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.

IFC is seeking a Principal Country Officer for Tanzania, based in Dar es Salaam, to lead IFC’s engagements in the country. Reporting to the Division Director for East Africa 1, this role will oversee the integrated delivery of IFC’s investment, upstream, and advisory programs in Tanzania, aligned with the WBG’s vision and strategy.

The Principal Country Officer will cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with government authorities, private sector leaders, development partners, and colleagues across the World Bank Group to drive an integrated, One WBG approach. Through these collaborations, the role will ensure that IFC is recognized as the partner of choice for transformative, market-creating projects that advance Tanzania’s development priorities. In addition to strategic client engagement, the Principal Country Officer will lead business development efforts, provide strategic oversight of the country portfolio, monitor macroeconomic and regulatory trends, manage risks, and represent IFC effectively in country-level platforms and engagements.

Duties and Accountabilities

• In collaboration with relevant IFC and WBG teams, support the Division Director in the formulation and execution of multi-year country strategies, diagnostics, and action plans for Tanzania, incorporating sector focus areas, upstream engagements, and business development targets.

• Oversee the delivery of IFC/WBG’s integrated strategy for Tanzania, ensuring alignment across investment, upstream, and advisory activities to maximize impact and market creation.

• Cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with government agencies, private sector leaders, regulators, multilateral and bilateral partners, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Monitor macroeconomic, political, and regulatory developments in Tanzania that could impact IFC’s activities; provide regular updates and strategic insights to IFC management and industry colleagues.

• Identify new strategic opportunities for IFC in the country, working closely with industry teams and WBG counterparts to address sector gaps and barriers to private sector growth.

• Provide local market intelligence and strategic input to IFC investment, upstream, and advisory teams.

• Support deal origination, structuring, and portfolio management in Tanzania; participate in missions and country portfolio review meetings; appraise new projects as needed.

• In collaboration with Industry and Country colleagues, identify, monitor, and help address E&S risks, as well as reputational risks related to IFC engagements.

• Share lessons learned and best practices with IFC colleagues and stakeholders; promote awareness of the full suite of IFC products and solutions.

• Develop and/or review briefing notes and memos for senior management.

• Represent IFC, or support the Division Director in representing IFC, in high-level meetings, events, and conferences in Tanzania.

• Coordinate communications strategies to strengthen IFC’s visibility and outreach in Tanzania.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of IFC’s Dar es Salaam office, including budget and resource management, facilities oversight, security, and logistics.

• Supervise and mentor local operations and administrative staff, ensuring quality and efficiency in work outputs.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in Business, Economics, or related field.

• Minimum of 12 years of professional experience in banking, consulting, relationship management or technical advisory services related to private sector development; experience in investment and/or advisory work is a strong advantage.

• Experience in investment transactions, with demonstrated success in developing client relationships and sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and closing quality investments; portfolio management experience is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of Tanzania’s political, economic, social, and regulatory environment, with awareness of market-creation opportunities and constraints.

• Understanding of sector drivers, business cycles, and environmental/social sustainability issues relevant to Tanzania’s development, and their potential evolution.

• Proven capacity to identify investment and advisory opportunities and address barriers to market creation by leveraging internal expertise and synthesizing local market intelligence.

• Strong business analytical, financial analysis, credit, and integrity assessment skills to recognize viable projects, assess risks, and balance risk/reward trade-offs.

• Track record of building and maintaining senior-level relationships across public and private sectors; ability to operate credibly and independently with senior stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead multi-cultural teams, build IFC networks, and mentor and coach others.

• Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills in English; proficiency in Kiswahili is desirable.

• Proven organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver under tight deadlines.

• Willingness to travel within the country and region as required.

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.