Program Manager, Argentina

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is looking to recruit a Program Manager for Argentina. This position will be based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.   

The Program Manager will be critical in operationalizing IFC2030 at the country level.  She/he will be responsible, in close collaboration with WBG counterparts, for developing operational country strategies and action plans and driving their implementation. The Program Manager will oversee a US$1.1 billion portfolio, drive significant growth in investment and advisory activities, pursue new opportunities, and strengthen impact.
The Program Manager will be responsible for all IFC activities in Argentina and will serve as a collaborative lead for a multidisciplinary team of investment, advisory services, support staff, and consultants. This will require close interactions with corporate clients, government officers, counterparts at the World Bank, MIGA, other multilateral/bilateral institutions, and donors, as well as internal coordination within IFC with Regional Industry Directors and Managers, Advisory Services Managers, and constituent Executive Directors. The Program Manager will report to the IFC Division Director for Brazil and the Southern Cone.     

Duties and Accountabilities  

•  In consultation with the Division Director, develop and implement multi-year country strategies and action plans for integrated investment and advisory operations, including upstream engagements, sector priorities, and business targets;
•  Oversee all IFC investment and advisory activities in the country;
•  Lead coordination with World Bank Group institutions and, with regional industry colleagues (and IBRD/IDA and MIGA counterparts), design and implement Joint Business Plans and other proactive country-level collaborations; drive IFC’s contributions to Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Climate and Development Reports, Country Private Sector Diagnostics, and Country Partnership Frameworks;
•  Build and manage senior-level relationships with key clients (government and private sector) to position IFC as the partner of choice for high-impact projects; cultivate relationships with key stakeholders (including regulators, businesses, NGOs, PE funds, and investors);
•  Identify and implement measures to improve country results (efficiency, productivity, profitability, and impact) and increase contribution to the corporate scorecard;
•  Lead, manage, develop, and mentor an integrated and diverse team of regional and industry staff, ensuring clear deliverables, strong performance and motivation, innovation, and the capabilities needed to deliver IFC’s country objectives;
•  Identify opportunities to catalyze market development through upstream engagements and innovation, drawing on deep local market knowledge and IFC global experience;
•  Lead the development and execution of the client engagement strategy for existing and prospective clients;
•  Accountable for early review and clearance of sponsors; for all investments and Advisory Services client programs, review and validate IFC added value, development impact, and alignment with the country strategy;
•  Provide guidance on complex investment structuring and portfolio management matters, and exercise Program Manager accountabilities in line with IFC’s Accountability and Decision-Making (ADM) matrix;
•  Strengthen the IFC and WBG brands and country communications strategy, including engagement with local media;
•  Represent IFC in target markets and enhance visibility by organizing and/or participating in high-profile events.

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or equivalent professional qualification, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience (including at least 2 years in a managerial/lead capacity);
•  As an ambassador for IFC and the WBG in-country, serves as a role model for the WBG’s values and ethical standards;
•  Demonstrated success in developing client relationships, with an established network of senior public- and private-sector contacts in Argentina and/or a proven ability to build and sustain such networks;
•  Outstanding track record in investment and advisory operations;
•  Strong leadership and people-management capabilities, with experience leading diverse, high-performing teams;
•  Ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders;
•  Strategic thinking, with the ability to adjust the country strategy as needed to remain responsive to client and market needs;
•  Experience in transaction processing and portfolio supervision is a strong plus;
•  Work experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, and strong interest in developing a thorough understanding of Argentina;
•  Ability to build effective relationships across IFC and WBG matrix structures;
•  Strong written and oral communication skills; English and Spanish are essential;
•  Recognized as a leader;
•  Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and profile in the market;
•  Meets WBG managerial selection criteria, including courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.

If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 4 years 0 months term appointment.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.