IFC Senior/ Principal Investment Officer - Housing Finance Job

Title: Senior/ Principal Investment Officer - Housing Finance

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Close Date: 31-Jan-2011

Background / General description:

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, is one of the leading investors and lenders in emerging markets.

The mission of IFC is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries, helping to reduce poverty and improve people s lives.

IFC finances private sector investments in the developing world, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, helps clients improve social and environmental sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses.

Global Financial Markets is IFC s largest investment group, which is responsible for sourcing executing and supporting investment transactions in projects in the financial sector globally.

We are one of the largest investors in the financial sector in emerging markets and are unique for our global perspective, development goals, long-term approach to investments, ability to leverage the resources of the entire World Bank Group, and our commitment to maximizing the value of our portfolio companies through sustained assistance.

To expand our financial sector investments in housing finance in Sub-Saharan Africa, we are seeking an experienced investment officer to be based in the region, with the following requirements:

Duties and Accountabilities:
• Build the housing finance investment business in Sub-Saharan Africa; develop, lead and promote IFC s housing finance program within the region.
• Identify and develop potential clients for IFC s housing finance products and advisory services; help potential housing finance clients to assess their business plans/strategies and their related capital needs in order to develop investment opportunities for IFC.
• Analyze housing markets and key actors in the public and private sector in order to develop housing finance investments for IFC; conduct analysis of and follow up on new business opportunities and liaise extensively with colleagues worldwide.
• Participate in and lead appraisals, negotiations and transaction structuring including pricing with potential investee companies.
• Act as an in-house advisor to investment staff in appraising investments in the housing and residential construction finance sector.
• Assess housing finance investments from technology, business and industry best practice viewpoint, including managerial, technical, marketing, regulatory, strategic and profitability criteria.
• Engage with clients to overcome businesses weaknesses and improve project viability.
• Coordinate with Advisory Service colleagues in designing programs to strengthen housing markets and build institutional capacity; design and manage consulting assignments and projects addressing major sector issues and trends.
• Contribute to IFC s repository of housing industry specific know-how, key industry ratios, lessons learned, and other tools for better and more efficient decision-making.
Selection Criteria:
• At least 10 years of work experience of which at least 5 years in housing finance such as mortgage banking, housing policy or capital markets instruments at a senior level. Prior experience in investment banking will be considered.
• Thorough understanding of the market dynamics and regulatory environment required to sustain vibrant housing markets and the investment products that support such a market.
• Experience in and analytical knowledge of housing and residential finance (land acquisition and development, construction, mortgage finance) emerging markets in general and financial sector in particular is key;
• Strong understanding of mortgage banking and residential construction operations, financial and risk management of financial institutions and residential real estate development companies.
• Creative thinker to design solutions in challenging and dynamic housing markets with under-developed regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to access client companies and shareholders at senior most/decision making levels; extensive experience in negotiating and partnering with senior executives in financial institutions; ability to develop rapport and maintain credibility with investee clients and regulatory officials at the most senior level.
• Experience in lead negotiating and structuring complex debt and equity transactions.
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements of financial institutions under US GAAP or IFRS; ability to assess the financial condition, quality of earnings, and cash flows of investee companies using financial statements and develop corresponding financial projections.
• Experience in portfolio management, including facilitation of exits.
• Advanced degree required; MBA from leading international institutions preferred.
• Written competency and spoken language fluency in English, with writing and speaking capabilities in other languages, in particularly French, a plus.
• Excellent financial, analytical and data management skills; proficient using Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint.
• Results-oriented individual with proven ability to develop and meet investment targets in a large, complex financial institution.
• Ability to work in multicultural teams and on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Executive presentation skills.

The job holder will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Candidates are invited to apply online at www.ifc.org/careers.

Women and non-US citizens are encouraged to apply.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For Corporate information, please visit www.ifc.org.

Please be aware that only selected candidates will be contacted.