of private sector issues and public sector policy in Ethiopia and in Horn Africa; 

• Fluency in English and Amharic. Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.

• Proven planning, organizational and leadership skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.

• Ability to work independently on complex problems around private sector development projects design and implementation, consistently applying creativity and independent judgment

• Strong teamwork, flexibility, and adaptability, and ability to successfully navigate complex issues and challenges in a multi-stakeholder, multi-cultural environment

• Exceptional ability to operate under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.

• Capacity to take leadership and self-initiatives for the successful realization of program.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK