The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and the SIO will report to the Eastern Africa Hub Leader.

Role & Responsibilities:

• The SIO’s work will involve business development and the implementation of advisory mandates of a variety of PPP types. These activities require, among others, strong interactions with government clients aimed at signing new mandates and execution of the same. Duties will include, but will not be limited to:
• Develop client relationships and project leads in the Eastern Africa region and carry marketing activities in assigned countries/strategic infrastructure sectors.
• In developing marketing activities, the SIO will collaborate with other WB/IFC teams to identify opportunities based on country strategies and market creation potential. 
• Lead in the negotiation of the mandates with clients and ensure supervision of the preparation of commercial proposals, etc.
• When appropriate, undertake project scoping to assess the feasibility of potential projects
• Prepare/review memos and documentation for internal approval and consultant procurement processes and manage the projects’ budget.
• Foster strong relationships with World Bank Group counterparts to identify collaboration opportunities while enhancing business delivery at the country level. 
• Understand the political, legal, and regulatory impediments permitting private sector participation in the working countries and work closely with the other parts of the WBG to overcome these.
• Lead the day-to-day management of project preparation, leading teams working on sell-side PPP mandates, including managing legal, technical, environmental, and other consultants; review the consultants’ outputs, reports, analysis, financial models, etc.
• Develop transaction structure options for the PPP projects being implemented providing innovative and practical solutions to address the client’s problems, while ensuring the Projects’ bankability and long-term sustainability. Present and negotiate the proposed project structure with the Client after obtaining IFC approval.
• Assist in the organization and management of the tendering process of projects, including marketing of projects, participating in road shows, and preparation of Prequalification and Request for Proposals documents. Assist during the selection and project award processes and final negotiation of project agreements leading to deal closing. Strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in transactions is paramount.
• Participate/lead meetings with government clients and investors.
• In the preparation of the Projects, coordinate closely with other parts of IFC including environmental, social, legal, or other advice, and if appropriate, investment and World Bank colleagues to provide bespoke solutions to ensure Projects achieve expected sustainable development impact.
• Develop, coach, motivate, and manage junior members of the team.
• As appropriate, participate in the development and implementation of upstream activities in line with IFC 2030 to create, deepen, and expand markets with the regional and global teams from across IFC and the WBG.
• As appropriate, contribute to the elaboration of the sub-regional strategy.
• Support Corporate Finance mandates, both in terms of origination and execution that may include the preparation and delivery of pitch presentations to companies, reviewing and advising on corporate structure, balance sheet structure, valuation, prospectus review, corporate governance, etc.
• As requested, participate in the preparation of the regional strategy for the PPP advisory business, with a focus on strategic priorities, mobilization of private investment, and development of climate-friendly and high-impact projects.
• Support knowledge management by helping to disseminate PPP and CFS knowledge and experience and,
• Assist in other PPP projects across the larger region or strategy-related activities, as the need may arise

Selection Criteria

• Masters’ in Business Administration, Finance or Economics or similar relevant education
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in PPP transaction advisory on buy and/or sell side, investment banking, project finance or corporate finance with a leading institution. PPP transaction advisory work experience in the region is desirable.
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience of sell//buy-side M&A advisory is a plus;
• Knowledge of overall infrastructure sector trends and experience in infrastructure transactions/PPPs preferably in Africa;
• Business development and client relationship skills, with ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively;
• Proven track-record in originating, advising, structuring, and executing infrastructure transactions 
• Strong grasp of legal documentation including risk allocation related to PPP projects including concessions and privatizations, ensuring prudent and sustainable risk sharing among all parties.
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business and development partners and other key stakeholders and ability to interact directly and independently with senior government officials, and potential investors. Strong existing relationships with government officials and investors in the infrastructure space in Eastern Africa is preferred;
• Ability to manage teams in multiple transactions;
• Strong analytical and financial modeling/structuring skills and demonstrated ability to lead a variety of transaction advisory, including debt, and equity transactions;
• Proactively address and resolve client challenges with a solution-focused approach, effectively engaging decision-makers when necessary
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently (written and oral);
• Ability to operate in large, culturally diverse, and geographically dispersed teams;
• Proven experience building productive relationships and fostering open communication across diverse teams and organizations to share knowledge and resources. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated record of accomplishment in leading, motivating and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Strong commitment to project success, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, while overcoming obstacles.
• Building organizational capacity through system and process improvements
• Ability to work under pressure, travel on short notice and frequently, and deliver high quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives;
• Highly motivated, committed to the highest ethical standards, and aligned with the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values, and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and knowledge of French or Portuguese is desired.