Senior Country Officer

Responsibilities

The Senior Country Officer (SCO) for IFC India will play a pivotal role in advancing IFC's strategic objectives in India, overseeing multi-faceted stakeholder relationships, business development, program execution, and operational support aligned with the institution's development impact agenda. The SCO will serve as a critical interface between the IFC, Indian government stakeholders at multiple levels, regulatory bodies, the World Bank Group (WBG), and private sector partners. The Senior Country Officer will be a key member of the India Country Management Unit (CMU) and will collaborate closely with regional, industry, and global teams.

1. Stakeholder and Client Relationships

• Under the supervision of the PCO, maintain and deepen relationships with key government officials and state-level government entities.

• Lead efforts for obtaining government approvals related to investment services (IS) and advisory services (AS) for project clearances.

• Under the guidance of the PCO, participate in state and municipal level discussions to advance IFC's work at the subnational level, in close coordination with WBG counterparts.

• Expand government connections to facilitate high-level meetings, inclusion in key government forums, and access to priority ministries and subnational entities.

• With guidance from PCO, facilitate engagement with regulatory authorities such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

• Support CMU engagement to foster state-level engagement and build stronger links with subnational partners.

• Enhance IFC brand visibility by promoting its role, strategy, products, and value proposition across various audiences; proactively identify speaking opportunities for IFC staff.

• Seek opportunities for IFC to participate in government-led working groups and task forces, elevating IFC's voice in key regulatory and thematic discussions.

• Strengthening partnerships with the World Bank Country Office, fostering collaboration to advance WBG country goals and cross-industry cooperation.

2. IFC India Program

• Support the PCO to facilitate business development for investment and advisory projects, based on the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

• Support due diligence to safeguard IFC's reputation and mitigate risks.

• Develop and implement a strategy for south-south business opportunities, fostering engagements and supporting Indian companies' expansion into other geographies.

• Contribute to briefing materials for senior management, key meetings, and high-level visits.

• Actively participate in the creation and execution of IFC's Upstream, Investment, and Advisory projects for greater development impact.

3. Operational Support to the Country Office

• Oversee and contribute to office administration, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of IFC India offices.

• Participate in interview panels for India and the South Asia Region (SAR); support new staff onboarding and integration.

• Supervise staff to ensure effective office and facilities management, including government protocol and licensing matters.

• Ensure new staff are effectively onboarded and integrated into India offices.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in business, Economics or related field is a must.
• 12 to15 years of senior level professional experience with at least 8 years of relevant experience in banking, auditing, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment.
• Experience in investment transactions, with demonstrated success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing quality investments; Portfolio experience a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding of the assigned country including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework.
• Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve.
• Strong eye for business in identifying potential business partners; capacity to identify gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned countries by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business.
• Proven experience in government relations, and regulatory engagement within the financial or development sectors. Strong knowledge of Indian government structures, regulatory frameworks, and private sector landscape.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities in English; proficiency in local languages is an asset.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver to tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility.

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.

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