Senior Country Officer

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 seeking a Senior Country Officer to promote and coordinate IFC’s activities in Malaysia. The role involves close interaction with the government, private sector, and partner organizations.  We are looking for a self-driven, independent professional with exceptional relationship-building skills and a passion for business development.  The Senior Country Officer will assist with IFC’s program oversight and report to the WBG Country Manager, Malaysia.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Senior Country Officer will be responsible for developing and managing strategic relationships with government and private sector partners, with the objective to develop a strong pipeline of advisory and investment opportunities for IFC. 

• Support the WBG Country Manager, Malaysia, with implementation of IFC’s strategy, business plan updates, Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCDs), Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs), Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs) and Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), focusing on increasing IFC’s investment portfolio in Malaysia.
• Proactively engage with clients and stakeholders with a focus on demonstrating and delivering IFC’s value-add, optimizing risk-return profile and development impact of IFC’s investments as well as exploring future business opportunities.
• Cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders in Malaysia. Participate in the creation of business development mapping and client engagement plans for IFC’s strategic clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Industry Departments, IBRD Practice Groups and MIGA team to originate, process and manage a pipeline of investments, and support proactive and strategic portfolio management, to meet IFC’s objectives.
• Provide business intelligence to investment teams to enable them to identify integrity issues, devise appropriate investment structuring, and inform them adequately in the management of portfolio projects.  Reviews the IDD form for projects in the country.
• Keep abreast of macroeconomic developments that can impact IFC’s activities in Malaysia and provide regular inputs to regional and industry teams. Gather market intelligence, and analyze strategically important portfolio trends, and emerging risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate closely with global colleagues, and social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our client’s businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
• Support WBG thought leadership and knowledge sharing activities with government partners and clients on strategic themes aligned with IFC’s strategy.
• Organize and attend events and make presentations about IFC at relevant meetings and conferences to profile IFC in Malaysia.
• The Senior Country Officer will also support the WBG Country Manager, Malaysia to facilitate and coordinate operations and IFC physical assets in Malaysia.
• When required, act as delegated official in the absence of the WBG Country Manager, Malaysia.
• Support visits from WBG senior Management, including co-ordination of meeting agenda and preparation of briefing materials.
• Mentor and coach more junior team members and help provide leadership in actively managing the portfolio and client relationships.
• Assist with the smooth running and maintenance of IFC’s physical office (including as required renovations thereto) to allow for continued program delivery.
• Advise Country Manager of any changes in policy that may affect IFC’s status in Malaysia, or impact on the well-being of IFC staff.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience in investment services and financing activities; Proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments across sectors.
• Demonstrated network and proven business development and client relationship skills and ability to interact directly with senior management (chairman / CEO) of clients in Malaysia required.
• Relevant networks and contacts in national and local government in Malaysia desired.
• Knowledge and understanding of IFC or a comparable development financial institution an advantage.
• Deep understanding of Malaysia’s business, economic and political context.
• Demonstrated business acumen with ability to identify and position investment opportunities.
• Ability to tap into and leverage resources with expertise in sectors and industries, including risks, market dynamics, and regulatory structures. Able to read and anticipate shifts in market trends and the implications for IFC’s current and future business.
• Strong strategic mindset with ability to identify and promote projects and programs, internally to a range of business units and externally to a diverse set of stakeholders, that will amplify IFC’s impact over the medium term.
• Capacity to lead negotiations that find common interests upon which to build and result in viable agreements among clients and different stakeholders who initially had conflicting agendas. Ability to offer alternative solutions to capitalize on opportunities and overcome impasses.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills and ability to lead diverse teams and deliver high-quality products.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.  Ability to speak Bahasa Melayu is preferred.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=30141&site=1