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Senior/Principal Insurance Investment Specialist Based in: Washington, DC

Senior/Principal Insurance Investment Specialist
Based in: Washington, DC
Background / General description:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is a global leader, investor and advisor committed to projects in its developing member countries that reduce extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. IFC finances private sector investments, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, helps clients improve social and environmental sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to businesses and governments in the developing world.
Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low and middle income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth. IFC’s goal is to prioritize investment in the financial sector because it promotes development in all other sectors.
The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of three major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered globally to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.
As the Financial Institutions Group seeks to continue to expand its insurance investment activities, a key focus will be on business development, expanding relationship with global insurance players, increasing the focus on managing IFC’s exposure to the sector and bringing value addition to IFC’s clients. IFC is seeking for an experienced individual to join its Insurance team as a Senior/Principal Industry Specialist.
The Senior/Principal Industry Specialist will report to the Head of Insurance, within the Financial Institutions Group Mobilization and Innovation unit (CFGMI), and will be based in Washington DC.
Duties and Accountabilities:
This position involves significant leadership, business development, and management of IFC’s insurance investment business. The candidate will have extended experience in corporate investments in insurance companies and a deep understanding of the functioning of insurance investments. Strong track record in M&A activities will be a plus. The individual is expected to have deep relationships with insurance companies to open doors and thus develop a pipeline of viable investments. The person will also manage IFC relationship with global insurance partners and co-investors.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Support the insurance team evaluating, structuring, negotiating, and closing new transactions;
• Support the portfolio teams on issues such as performance reviews, valuations, portfolio restructurings, capital increases, equity sales, etc.;
• Maintain and update the valuation tools and methodologies of the insurance group; Become the point person for staff from field offices who seek support on valuation for insurance companies;
• Implement insurance portfolio analyses by gathering, summarizing and analyzing portfolio information from IFC systems or other sources;
• Build IFC’s knowledge base for best practices in insurance and facilitate interactions and knowledge sharing among IFC’s clients;
• Generate new business opportunities with existing clients in collaboration with the Regional teams;
• Collaborate in developing sector and/or regional strategies and support related promotion work, including targeting potential investments and policy advisory work;
• Focus on adding value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact.
Selection Criteria:
• Master’s degree in finance, economics or other related areas; accreditation as a CFA or CPA is considered a plus.
• Minimum 8-12 years’ experience in finance post MBA (or equivalent degree) with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments preferably both in equity and debt. Strong experience in an international investment bank or private equity firm with an active insurance practice or in the M&A department of an Insurance company.
• Knowledge of overall industry sector trends and experience in emerging markets.
• Strong business development, structuring and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively.
• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity).
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners.
• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity).
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials.
• Excellent business judgment and strong analytical and problem solving skills to identify issues and present creative, practical solutions.
• Knowledge and Experience in International Economic Development Arena and commitment to sustainable development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to mentor junior investment staff.
• Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards.
• Committed to sustainable development.
• Willingness to travel.
• Team player
The Senior/Principal Industry Specialist will report to the Head of Insurance, within the CFGMI group in the Financial Institutions Group.
IFC offers a highly challenging and rewarding working environment with outstanding opportunities for professional growth, as well as attractive conditions. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
To apply on-line, please visit: To apply on-line, please visit: www.ifc.org/careers
Job #:     151735
Deadline is November 2, 2015