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 IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private investments in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

To support this approach, IFC is seeking an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) to support the program execution and implementation of the MAS MCA Financial Management Advisory program which supports IFC clients by building/enhancing their financial management competencies. The program targets prospective and portfolio investment clients to enhance their bankability and incubate an impactful multi-year pipeline of market opportunities and bankable projects. Targeted clients are expected to demonstrate efficiency in working capital management, streamlined decision making processes and better allocation of resources which would help them unlock growth opportunities and improve access to finance.

Duties and Accountabilities

The program is seeking a seasoned Financial Management specialist to support the team in delivering client specific engagements and implementing the overall program activities in Central Asia. The selected candidate will report to the Regional Manager for Upstream and Advisory. The roles and responsibilities of the position will include but are not limited to:

Overall Program activities – Business Responsibility

• Providing relevant technical expertise and leading initiatives to develop the program’s service offering

• Coordinating program activities in Central Asia including managing the relationship with country cluster/s managers, country office representatives and MAS sector investment leads

• Supporting business development activities by building a pipeline of clients that align with IFC’s priorities in the region

• Leading the organization of and preparing the relevant material for financial management conferences for prospective and portfolio clients in Central Asia to raise awareness on the importance of healthy financial management practices and develop IFC client pipeline

• Supervising junior consultants on client engagements

• Ensuring the delivery of results in accordance with the approved project business and M&E targets

• Supporting staff across IFC in developing proposals and supporting materials for advisory engagements across other regions.

Client specific work

• Conducting scoping activities and preparing advisory service proposals that meet client needs in collaboration with IFC respective investment teams

• Negotiating fees for advisory services in accordance with IFC’s pricing guidelines

• Conducting integrity due diligence for prospective clients and preparing relevant documents in accordance with IFC’s requirements

• Developing deliverables for client engagements and/or reviewing those submitted by local consulting firms

• Contracting and managing external project vendors

• Developing training documents & presentation – if needed

• Providing as needed support to project outreach events, including online events such as webinars.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conducting Business development for MAS Upstream & Advisory, which includes identifying clients and their needs, preparing pitches, conducting negotiations, and concluding deals.

• Working with CMUs and other stakeholders including donors to ensure successful delivery of the regional program.

• Providing other support as required at the country, regional or the global level.

Selection Criteria

• Genuine commitment to development and to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business or Finance. Certification such as membership in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), certified auditors, CFA, CPA etc. combined with relevant work experience would be considered sufficient

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in leading finance and accounting positions and/or providing relevant advisory services in emerging markets

• Demonstrated expertise in financial management practices, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis

• Proficiency with tax regulations and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely tax filings

• Extensive experience in implementing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to enhance financial transparency and reporting accuracy

• Demonstrated experience in project/program management, including executing against implementation plans with defined business development milestones

• Demonstrated experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects, programs, and initiatives

• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthetize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations

• Professional fluency in English and Russian

• Sensitivity for working in multicultural environment, commitment to diversity, and ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues/clients/partners across regions, sectors, and business lines.

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

As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

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.