Senior Adviser to the Vice President

Senior Adviser to the Vice President

Job #:

req34084

Organization:

IFC

Sector:

Operations

Grade:

GH

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:

International Recruitment

Location:

Nairobi,Kenya

Required Language(s):

English

Preferred Language(s):

French, Arabic, and/or Portuguese

Closing Date:

9/1/2025 (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. For more information, visit

IFC' Africa Vice-Presidency (CAF) has established a leading position promoting private sector investment in Africa. Over nearly six decades, IFC has invested more than $60 billion in African businesses and financial institutions, and our current portfolio exceeds $16 billion. We are a leading provider of advice to promote a sustainable private sector and mobilize capital from other investors who invest alongside IFC in critical sectors for Africa's future. 

The office of the Regional Vice President, Africa (CAFVP), is seeking to recruit a Senior Adviser to the Vice President, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The successful candidate will report to the Regional Vice President, Africa, and work as a core member of the Front Office team. The Senior Adviser serves as a thought partner and strategic coordinator to the Vice President, providing high-level advice, oversight, and execution support for regional strategic initiatives.  The role requires exceptional judgment, cross-sector knowledge, and the ability to engage with senior stakeholders to advance IFC's development and investment agenda for Africa.

 

 Duties & Accountabilities:

The position involves working closely with the Africa VPU's leadership team, as well as other teams across IFC, the World Bank and MIGA. The Senior Adviser's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 
• Advise the Vice President on strategic initiatives, new products and opportunities to maximize IFC's impact in the Africa region.
• Lead and coordinate the design and implementation of strategic initiatives that align with IFC's global strategy and Africa regional priorities, ensuring integration across industry, country, and advisory teams.
• Provide strategic insight based on market trends, policy shifts, and competitive intelligence to shape IFC's positioning in Africa.
• Identify and mitigate risks to the successful delivery of strategic initiatives, proposing adaptive strategies as needed.
• Support cross-cutting regional programs in areas such as private sector development, climate finance, job growth, financial inclusion, and gender equity.
• Support senior-level stakeholder engagement with governments, private sector leaders, development partners, and World Bank Group counterparts to advance strategic initiatives for the Africa region.
• Champion innovation and ensure effective internal communication and coordination to align efforts and accelerate delivery.  
• Distill complex analysis and prepare strategic notes and briefing materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and actionable recommendations for decision-making.
• Monitor and report on the implementation of regional strategic initiatives, including tracking progress against key performance indicators and impact metrics.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Public Policy or another relevant field.
• At least 15 years of private sector experience, with demonstrable expertise in private capital mobilization across Africa and strong knowledge of Africa's energy, mining, tourism, pharma, agriculture, financial, and creative industries sectors. 
• A track record of high performance within the WBG and evidence of direct support to the Front Offices of Vice Presidents or other WBG senior management. 
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, innovate new products, strengthen new markets and deliver results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proven knowledge and experience in cross-cutting themes, such as climate, gender or E&S, with evidence of results in sustainable finance, carbon markets, and low-carbon and climate-resilient business growth for Africa. 
• Ability to work across departmental/institutional boundaries and build collaborative relationships and effective partnerships across IFC and WBG.
• Experience with a range of WBG financial instruments, including guarantees and blended finance for mobilizing private capital in Africa. 
• Deep technical expertise in data analysis, AI tools, and modelling using quantitative methods. 
• Familiarity with the IFC 3.0 Strategy and IFC's strategic priorities for Africa.    
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
• Ability to work under recurrent tight deadlines, handle multiple demands, and undertake unplanned tasks that require rapid turnaround.
• Excellent communications skills including demonstrated writing skills.

NOTE: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

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.

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