The IFC Young Professionals Program (IFC YPP) is the successor to the Global Transaction Team Program (GTT Program). The GTT Program has been IFC's flagship recruitment and rotation program for entry-level investment officers since 1998 and has made a strong contribution to attracting and retaining talented and diverse investment professionals. The program has been redesigned to better align to IFC's operational model, provide an attractive employer value proposition for participants, and foster the development of globally mobile leaders across IFC. As part of the redesign, the program will be significantly expanded and has been re-branded as the IFC Young Professionals Program (IFC YPP), with a mandate to recruit all entry-level Investment Officers across the corporation globally.
IFC’s Young Professionals Program offers a unique opportunity to launch a global career as an investment professional helping to build the private sector in developing countries. Participants join as Associate Investment Officers or Investment Officers, depending on level of experience – responsible for identifying, structuring, closing and monitoring IFC’s loans and investments – and build their expertise through assignments in different countries, close to our clients. IFC’s approach is to combine rigorous analysis, innovative deal structuring and a focus on financial sustainability and positive development impact.
We are looking for current students or recent graduates of MBA or Master’s degree programs with strong financial skills, professional achievement, leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to development.
Program Features and Career Path
The three year program is structured to provide participants with a solid understanding of IFC’s business and strategy, a global network, and regional experience in one of IFC's industry groups (Financial Institutions Group; Infrastructure and Natural Resources; Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services; and TMT, Venture Capital & Funds). Following a series of interviews successful applicants receive offers directly from industry departments for positions in one of IFC’s offices, regional hubs, or at headquarters.
Joint Cohort with other World Bank Group Young Professionals: IFC Young Professionals join IFC in September of each year and form a joint Young Professionals cohort with other World Bank Group Young Professionals (the World Bank Young Professionals and MIGA Young Professionals) – the WBG YP Cohort. Upon joining IFC, participants spend 4 to 6 weeks in Washington. The first week is dedicated to a joint induction of the WBG YP Cohort, where participants learn about the WBG mission, WBG products and operations, meet WBG senior management, and to network amongst themselves. Throughout the program, IFC YPs will continue to participate in support & challenge groups with other participants in the WBG YP Cohort. The WBG YP Cohort will enable participants to forge career-long networks across the WBG institutions and a greater understanding of each institutions' products and operations, resulting in greater leverage and efficient delivery of WBG products and services to our clients.
IFC Induction & Learning Curriculum: IFC Young Professionals also participate in a week-long IFC-specific induction, where participants learn about IFC products and operations and interact with IFC Senior Management & other staff. Upon completion of the IFC induction, participants are enrolled in a 4 – 5 week residential Investment & Credit training course, where they learn IFC’s investment process, are introduced to IFC’s investment and credit culture, and undertake other professional training. The Investment & Credit training course is one of a series of training courses that make up the mandatory learning curriculum for IFC Investment Officers, which participants are required to complete in order to graduate from the IFC YPP.
Upon completion of the induction programs and the Investment & Credit Training Course, participants report back to their home duty stations and immediately begin working directly with project teams and clients sourcing, executing and monitoring investment transactions.
Mandatory Rotation: During the 3 year program, IFC YPs are required to participate in 6-12 month rotation to give participants a broader and/or more global view of IFC’s business. Types of rotations include: (i) Regional Rotation (different region within the same industry); (ii) Industry or Functional Rotation (different industry or functional role within the same region); and (iii) both a Regional and an Industry or Functional Rotation. The nature and duration of the rotation is determined by the participant’s industry department, and is based on learning/development opportunities as well as business need. On completion of the rotation, participants return to their home duty station.
Following successful completion of the program, IFC YPs pursue a global career, gaining broad exposure across industries, investment products and regions. Depending on business need and personal preference, they can pursue a series of assignments in different regions and/or Washington, DC. Participants are expected to be geographically flexible and interested and able to relocate as business needs require.
Role of an Investment Officer
You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on identifying investment opportunities, executing transactions and actively managing portfolio projects. In this role, your objective will be to maximize the impact of IFC’s intervention and contribute to the development of our countries of operation by executing innovative, developmental, and profitable investments for IFC. Responsibilities include:
Analyze operational and financial performance of potential client companies to identify opportunities, address risks and recommend investment options
Evaluate the benefits and risks of new transactions and develop innovative and appropriate financial structures
Participate in negotiations
Supervise project implementation, including disbursements
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders
Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients' businesses and achieve sustainable development impact
Eligibility
IFC is looking to recruit two levels of investment officers through the Young Professionals Program:
Associate Investment Officer – 3 to 6 years of prior relevant work experience (investment banking, project finance, private equity, corporate finance, portfolio management, or financial consulting); and
Investment Officer – 5 to 8 of prior relevant work experience.
Other requirements
Current students or recent graduates of MBA or similar
Experience in international finance, demonstrated leadership and passion for sustainable private sector development
Strong analytical and credit assessment skills, as well as solid understanding of accounting and financial statement analysis
Knowledge of relevant industry sector trends
Sound business judgment and problem solving, negotiation and commercial skills
Ability to develop new business and effectively focus on client needs
Enthusiasm for working in multi-cultural teams and across borders, preferably with experience working in developing countries
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in other languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Russian) preferred
Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility
Application and Selection Process
IFC will begin accepting applications online for the IFC YP Class 2016 from August 15th through October 5th, 2015.
First Round interviews are expected to take place in October and November, and Final Round Interviews in early December. Job offers to successful applicants will be extended in December/January 2015/16, and participants will join IFC in September 2016.
Click here for more details and application information.
