(Senior) Industry Specialist – Real Estate

Description

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 Tourism and Services Solutions and Impact (KIUST) team under the WBG Infrastructure Vice Presidency (VPU) is part of the WBG Knowledge Bank. The Tourism and Services sector’s business has been growing significantly, and Property (Real Estate) is an important sub-sector. The International Finance Corporation (IFC)i, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. It has played a key role in supporting the property sector in developing countries, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. IFC has a current portfolio of $4 billion in housing and commercial real estate that includes housing, offices, shopping centers, warehousing, as well as proptech and construction companies in over 50 emerging markets.  Investments (both direct and through funds) encompass debt, mezzanine, and equity. The KIUST team facilitates IFC’s investments in real estate providing sector expertise and facilitating knowledge sharing. In addition, the team shapes strategy and supports the development and deployment of relevant advisory and upstream tools to strengthen private sector’s capability and development impact and catalyze further investment in the sector.  The KIUST team is united by core values of Impact, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Together, we tackle the world’s toughest challenges, and advance social and economic inclusion.

The (Senior) Industry Specialist for Real Estate will contribute to the on-going formulation of sector strategy and execution of IFC's investments in the Real Estate sector. The role involves participation in new business development, appraisal of markets, companies and projects, portfolio supervision activities, and creation of content on the latest industry and market trends. This impactful role focuses on leveraging sector expertise to deliver transformative results that promote inclusive economic growth and resilience globally.  

[i] https://www.ifc.org 

Duties and Accountability: 

•  Project Appraisal - Assess the technical and commercial feasibility of potential investment projects and companies and identify risks; Evaluate the projects in the context of the real estate markets; Support investment teams in developing comprehensive financial projections; Prepare detailed written reports and power point presentations.  
•  Strategy - Support the development and implementation of IFC’s real estate sector strategy and develop sub-sector strategies; Identify opportunities for IFC to engage in new real estate segments. 
•  Thought Leadership - Keep updated on sectoral and industry news and trends;  Extract lessons learned from investments and develop best practices; Contribute to the development of information, knowledge and benchmarking relevant to the property sector for internal and external dissemination; Represent WBG/IFC as a speaker/panelist at conferences and seminars; Replicate/ scale high-impact projects and innovations across all WBG products. 
•  Business Development - Build client networks and participate in business origination activities. 
•  Portfolio Management - Provide advice to clients on key aspects of their operations and strategies and provide market and competitor updates to inform exits and debt restructurings etc. 
•  Advisory - Help to design and deliver advisory solutions that drive innovation and create value in the real estate sector. 

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in the relevant area. 
•  15+ years of deep practical based experience in the real estate industry, preferably with an international or large regional real estate development (preferred), investment, or asset management company, or advisory/consultancy firm. 
•  Preferred - experience across a broad range of real estate asset classes, including commercial logistics, industrial, offices, retail, and housing. 
•  Technical expertise, including feasibility, design, construction, development, property management, real estate market research and financial analysis.  For candidates with contractor experience, end‑to‑end construction lifecycle expertise; commercial, contractual, and cost expertise; project and risk management experience. 
•  Sound business judgment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of investment opportunities and management capabilities.  
•  Strong understanding of global real estate trends. Strategic thinking. Ability to opine on the clients’ business strategies. 
•  Ability to work across different geographies, cultures and organizations and on multiple projects simultaneously; Significant international exposure, including experience of working in developing countries, preferred. 
•  Flexibility to meet the demanding global travel requirements of the job. 
•  A strong sense of curiosity and the ability to work both in teams and independently.  
•  Strong collaboration and mentoring abilities as well as excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills 
•  Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in detailed written reports in English. Knowledge of another major business language (particularly French or Spanish) is an advantage.

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.