Operations Officer - Corporate Governance, East Africa

Background / General description

The International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, promotes sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives. In addition to its investment work, IFC executes private sector advisory services through major donor-funded programs with the objective of promoting direct investment in the private sector, building local businesses and financial intermediaries, and helping to improve the business enabling environment. IFC's Sustainable Business Advisory (SBA) Business Line works with firms in manufacturing, agribusiness, services, and infrastructure to contribute to the creation of inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and efficient markets in developing countries.

Duties and Accountabilities

The objective of AfCGP is to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the business environment in Sub-Saharan Africa and help build sustainable businesses through improved corporate governance practices. The program seeks to help companies in the region achieve key development impact evidenced by i) increased access to financing, ii) reduced cost of capital, and iii) greater operational and financial performance overall.
The Program started in November 2007 with a pilot project, focusing on improving corporate governance in the banking sector in NigeriaThe first phase of a regional scoping mission was conducted in 2010 with a feasibility study in French speaking West Africa. This was followed by a Corporate Govervance (CG) intervention in Senegal based on the outcome of the scoping mission. The next phase of the regional scoping mission is a preliminary study to determine the scope of CG intervention required to improve the business enabling environment in East Africa
The program requires an Operations Officer who will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of IFC’s Corporate Governance (CG) Advisory Services activities in the East Africa region.

Key Responsibilities:

The Operations Officer will be in charge of leading the implementation of AfCGP in East Africa, from designing the specific services provided by the program (based on the global CG product/services framework) to managing its implementation in client firms, and at the regulatory and macro levels.
The Operations Officer will report to the AfCGP Program Manager and the Regional CG Leader, as well as the Kenya Country Manager and Country Managers in future project site locations, and will have the following responsibilities:
Ensure efficient and effective project management including work plan deliverables, project economics (budget & schedule), status reporting, risk and issue identification/management, monitoring & evaluation, for CG projects in Kenya;
Oversee country project teams in other country locations in East Africa;
Develop deep understanding of client’s needs, and work closely with them to successfully design and implement CG projects. Oversee the work of a consultant engaged to carry out the scoping mission in East Africa, and engage personally in the scoping process where necessary;
Liaise closely with the investment services CG Officer for the region, the CG Unit and the Global CG Knowledge Group based at HQ in Washington DC, to ensure seamless and coordinated client-centric market interventions;
•Develop project documents, identify and procure appropriate tools on corporate governance and related issues;
•Draft TORs, hire, manage, and oversee the output of third party consultants executing projects;
Lead project teams to provide consultations and advice to clients and other stakeholder organizations on corporate governance and related issues;
Execute other tasks necessary for the successful implementation of projects as requested by the Program Manager.

Selection Criteria

Post-graduate or equivalent professional degree in a related field, such as corporate law, accounting, finance, or business management, and at least 7 years experience in an area related to Corporate Governance; this should include delivering effective corporate governance in the private sector;
Legal, financial or business background contributing to knowledge of corporate governance and financial management;
Experience in developing and managing technical assistance, advisory services, or consultancy programs, preferably in African countries;
Knowledge and experience in East African business environment is desirable;
Excellent written, oral and communication skills;
Capacity to work on multiple and complex projects;
Language fluency in English (mandatory);
Self starter, innovator and motivated.

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Company Description

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, providing advisory services to businesses and governments, and mobilizing capital in the international financial markets. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.