Regional Industry Director (RID), Manufacturing and Services, MAS Africa

Job #: req36659
Organization: IFC
Sector:
Grade: GI
Term Duration:  4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Johannesburg,South Africa
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): French
Closing Date: 5/29/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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 Strategy 2030 sharpens our focus on mobilizing private capital at scale to create more and better jobs, with four building blocks: enhanced origination and mobilization, a differentiated approach to equity, revamped support for MSMEs, and new ways of working that deepen One WBG collaboration. This strategy calls for generating unique opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. It requires taking a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in our member countries and addressing these bottlenecks through World Bank Group engagement on policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level.

IFC is seeking a Manufacturing and Services Regional Industry Director (RID) based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The RID will be responsible for leading IFC’s engagement across the full manufacturing and services value chains, including value added manufacturing, chemicals (including fertilizer), health, education, tourism, retail, commercial property, housing and life sciences. This includes delivering on both investment (debt, equity, guarantees etc.) and advisory services through IFC’s global network. The role involves managing key client and government relationships in the manufacturing and services sectors, overseeing operations, and strengthening sector expertise to improve pipeline quality and scale development impact. The RID will drive the business toward achieving the IFC 2030 vision.

Duties and Accountabilities

Business Responsibility
• Provide strategic leadership to develop and implement IFC’s manufacturing and services strategy and priorities in the region, in collaboration with Regional Industry Directors, Division Directors, Country Managers, the WBG Knowledge Bank Team, with a focus on jobs, business growth, strong development impact, additionality, and sustainable profitability.
• Lead and grow the Manufacturing and Services portfolio in the region, ensuring financially sound, profitable, and developmental new business, and oversee the portfolio.
• Strategically position the Manufacturing and Services business in Africa by working closely with the Regional Vice President, Regional Industry Directors, and Division Directors to develop country strategies.
• Chair Investment Review Meetings and make decisions on IFC Manufacturing and Services investments in the region.
• Oversee Upstream and Advisory engagements in manufacturing & services across the region.
• Contribute to the execution of the regional equity strategy for manufacturing & services.
• Partner with IBRD/IDA and MIGA to develop and implement regional Manufacturing and Services sector strategies and one-WBG initiatives.
• Work with Global Industry, Client Relationship Managers, and Treasury teams to implement best practices and innovative solutions.
Client and Stakeholder Responsibility
• Design and implement a business development strategy for manufacturing and services and ensure proactive client and portfolio management in the region, in coordination with regional leadership.
• Represent IFC at the highest level to manufacturing and services stakeholders, building and maintaining long-term relationships with public institutions, MDBs, donors, and private investors.
• Partner with other World Bank Group entities to identify Manufacturing and Services-focused joint ventures, resource mobilization opportunities, partnerships, and knowledge transfer initiatives that enhance client outcomes.
Resource Responsibility
• Supervise Manufacturing and Services Managers and Staff in the Africa region.
• Recommend resource allocation for Manufacturing and Services department within the region.
• In coordination with the Agribusiness and Forestry Regional Industry Director for Africa, coordinate closely on efficient use of joint resources, implement corporate initiatives to enhance client service. 
Corporate Leadership
• The RID will report directly to the Regional Vice President, Africa, with a functional reporting line into the newly established Knowledge Bank.
• The RID will be part of the Africa Core Leadership Team (ACLT) of the Africa VPU.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, finance, engineering, or business, with minimum 12 years of relevant experience.
• Commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.
• Proven track record of business delivery, investment experience, and superior business judgment, including policy dialogue and professional credibility in Manufacturing and Services sub-sectors.
• Strong knowledge and experience in leading investment decision processes, including assessing and addressing credit, legal, and environmental/social (E&S) issues. Proven ability to identify, assess, and manage credit risk, encompassing both financial and non-financial dimensions to ensure sustainable business growth and portfolio resilience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English. 
• Strategic thinking, prioritization, resource mobilization, and teamwork skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively, represent the organization to external stakeholders, and build relationships across public and private sectors.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large, dispersed teams in dynamic, multicultural environments, with excellent people management skills, openness to feedback, and the ability to guide staff toward solutions.
• High standards of integrity, decisiveness, and accountability, with the ability to make decisions, manage ambiguity, and hold others accountable for results.
• Capacity to deliver results under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to drive organizational improvements, act as a change agent, and foster innovation.
* WBG-wide managerial selection criteria include - courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.

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.

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