Operations Officer - SME Banking on Women at International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Job description

IFC’s Financial Institutions Group’s SME finance strategy aims to unlock the job creation potential of SMEs in emerging markets by helping client FIs expand financial services for SMEs.

To improve the reach and performance of their SME finance operations, FIG advises banks and other FIs in the areas of

• Core SME Banking (business model development, market analysis/segmentation; product design; SME credit/risk management; leveraging IT platforms)
• SME Customer Management
• Value Chain Financing
• Financial Services for Women-Owned SMEs; and
• Non-Financial Services for SMEs. These services, delivered as part of an integrated investment and advisory client service function, aim to deliver international best practices to our clients in emerging markets and demonstrate global thought leadership in its core focus areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The STC (Operations Officer) will be responsible for FIG Advisory Services engagements in Sub Sahara Africa including business development and implementation with a primary focus on SME Banking. He/she should be capable of delivering substantial and measurable results related to SME Banking (and Banking on Women) practices and access to financial services for SMEs. He/she will also support the knowledge and learning agenda for SME banking in partnership with FIG Investment Services and will be expected to contribute to tools and standards that are disseminated globally.

The Consultant is expected to have had significant experience in a Commercial Bank and/or related consulting services and have be familiar with designing, implementing and managing Banking Advisory Services programs. He/she will have a good understanding and practical experience working with key banking operations.

The Consultant would play an instrumental role in helping the Banking on Women/SME Practice Group in Sub-Saharan Africa deliver its targets, especially those related to signing new projects, client cash fees committed and in ensuring effective project delivery and management.

Selection Criteria:

Ideal candidates will have:

• A Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, International Development or related fields
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in the financial sector (preferably in middle management positions) and/or a background in management consulting, with experience with financial sector clients
• Knowledge of the financial and banking sector in emerging markets and digital financial services. Experience in multiple markets, especially in Africa, is highly desirable
• Experience in project design preparation, implementation and monitoring of technical assistance projects
• Strong client relationship management skills, including the ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships with senior management and ensure timely and appropriate follow-up
• Strong numerical and analytical skills; understanding of financial/portfolio indicators, budgeting and financial projections
• Strong computer skills (particularly Microsoft tools: Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to respond flexibly to changing demands; ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond well to time pressure
• Solid people management and organizational skills