Are you a seasoned investment professional passionate about sustainable development and infrastructure transformation across emerging markets? The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is currently inviting applications for the role of Senior Investment Officer (SIO) – Public Private Partnership (PPP) Transaction Advisory, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact infrastructure projects across Eastern Africa and beyond.
IFC is the world’s largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries. Operating in over 100 countries, IFC leverages capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and expand opportunities that help eradicate poverty and foster shared prosperity on a livable planet.
This position falls within the Transaction Advisory Services Department (CTA) under IFC’s Cross-Cutting Solutions Vice Presidency (CCSVPU). CTA houses two strategic business lines:
- PPP Transaction Advisory (C3P): Advising governments on structuring sustainable infrastructure projects with private sector participation.
- Corporate Finance Services (CFS): Offering services in M&A advisory, equity mobilization, and asset monetization.
In FY24, CTA mobilized an impressive $4.7 billion in private investment—roughly 25% of IFC’s core mobilization—underlining its critical role in shaping infrastructure and financial landscapes worldwide. With ambitious targets for FY25, including $5.9 billion in mobilized private capital, CTA is expanding its capacity and regional reach.
Position: Senior Investment Officer – Public Private Partnership Transaction Advisory
- Job #: req33407
- Organization: IFC
- Sector: Investment
- Grade: GG
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Term Duration: 3 years
- Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
- Required Language(s): English
- Preferred Language(s): French or Portuguese
- Closing Date: June 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM UTC
About the Role
The Senior Investment Officer will play a pivotal role in advancing IFC’s PPP advisory initiatives across the Eastern Africa sub-region, which includes nine countries: Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Reporting to the Eastern Africa Hub Leader, the SIO will lead the origination and execution of complex public-private partnership transactions and corporate finance mandates.
This dynamic position requires extensive interaction with government counterparts, private sector stakeholders, internal World Bank Group teams, and external consultants. The successful candidate will also provide strategic leadership on regional market creation initiatives and support the broader Africa agenda as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Engagement
- Cultivate strong relationships with government clients across Eastern Africa.
- Lead marketing and origination efforts for new PPP advisory mandates.
- Develop country-specific strategies in coordination with World Bank and IFC teams.
Mandate Structuring & Execution
- Negotiate PPP transaction mandates and oversee the development of commercial proposals.
- Manage consultant procurement and project budgets.
- Supervise the end-to-end execution of complex infrastructure advisory mandates.
Transaction Design & Tender Support
- Conduct feasibility assessments and develop bankable, innovative transaction structures.
- Organize investor roadshows and manage the tendering and selection process.
- Lead negotiations for final project agreements with stakeholders and investors.
Cross-Institutional Collaboration
- Coordinate with World Bank Group colleagues to align PPP projects with country strategies.
- Engage environmental, legal, social, and technical experts to ensure comprehensive project preparation.
Team Leadership & Knowledge Sharing
- Mentor and guide junior staff in both PPP and Corporate Finance mandates.
- Support upstream market creation activities aligned with IFC’s 2030 strategy.
- Contribute to thought leadership, strategy development, and institutional knowledge dissemination.
Corporate Finance Advisory Support
- Assist in deal origination and execution for corporate finance projects including M&A, equity mobilization, and restructuring.
- Evaluate and advise on corporate governance, capital structure, and valuation strategies.
Selection Criteria
- Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 12 years in PPP transaction advisory, project finance, or investment banking.
- At least 3–4 years of experience in M&A (sell-side/buy-side) advisory is advantageous.
- Proven track record in structuring and executing infrastructure transactions, ideally in Africa.
- Technical Skills:
- Expertise in legal frameworks, risk allocation, and concession agreements.
- Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities.
- Leadership & Communication:
- Excellent stakeholder management, including direct engagement with senior government officials and private investors.
- Ability to manage diverse, geographically dispersed teams and consultants.
- Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
- Strategic Thinking:
- Familiarity with regional policy, regulatory, and economic contexts influencing private sector participation in infrastructure.
- Ability to design innovative solutions and lead complex negotiations to project close.
- Languages: Fluency in English required. French or Portuguese is desirable.
Why Join IFC?
IFC offers a world-class work environment focused on global impact, professional growth, and inclusive excellence. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, life, and disability insurance
- Generous retirement plans
- Paid leave, including parental leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible, inclusive work arrangements
At IFC, diversity is a strength. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from qualified professionals regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
To apply for the Senior Investment Officer – PPP Transaction Advisory position, visit IFC’s official careers portal.
