Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org .

The Regional Vice President (RVP) for the Middle East & Central Asia (MCA) is looking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Associate Operations Office (AOO) based in Dubai, UAE, for the Vice Presidency’s front office. The MCA VPU oversees IFC’s engagements in the region, including operationalizing IFC’s growth strategy (IFC 3.0) – a systemic approach to stimulate more investment activities; building a strong pipeline for private sector investments rooted in country strategies; and fostering more collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders to maximize impact. The RVP is part of IFC’s senior management and interacts closely with the Board, the World Bank, MIGA, and external partners.

The Associate Operations Officer will work as a core member of the front office team, providing operational, analytical, and strategic support to the RVP, and Senior Adviser / Adviser. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain a broad overview of IFC”s operations in the MCA region, engage with wider issues of strategy and organization, and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders across the World Bank Group.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Associate Operations Officer will play a critical role in supporting the RVP and the front office team in the implementation of the VPU”s work program. The AOO is expected to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy at all times, particularly in handling sensitive, confidential, or strategically significant matters. The roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the RVP and Senior Adviser / Adviser in the implementation of the front office work program, including special projects and initiatives across the region.

• Provide analytical support related to IFC”s operations in the region, including monitoring and analyzing the investment and advisory pipeline, key performance indicators, and development impact indicators, in coordination with regional and centralized IFC teams.

• Conduct country, sector, industry, and economic research to support VPU initiatives and inform strategic decisions. Support on-demand research and data collection and contribute to the drafting of reports, proposals, and briefs.

• Support the preparation and review of briefing materials, communications materials, talking points, and presentations for the RVP”s internal and external meetings, missions, and senior management visits to the region.

• Assist with the preparation of reporting materials for various audiences on the region”s business performance, development results, and key economic updates.

• Support the review of materials related to investment and advisory projects and country and regional strategies.

• Support the implementation and monitoring of various front office initiatives, tracking progress against agreed milestones and following up with relevant teams as needed.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of regional and WBG corporate events such as Annual and Spring Meetings, leadership team retreats, conferences, training programs, and other regional meetings and working groups led by the RVP front office.

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the RVP, Senior Adviser / Adviser, and manage special VPU projects and ad hoc tasks in a time-sensitive and constructive manner.

Selection Criteria

• Master”s degree in economics, finance, business, international development, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years within the World Bank Group.

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with sound business judgment and the ability to gather, analyze, and present large amounts of data in a clear and compelling manner.

• Good understanding of financial aspects of investment transactions, including market analysis and assessment of financial and non-financial risks.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to write in a logical, comprehensive, and concise manner.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to take initiative, work independently under limited supervision, multitask, and deliver excellent results under time pressure.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of tact, discretion, and professionalism in dealing with stakeholders at all levels, with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners across regions, sectors, and business lines.

• Capacity to follow up systematically and efficiently on a broad set of initiatives and tasks.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analytics tools.

• High ethical standards and ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

• Keen interest in development finance and the private sector in emerging markets, with a commitment to the World Bank Group”s and IFC”s mission, strategy, and values.

• Flexibility in work hours as needed to accommodate the heavy demands and pace of operations.

• Prior experience with IFC and/or WBG front offices is a plus.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.